How To View Email And Calendar In Outlook At The Same Time

Seeing your email and calendar in Outlook simultaneously requires splitting the window into two panes. This guide explains how to view email and calendar in outlook at the same time using built-in features. You will learn multiple methods to keep both tools visible without constant switching.

Many users waste time toggling between email and calendar tabs. The solution is simpler than you think. Outlook offers several ways to display both views side by side or stacked. Let’s start with the most common method.

The easiest way is to use the “Open in New Window” feature. This creates a separate window for your calendar while keeping your email in the main window. Follow these steps:

Open Outlook and click the calendar icon at the bottom-left corner.
Go to the “View” tab in the ribbon menu.
Click “Open in New Window” in the “Arrange” group.
A new window appears showing only your calendar.
Resize both windows so they fit side by side on your screen.

Thats it. You now have email in one window and calendar in another. This method works in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.

Using The Outlook Web App

If you use Outlook on the web, the process is slightly different. Open your browser and sign in to Outlook.com or your work account. Right-click the calendar icon in the left sidebar and select “Open in new tab.” This gives you two browser tabs—one for email, one for calendar. Arrange them side by side using your browser’s split-screen feature.

Another web trick: Use the “Split View” option in the settings menu. Go to Settings > General > Layout and enable “Split view.” This shows email and calendar in the same browser window, with a draggable divider.

Using The “To-Do Bar” For Quick Calendar Access

The To-Do Bar in Outlook shows a mini calendar and your upcoming appointments. It appears on the right side of the email window. To enable it:

Click the “View” tab in the ribbon.
Select “To-Do Bar” from the “Layout” group.
Choose “Calendar” from the dropdown menu.
A small calendar appears on the right, showing your schedule.

This method is perfect for quick glances. You can see your next meeting without leaving your inbox. However, it shows only a limited view—not your full day or week.

Using The “Peek” Feature

Outlook includes a “Peek” feature that lets you hover over the calendar icon to see a preview. Hover your mouse over the calendar icon in the navigation bar (bottom-left). A small pop-up appears showing your next few events. Click the pin icon to keep it open permanently. This gives you a floating calendar window over your email.

This is not a full replacement for a side-by-side view, but it works well for quick checks. You can also peek at your email while viewing the calendar by hovering over the mail icon.

Using Multiple Monitors

If you have two monitors, the solution is even simpler. Open your calendar in a new window (as described earlier) and drag it to the second monitor. Keep your email on the primary monitor. This gives you full-screen views of both without any resizing.

For single monitor users, consider using Windows Snap feature. Press the Windows key + Left Arrow to snap one window to the left half of the screen. Then click the other window and press Windows key + Right Arrow to snap it to the right half. This creates a perfect 50/50 split.

Using Outlook’s “Overlay” Mode

Outlook 2019 and Microsoft 365 offer an “Overlay” mode for the calendar. This is not exactly what you asked for, but it helps you see multiple calendars at once. To use it, open your calendar and click “Overlay Mode” in the “Arrange” group on the View tab. This stacks calendars on top of each other, showing all appointments in one view. It does not show email, but it is useful for managing multiple calendars.

For email and calendar together, stick with the new window method.

Using Third-Party Tools

Some users prefer third-party add-ins for a more integrated view. Tools like “Calendar View” or “Outlook Calendar Sidebar” can add a permanent calendar pane inside your email window. These are available from the Microsoft AppSource store. Search for “calendar sidebar” or “split view” to find options. Be cautious with permissions and only install trusted add-ins.

These tools often provide customization like adjustable pane sizes and color coding. They are not necessary for most users, but they can enhance productivity if you manage heavy schedules.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes the new window method does not work as expected. Here are fixes for common problems:

Calendar window opens blank: Make sure you have an internet connection. If using Exchange, check your server status.
Windows do not resize properly: Disable any third-party window management software temporarily.
To-Do Bar not showing calendar: Go to View > To-Do Bar > Options and ensure “Calendar” is checked.
Peek feature missing: This feature is available only in Outlook 2016 and later. Update your Outlook version.
Split view not working in web app: Clear your browser cache and try again. Some browsers block pop-ups.

If none of these work, try restarting Outlook. A simple restart often resolves display issues.

Advanced Tips For Power Users

Once you have mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques:

Create a custom view: Use the “View Settings” to create a layout that shows both email and calendar in a single pane. This requires some manual configuration.
Use keyboard shortcuts: Press Ctrl+2 for calendar, Ctrl+1 for email. Switch quickly between them.
Save your layout: After arranging windows, save the workspace using Windows Snap layouts or a third-party tool like PowerToys FancyZones.
Set default view: In Outlook options, you can set the default startup view to show both email and calendar. Go to File > Options > Advanced > “Browse” under “Outlook start and exit.”

These tips help you become more efficient. The goal is to reduce clicks and mouse movements.

Why This Matters For Productivity

Seeing your email and calendar together saves time. You do not need to switch back and forth. You can see an email about a meeting and immediately check your availability. This reduces context switching, which is a major productivity killer.

Studies show that constant task switching can reduce productivity by up to 40%. By keeping both views visible, you stay focused on your work. You can also drag emails directly onto the calendar to create appointments, which is a huge time saver.

For example, if a client emails you about a meeting next Tuesday, you can drag that email to the calendar icon. Outlook automatically creates a new appointment with the email content. This feature works best when both views are visible.

Comparing Methods: Which One Is Best?

Here is a quick comparison of the methods we covered:

New Window: Best for full control. Works on all Outlook versions. Requires manual resizing.
To-Do Bar: Best for quick glances. Limited view. No drag-and-drop.
Peek: Best for minimal screen space. Temporary view. Not suitable for heavy scheduling.
Multiple Monitors: Best for power users. Requires extra hardware.
Web App Split View: Best for browser users. Limited to web version.
Third-Party Tools: Best for customization. May have security risks.

For most users, the new window method is the most reliable. It works across all Outlook versions and does not require additional software.

Step-By-Step Guide For Outlook 2021 And Microsoft 365

Here is a detailed walkthrough for the latest versions:

Open Outlook and click the “Calendar” icon at the bottom-left.
Click the “View” tab in the ribbon at the top.
Look for the “Arrange” group. Click “Open in New Window.”
A new window opens showing your calendar. It may be behind the main window.
Press Alt+Tab to bring the new window to the front.
Drag the new window to the left side of your screen until the cursor touches the edge. Release to snap it to the left half.
Click the main Outlook window (your email) and drag it to the right side of the screen. Snap it to the right half.
You now have email on the right and calendar on the left. Adjust the divider if needed.

If you prefer the calendar on the right, simply reverse the snapping order.

Step-By-Step Guide For Outlook 2016 And 2019

The steps are almost identical. The only difference is the ribbon layout. In Outlook 2016, the “Open in New Window” button is in the same location. If you cannot find it, right-click the calendar icon in the navigation bar and select “Open in New Window” from the context menu.

This context menu method works in all versions and is faster for some users.

Step-By-Step Guide For Outlook On Mac

Mac users have a slightly different interface. Here is how to view email and calendar simultaneously on Outlook for Mac:

Open Outlook and click “Calendar” in the sidebar.
Go to the “Window” menu at the top of the screen.
Select “New Calendar Window.”
A new window opens. Resize it and place it next to your main Outlook window.
Alternatively, use the “Split View” feature in macOS. Click and hold the green full-screen button on the calendar window, then choose “Tile Window to Left of Screen.” Then click the email window to tile it to the right.

Mac users can also use the “To-Do Bar” by going to View > To-Do Bar > Show. This adds a mini calendar to the right side of the email window.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here are mistakes users often make when trying to view email and calendar together:

Not resizing windows properly: If windows overlap, you cannot see both. Use Snap or manual resizing.
Using the wrong version: Some features are not available in older Outlook versions. Update to the latest version.
Forgetting to pin the peek window: The peek pop-up disappears when you move the mouse. Click the pin icon to keep it open.
Closing the calendar window accidentally: If you close it, you have to reopen it. Keep it open as a separate window.
Not saving the layout: Windows may reset after restart. Use a third-party tool to save window positions.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a smooth experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view email and calendar in one window without splitting?

Yes, you can use the “To-Do Bar” or “Peek” feature to see a small calendar inside your email window. However, for a full view, you need to use the new window method.

Does this work with shared calendars?

Yes, shared calendars appear in the same calendar view. When you open a new window, it shows all calendars you have access to, including shared ones.

How do I view email and calendar on a small laptop screen?

Use the “Peek” feature or the “To-Do Bar” to save space. Alternatively, use the web app with split view, which adjusts better to small screens.

Can I drag emails to the calendar in the new window?

Yes, you can drag an email from the main window to the calendar window. This creates a new appointment with the email content.

Is there a keyboard shortcut to switch between email and calendar?

Yes, press Ctrl+1 for email and Ctrl+2 for calendar. This switches the main view, but it does not keep both visible.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to view email and calendar in outlook at the same time is a small change that makes a big difference. It reduces clicks, saves time, and helps you stay organized. Start with the new window method—it is the most versatile. If you have a small screen, try the To-Do Bar or Peek feature. For power users, multiple monitors or third-party tools offer the best experience.

Remember to update Outlook regularly to access the latest features. Practice the steps a few times until they become automatic. Within a week, you will wonder how you managed without this setup.

If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section above. Most problems are easy to fix. With these techniques, you can keep your email and calendar in sync without constant switching. Your productivity will thank you.