Microsoft Outlook has continuously rolled out updates every now and then. This helps the application supposedly improve its interface for a better experience for users of the application. One of these updates includes the navigation toolbar moving from the bottom to the side. But users aren't that favorable of this change. If you want your Outlook toolbar returned to the bottom, don't worry because we've got a guide below on how to move the Outlook toolbar from side to bottom.
You should know that Outlook allows users to customise their user interface to fit their preferences and working styles. There are several customisation features the app has to offer. Outlook provides two different command bars that users can customise which are the Menu and the Toolbar. Additionally, it's possible to create custom toolbars to automate certain functions you'd like to have. Plus, it allows you to move the navigation pane from the side to bottom and change the position of the Outlook toolbar too.
We'll now get right to our guide on how to move the Outlook toolbar from side to bottom.
How to move Outlook toolbar from side to bottom
Moving the Outlook toolbar from the side back to the bottom is quite simple. Here are the steps to follow so you can do it too:
1. First, head to the Outlook Options in your Microsoft Outlook application. You'll be clicking File and then Options. Afterwards, you're going to click Advanced.
2. Once you've done that, uncheck the box for the Show Apps in Outlook option under the Outlook panes tab.
3. Click OK to save the changes you've made.
4. A prompt will then show up on asking if you'll restart Outlook. Click Yes for the restart to happen as this helps in applying your changes fully.
If your Outlook navigation bar was on the left, it should now be seen at the bottom.
How to move Outlook toolbar from side to bottom by using Safe Mode
Another way to move the Outlook toolbar back to the bottom is by running Outlook in Safe Mode. Follow these instructions carefully so you can successfully return your toolbar back where it belongs:
1. Close Microsoft Outlook on your device.
2. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run window, type "outlook.exe/safe" and then hit Enter.
3. You'll then be seeing the Choose Profile window which allows you to select the default "Outlook" option. Select the OK option to open that profile.
4. Then, toggle off the Coming soon option. If this isn't seen on your screen, you can simply exit the Safe Mode Outlook.
5. Upon exiting, just launch Outlook and check if you can move your Outlook toolbar from the side to the bottom.
There you have it, an alternative way to move the Outlook toolbar from side to bottom. But if this method seems too hard for you, we have one more way you can get the toolbar back to the bottom.
How to move the Outlook toolbar from side to bottom via the Registry Editor
To move the Outlook toolbar from the side to the bottom through the Registry Editor, you just have to follow a few steps below:
1. First, left-click the Start button. Then you must type "regedit" then hit Enter. This will open the Registry Editor.
2. You'll then have to navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\ExperimentEcs\Overrides
3. You'll then have to right-click on the Overrides folder, select New String from the content menu, and then name it as "Microsoft.Office.Outlook. Hub.HubBar.
4. You'll then double-click the New String to open it. You'll have to type "False" in the Value Data Box and click OK to save it.
5. Once you do that, you can then restart your device and launch your Microsoft Outlook application to see if the navigation bar has moved from the left to the bottom.
Take note that the instructions above to edit the Windows Registry are quite delicate. Editing a registry can cause serious issues that may potentially corrupt your operating system if done improperly. We also suggest that you create a system restore point as a backup prior to making the aforementioned changes. Here's a guide below to help you create a system restore point for your device.
How to create a system restore point in Windows 11/10
Usually, system restore is enabled by default in your operating system. But if it isn't, you can enable it with the guide below:
1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for System and open it. (Take note that if you're a Windows 11 user just search for Advanced system settings via Start and head to Step 4.)
3. Click Advanced system settings in the left panel
4. Select the System Protection tab.
5. It will be indicated on your screen if you don't have any system restore points. The System Restore button will be greyed out if it so.
6. Next, select your system drive which is usually labeled as a C:drive.
7. Select Configure and click Turn on system protection.
8. Under the Disk Space Usage indicator, you can adjust the maximum usage to your preferred level. This is the amount of storage that will be used for system restore points when you create it. Basically, the more space you allow, the more restore points can be created.
9. Select Apply then OK.
To create the system restore points, follow the above steps until Step 7. Instead of hitting Configure, click Create. You'll be prompted to name your restore point and create it at the point of the current state of your system.
That's pretty much everything you need to know about moving your Outlook toolbar from the side to bottom and doing it safely with the help of system restore points. For more guides like this, feel free to check out our other guides such as how to set an out of office automatic reply in Outlook and how to create a Teams meeting in Outlook.