How Do I Change Outlook to Classic View?

Ah, the quest for the familiar! So, you’re yearning for the classic Outlook view, are you? Understandable. The sleek, modern interfaces are all well and good, but sometimes you just want the dependable, efficient layout you know and love. The bad news is, Microsoft has been steadily moving away from what they officially call the “classic view“. The good news? There’s often a workaround, a bit of tweaking, or simply understanding what features mimic the classic experience.

Here’s the truth, plain and simple: You cannot directly revert the modern Outlook web app or desktop app back to a 2013 or earlier “classic” interface with a single button. Those days are gone. However, you can customize the modern interface to closely resemble the classic Outlook experience by focusing on layout, features, and settings. The trick is understanding what you liked about the classic view and then finding the modern equivalent. We can emulate those familiar feelings through focused customization.

Mimicking the Classic Experience: Layout, Ribbons, and More

Let’s break down the aspects of classic Outlook that people often miss, and how you can address them in the modern version:

1. The Folder Pane: Your Navigational Hub

The folder pane, typically on the left, is crucial for navigation. Ensure it’s visible by clicking on the View tab, then selecting Layout and confirming that Folder Pane is set to Normal. You can also adjust the size of the pane to your liking. If you can not see the folders menu, you can access it by clicking the “Show all folders” button, which is on the left navigation menu in the updated Outlook.

2. The Ribbon: Your Command Center

While the classic Outlook Ribbon is not directly replicated, you can customize the Quick Access Toolbar and the Ribbon itself to show the commands you use most often. Right-click on the Ribbon and select Customize the Ribbon…. From here, you can add or remove commands to create a personalized command center.

3. Message Preview: A Quick Glance

The Message Preview feature lets you see the first few lines of an email in your inbox. To enable this, go to the View tab, then click on View Settings, then Other Settings and adjust the Preview Pane. This brings back the familiar glanceable view of your inbox.

4. Reading Pane: Controlling the Display

The Reading Pane can be configured to be on the right, bottom, or off entirely, just like in classic Outlook. Go to the View tab, select Layout, and then choose your preferred Reading Pane setting. Many users find having it on the bottom most closely mimics their preferred classic experience.

5. Sorting and Filtering: Keeping Organized

Classic Outlook users relied heavily on sorting and filtering. In the modern version, these features are readily available. Click on the View tab, and use the Arrange By and Filter Email options to sort and filter your emails according to date, sender, subject, etc. For advanced filtering, explore the search bar and its operators.

6. Compact Density: Fitting More In

If you preferred seeing more emails on the screen at once, try the Compact Density option. Go to File > Options > General > User Interface Options, and choose Compact or Preview. This reduces the spacing between emails in your inbox, allowing you to see more without scrolling.

FAQs: Decoding the “Classic” Wish

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify how to get as close as possible to the classic Outlook experience:

FAQ 1: Can I actually install an older version of Outlook?

While technically possible to find and install older versions (like Outlook 2013 or 2016), it’s strongly discouraged. These versions are no longer supported with security updates, making your system vulnerable to threats. Focus on customizing the current version instead. Using older version can lead to vulnerabilities and incompatibilities with current systems.

FAQ 2: Where did the “Tools” menu go? I need access to rules!

The “Tools” menu as you remember it is gone. Rules are now accessed through File > Manage Rules & Alerts. Alternatively, you can often find the Rules option by searching “Rules” in the search box. Other functionalities that used to be under “Tools” are now spread throughout the File menu and the Ribbon.

FAQ 3: How do I change the font and size in my emails?

You can change the default font and size for composing new emails by going to File > Options > Mail > Stationery and Fonts. You can also set specific fonts for replies and forwards separately.

FAQ 4: I miss the status bar at the bottom. Is there an equivalent?

The modern Outlook lacks a direct equivalent to the status bar. However, you can get similar information by hovering your mouse over elements (like folders to see the number of unread emails) or by using the search function to find specific information.

FAQ 5: How do I disable the Focused Inbox?

The Focused Inbox can be helpful, but if you prefer seeing all your emails in one place, you can disable it. Go to the View tab and toggle the Show Focused Inbox option to Off.

FAQ 6: Can I customize the Quick Access Toolbar like I used to?

Absolutely! The Quick Access Toolbar (the small set of icons at the very top) is highly customizable. Right-click on any command in the Ribbon and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar. You can also customize it through File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar.

FAQ 7: How can I make the calendar look more like the classic calendar?

Unfortunately, the visual customization options for the calendar are limited. However, you can change the view (Day, Week, Month) and adjust the colors by going to File > Options > Calendar > Calendar Options and selecting different colors for calendar items.

FAQ 8: I can’t find the “Archive” button anymore! Where is it?

The Archive button might be hidden. Make sure it’s enabled by going to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. In the Choose commands from drop-down, select “All commands” and add the Archive button to your Ribbon. It may also be available within the message itself after you open it.

FAQ 9: How do I change the default email account for sending messages?

Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings. In the Email tab, select the account you want to use as the default and click Set as Default.

FAQ 10: Is there a way to turn off conversation view? I want individual emails.

Yes, you can turn off Conversation View. Go to the View tab and uncheck the Show as Conversations box. This will display each email individually.

FAQ 11: How do I create a new folder in Outlook?

Right-click on your email address in the Folder Pane. A menu will appear. Click the option to create a new folder.

FAQ 12: How to remove the senders images from the inbox?

Select View > View Settings > Other Settings and uncheck the box labeled Show sender pictures in the message list

Embracing the New While Honoring the Past

While a perfect replica of classic Outlook is unattainable, understanding these customizations allows you to create a personalized experience that combines the best of both worlds. You gain access to modern features while retaining a workflow that feels comfortable and familiar.

The key is to identify the elements of classic Outlook that are most important to you and then explore the corresponding settings and features in the modern version. Don’t be afraid to experiment and tailor the interface to your specific needs. Microsoft constantly updates Outlook, so check back periodically for new customization options. Good luck recreating that classic Outlook vibe!