How to Turn Off the Outlook Reading Pane

This article explains how to disable the Microsoft Outlook reading pane, also called the preview pane, which helps users quickly scan messages. Instructions cover Outlook 2013, 2016, and 2019, as well as Outlook for Microsoft 365 and Outlook for Mac.

Disable Outlook's Reading Pane

The Reading Pane is enabled by default. When you disable the Reading Pane, it turns off the pane for the currently selected email account.

1. Open Outlook.

2. Go to View and select Reading Pane.

3. Select Off.

   If you prefer, select Right or Bottom in this box to reconfigure your Reading Pane.

4. The Reading Pane is now closed, and the message list expands to fill available space.

   To turn off the Reading Pane in Outlook 2007 and 2003, select View > Reading Pane > Off.

Turn Off the Reading Pane for Multiple Folders

When you select Off to close the Reading Pane, it applies only to the folder you're currently in. Here's how to turn off the Reading Pane quickly for multiple folders:

1. Open Outlook and select the View tab.

2. Select Change View > Apply Current View to Other Mail Folders.

3. Choose the folders you want to be affected in the Apply View dialog box.

4. The Reading Pane is now disabled in all your selected mail folders.

Turn Off the Reading Pane in Outlook for Mac

1. Open Outlook.

2. Select Organize > Reading Pane.

3. Select Off.

   Alternatively, select Right or Bottom to reposition the Reading Pane.