Change how the message list is displayed in Outlook

Change the view of your message list to show columns

In order to add and remove columns, you must use a list view. The default view for the Inbox is Compact, showing messages grouped by conversation.

To switch your view to a list view:

1. Select the View menu, then Change View.

2. Select Single or Preview.

Add or remove columns in a list view

1. On the View tab, in the Current View group, select View Settings.

2. In the Advanced View Settings window, select Columns.

   

3. In the Show Columns window, in the Available columns list, select a column name, and then select Add.

   

   If the column that you want is not in the Available columns list, click the Select available columns from drop down to see additional sets of columns.

   To create a custom column, select New Column, enter a Name for the column, and then select the Type and Format of information that you want the column to display.

   To remove a column, in the Show these columns in this order list, select a column name, and then select Remove.

4. Select OK to save your changes and apply your new view.

   Important: If you don't see your new column appear in your view, you might not be using a list view. See the section, Change your view to show columns to switch to a list view first, then repeat the steps in this section.

Change how email is displayed

• At the top of the page, select Settings   > Mail > Layout.

Sort using Focused Inbox 

1. At the top of the page, select Settings  > Mail >Layout.

2. Under Focused Inbox, select either of the options depending on whether you want to focus on certain mails or not.

   

For more information about using Focused Inbox, see Focused Inbox for Outlook.

Organize Messages

1. At the top of the page, select Settings  > Mail >Layout.

2. Under Message organization, choose either of the options depending on whether you want to show email grouped by conversation or as individual message.

   • If you select Show email grouped by conversation, under Arrange the reading pane, select one of the options: 
     Newest on top, Newest on bottom, or Show each message separately. 

     
      

     Note: With Show email grouped by conversation selected, you'll also have the option to Show or Hide deleted items.

Set Reading pane appearance

• Under Reading pane, select one of the options depending on how you want to display the reading pane, such as On the right, At the bottom, or to Hide reading pane from view.

Set Message list format

• Under Message list format, select an option depending on how you want your messages to be displayed, either Sender name first or Subject first.