How to Keep the Folder Pane Expanded in Outlook [3 Ways]

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Updated onFebruary 9, 2024

updated onFebruary 9, 2024

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Outlook’s Folder Pane on the left of its window displays all your folders in its expanded view. Users can also minimize that pane so it doesn’t display folders.

When users expand that Folder Pane again from the minimized view, however, it doesn’t stay expanded when users click outside it. Thus, some users might wonder how they can get the expanded Folder Pane view to stick after minimizing it.

How do I keep Outlook’s Folder Pane expanded?

1. Adjust the Folder Pane setting

2. Click the pin button

Alternatively, users can click a pushpin button at the top right of the Folder Pane. Expand the minimized Folder Pane by clicking the arrow button (>) at the top of it.

Then click the pushpin button in the snapshot directly below. Thereafter, the Folder Pane will remain expanded when you click out it.

3. Set up a VBA macro that automatically expands folders when Outlook starts

ElseLoopFolders Ns.Folders, TrueEnd If

DoEventsSet Application.ActiveExplorer.CurrentFolder = CurrFEnd Sub

Private Sub LoopFolders(Folders As Outlook.Folders, _ByVal bRecursive As Boolean _)Dim F As Outlook.MAPIFolder

For Each F In FoldersSet Application.ActiveExplorer.CurrentFolder = FDoEvents

If bRecursive ThenIf F.Folders.Count ThenLoopFolders F.Folders, bRecursiveEnd IfEnd IfNextEnd Sub

So, that’s how you can keep the Folder Pane expanded in Outlook. The VBA macro will also ensure that the Folder Pane’s folders are fully expanded when you startOutlook.

Speaking of UI elements, we have a great guide on what to do ifOutlook bar has moved to left.

If you have other questions or suggestions, reach for the comment section below.

How to Keep the Folder Pane Expanded in Outlook [3 Ways]#

How do I keep Outlook’s Folder Pane expanded?#

1. Adjust the Folder Pane setting#

2. Click the pin button#

3. Set up a VBA macro that automatically expands folders when Outlook starts#

How to Keep the Folder Pane Expanded in Outlook [3 Ways]

How do I keep Outlook’s Folder Pane expanded?

1. Adjust the Folder Pane setting

2. Click the pin button

3. Set up a VBA macro that automatically expands folders when Outlook starts