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Microsoft’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity is commendable, but a recent update to Outlook on the web highlighted some issues. In August, the platform removed the Off setting for the reading pane and replaced it with options labeled Right, Bottom, and Fill Screen.
Initially, I was automatically switched to the Right option. At a glance, many might assume that choosing Right or Bottom would split the screen with the reading pane, or that Fill Screen would maximize the message view, displaying the full message without the reading pane. But that’s not the case.
The simple solution is surprisingly straightforward yet often overlooked: select Fill Screen. This setting essentially acts the same as disabling the reading pane — when you click an email, it opens in full view, and closing it returns you to your message list and inbox.
You can change this setting in two easy ways:
– In Outlook on the web, navigate to View > Layout > Reading Pane > Fill Screen.
– Or, click the gear icon in the upper right corner, select Layout, scroll down to Reading Pane, and choose Fill Screen.
The first method is quicker, but the second allows you to access additional customization options like conversation threading, message behavior post-deletion or read, and overall layout preferences.
After battling for a month with the limited visibility caused by the new reading pane options, I felt frustrated. The reduced screen space made it harder to quickly scan messages and prioritize important ones. While I could have explored and experimented with the options earlier, I relied on my understanding of English instructions, which led me astray.
Interestingly, Microsoft seems to assume users will automatically understand that a full-screen message view (no reading pane) and the absence of the reading pane in the list are the same. Yet, not just I, but even support representatives initially struggled to provide clear guidance.
Now, at least we’re all in the know.
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