Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Focused Inbox in All Versions of Outlook

Key Notes

  • Disable Focused Inbox using the View tab in desktop versions.
  • Turn off Focused Inbox in the new Outlook app via Settings.
  • Instructions provided for all major platforms (web, mobile, macOS).

A Comprehensive Guide to Disabling Focused Inbox in Outlook

Focused Inbox in Outlook helps prioritize important emails but can sometimes cause essential messages to be overlooked. This guide outlines how to disable this feature across various platforms, ensuring you stay on top of all your correspondence.

Step 1: Disable Outlook Focused Inbox on Windows (Desktop)

To deactivate the Focused Inbox feature for Outlook 365 or earlier versions (2016, 2019) on your Windows device, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch the Outlook Application

Open the Outlook desktop application on your Windows device.

Step 2: Navigate to the View Tab

Select the View tab located at the top of the application.

Step 3: Uncheck Show Focused Inbox

Locate the Show Focused Inbox option and uncheck it to disable the feature in the Office application.

Once completed, the Focused Inbox will be deactivated in your application.

Step 2: Disable Focused Inbox in the New Outlook App for Windows 11

Follow these steps to turn off Focused Inbox in the new Outlook app:

Step 1: Open the New Outlook Application

Start the Outlook (new) application on your Windows device.

Step 2: Access Settings

Click on the Settings icon (gear) in the upper right corner.

Step 3: Select Mail

From the menu on the left, select Mail.

Step 4: Go to Layout Settings

Navigate to the Layout section of the settings.

Step 5: Choose Account Inbox

Select the inbox for the account you wish to update.

Step 6: Opt for Don’t Sort Messages

Choose the “Don’t sort my messages” option to deactivate Focused Inbox.

Step 7: Save Changes

Press the Save button to apply your changes.

Upon completion, your inbox will display a consolidated stream of emails for that account.

Step 3: Disable Focused Inbox in the Legacy Mail App for Windows 11

To turn off the Focused Inbox for Outlook accounts in the Mail app, adhere to these instructions:

Step 1: Open the Mail Application

Launch the Mail (legacy) application.

Step 2: Select Your Outlook Account

If necessary, select your Outlook account.

Step 3: Open Settings

Click the Settings (gear) icon in the bottom-left corner.

Step 4: Locate Focused Inbox

Proceed to the Focused inbox section.

Step 5: Toggle Off Sorting

Disable the “Sort messages into Focused or Other” switch.

Now, your Mail app will no longer separate your emails into two categories.

Step 4: Disable Outlook Focused Inbox on Outlook.com

To switch off the Focused Inbox feature in Outlook on the web, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access Outlook on the Web

Go to Outlook (web).

Step 2: Sign In

Enter your credentials to log in if prompted.

Step 3: Click on Settings

Hit the Settings icon in the top-right corner.

Step 4: Go to Mail Settings

Select Mail from the left menu.

Step 5: Access Layout Settings

Navigate to the Layout section.

Step 6: Select Account Inbox

Choose the inbox associated with your account.

Step 7: Opt for Don’t Sort Messages

Select “Don’t sort my messages” to turn off the Focused Inbox.

Step 8: Save Your Changes

Click on the Save button.

After finishing these steps, your inbox will show a unified stream of emails. However, keep in mind that settings from the web may not sync with other apps, such as the Windows 11 Mail app.

Step 5: Disable Outlook Focused Inbox on Mobile (Android and iOS)

To turn off the Focused Inbox in the Outlook app for mobile devices, adhere to these steps:

Step 1: Open the Outlook Mobile Application

Launch the Outlook app on your mobile device.

Step 2: Tap the Main Menu

Click the main menu icon next to the “Inbox” label.

Step 3: Access Settings

Select Settings (gear icon) from the menu at the bottom-left corner.

Step 4: Tap on Mail Settings

Select Mail from the Settings menu.

Step 5: Disable Focused Inbox

Toggle the Focused Inbox switch to the off position.

Following these steps will disable the Focused Inbox for every Outlook account set up on your mobile device.

Step 6: Disable Outlook Focused Inbox on macOS

To deactivate the Focused Inbox feature in Outlook for macOS, follow these instructions:

Step 1: Open Outlook on macOS

Start the Outlook application on your Mac.

Step 2: Access Outlook Settings

From the top menu, click on Outlook and select Settings.

Step 3: Uncheck Sort Messages

In the Reading section, uncheck the “Sort Messages into Focused and Other” option.

After completing these steps, your Inbox will present all emails in a single stream. Ensure to note that alterations in settings on the web might not apply to other email clients like the legacy Mail app.

Additional Tips

  • Ensure you verify your email settings after disabling the Focused Inbox.
  • Consider organizing your inbox using folders if you frequently receive a large volume of emails.
  • Explore other sorting options available in Outlook to enhance your email management.

Summary

Disabling the Focused Inbox feature across Outlook applications ensures you receive all important emails without missing out on critical messages. This guide provided step-by-step instructions for various versions, including Windows, macOS, web, and mobile devices.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has empowered you to manage your email effectively by disabling the Focused Inbox feature. Streamlining your inbox view allows for better organization and ensures that no important emails slip through the cracks, making your email correspondence more efficient.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why should I disable Focused Inbox?

Disabling the Focused Inbox can help ensure that you see all your emails in a single view, preventing crucial messages from getting overlooked.

Will disabling Focused Inbox affect my existing emails?

No, disabling the feature won’t delete any existing emails; it merely changes how they are organized in your inbox.