Remove / Move Outlook "App Bar"

Anonymous
2022-03-10T15:04:41+00:00

Today my desktop Outlook application was updated and a new "App Bar" was moved to the left of the screen, previously it was located under my folders list with small icons and took up zero screen real estate, not so anymore.

Now it appears as a full screen height column with medium sized icons to the left of Outlook and it takes up way too much screen real estate, on my screen only about 15% of it can be even used with "app" icons pinned to it, the rest is just grey wasted space that takes away from the main job of Outlook reading/writing emails.

Is there a way to move this app bar, remove it, or at least minimise it to somewhere that doesn't use up so much space.

What's the reason for Microsoft to try and replicate a poor version of the Windows Start Menu within Outlook, one that's only limited to 3 Microsoft apps, I don't get this and would really like Microsoft to stop messing with UI, Windows 11 taskbar ahem.

Regards, LK

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

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Anonymous
2023-04-03T17:56:52+00:00

I went to:

File>Options>Advanced>Checkbox titled "Show Apps in Outlook"

After you uncheck and then click "OK" outlook will require a restart to make the change. After restart the "Apps Bar" returns to the pervious location below the folders.

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-11-02T00:54:37+00:00

    Why does microsoft make these workspace changes? Leave it alone or give us the option to leave it as is. I position the app bar at the bottom to maximise the width for preview etc. I do not want a side bar.

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-11-01T18:41:35+00:00

    After yet another unsolicited change in the basic function and screen utilization of another Office component I have lobbied for getting our firm to drop Office 365 and move to the G Suite. Too many times has Microsoft made these ridiculous changes to software that have been unchanged for decades (and therefore better suited for actual business office utilization), which causes major disruptions when users can't find the shortcuts where they have been forever.

    It also doesn't help that you are taking up Outlook screen space from the actual emails and calendar to advertise more of your useless products - almost like you forgot the Windows Task Bar ALREADY EXISTED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-10-13T18:18:31+00:00

    This trick worked for me.
    Start Outlook in safe mode by holding CTRL while Outlook is starting. The App Bar still looks like it's in the same place, but once closing Outlook and then opening it again normally. The app bar is back on the bottom where I want it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-10-11T20:33:39+00:00

    I hate the change.

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