How to Open Emails in Separate Window in New Outlook

It seems that when I HIDE the Reading Pane then double-clicking the message will NOT open it in a new window. On the other hand, when I have the Reading Pane displayed (only tested it with Reading Pane on the right side) then double-clicking will open the message in a new window.

The Reading Pane should not impact the behavior of the double-click in my opinion.

I usually have the main outlook window as only the preview pane and then I open each email in a new window. This keeps the amount of Outlook's screen real estate low until I open a message and respond. Defaulting the double-click action to open a new window with that message is critical to the workflow. This reference article shows how I'd configure Outlook in the previous version, I just need to know how to do it in the new version. Thanks!

Make Outlook open Replies and Forwards in a new window (thewindowsclub.com)

I agree. Perhaps this is why they may simultaneously be trying to force use of "reading pane' as the preferred method. I HATE reading pane, huge security risk and hogs viewing space. Likely message covers reading pane also, I disabled reading pane (I think). Why don't they offer options for users who are paying for this product, which is currently unusable IMO.

I can't imagine anyone wanting to open one new message at a time AND have solo message hijack/block reading pane from view... blocks entire outlook window. Highly ineffective, time wasting and beyond frustrating, why not provide option to toggle on & off rather than jamming down our throats and blocking productivity and increasing hair pulling and smashing keyboards, maybe that last part only applies to me :) I still despise the huge ugly, juvenile oversized ribbon and icons hogging up screen space, catering to millennials perhaps? What about us professionals here, who prefer lean and mean, tried and true features and functionality, slowly being stripped away with each iteration.

I too have returned to prior version of outlook. Disgusted that we must beg for primary features in a "community forum" where most users will just suffer. MS should consider for each of us who take time to post feedback there are millions who agree but don't know how, or bother as they may feel stuck and overwhelmed.

If I wanted to read email on my phone, I would read email on my phone. (Everything is one window full screen)

I use a PC, with an OS called "Windows" because I want to benefit from the "Windows" capability.

I often refer to other emails while reading or writing an email. I often cut and paste from multiple emails.

I often have a meeting open when writing an email, or vice/versa.

Please add back in the ability to open emails in windows.

Note, the workaround of adding an "open in new window" custom action, means that I have to open the email in-line, then open in a new window from there. super unproductive.

Hello TulsanWithQuestions,

Good day. Thank you for posting to Microsoft Community.

Based on your description, you should be able to open emails in a separate window with a left double click. You can as well use a single click on the pop out button just at the top right of the email in the reading pane.

If you cannot see this option, you can add it in the outlook Mail settings. Steps and screenshot below.

• In the Outlook Settings (Gear icon on top right)-->View all outlook settings-->Mail-->Customize actions
• Under Message surface, ensure that "Open in new window" is selected and Save.

In case you have any further queries, please let me know.

Thank you for your precious time and have a great day.

Best Regards,

Ashraf