Fix the Email/MS Outlook Ribbon: It will not stop closing

Question

Hello,

The ribbon in Classic keeps closing after reading an email. This closing is rendering it useless. One has to toggle up and down again and again to get it to re-open. The condensed version is missing items, comparably. I am using the Web version, and am being told the other versions are having the same issue.

I work for 2 institutions and both IT teams have stated the same: this is not fixable on their end, and people are very annoyed at being at the change.

Answer 1

Hi @Reenie L Arnold

Thank you for reaching out regarding the issue with the ribbon automatically collapsing in Outlook Web App (OWA). We understand how this behavior can disrupt your workflow, and we appreciate your patience. 

This behavior is part of a recent interface update by Microsoft. While there is currently no permanent setting to keep the ribbon expanded at all times, the following steps may help improve the experience and reduce the frequency of the issue: 

1. Try a different web browser: 

To help us determine if the issue is browser-specific, please try accessing Outlook Web in another browser: 

• If you're currently using Chrome, try Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Safari. 
• If you're using Edge, try Chrome or Firefox. 

2. Clear your browser's cache and cookies: 

Corrupted or outdated cache data can sometimes interfere with how Outlook Web loads and behaves. Please clear your browser’s cache and cookies: 

• Chrome: Click the Menu > More tools > Clear Browse data. Select "All time" for the time range, and check "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." 
• Edge: Click the Menu > Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Choose what to clear (under "Clear Browse data now"). Select "All time" and check the same options. 
• Firefox: Click the Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data. 

After clearing, restart your browser and log back into Outlook Web. 

3. Temporarily disable browser extensions:  Some browser extensions (e.g., ad blockers or script managers) can interfere with Outlook Web’s interface. Please try: 

• Disabling all extensions temporarily 
• Testing if the ribbon still collapses 
• Re-enabling extensions one by one to identify the cause, if the issue goes away 

4. Review Outlook web display settings:  In some cases, custom display settings can contribute to interface issues. You can try adjusting your layout temporarily: 

• Go to Settings > Mail > Layout 
• Modify the reading pane or message layout options, then revert back to your preferred view 

To assist us in better understanding the behavior you're experiencing, we kindly ask that you provide a screenshot showing the ribbon when it collapses. This will help us determine whether the behavior aligns with known interface changes or if it may be an unexpected issue. 

As this behavior is currently by design, we recommend submitting feedback directly to Microsoft to help prioritize future improvements: 

1. Click the Help (?) icon in the top-right corner of Outlook Web 
2. Select Feedback, and describe how this behavior impacts your workflow 

Please try these steps and let us know the results on this thread. Your detailed feedback, along with any visuals you can provide, will be very valuable. We're here to help if you need further assistance or a visual walkthrough of any steps. 

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