Changing Folder pane option

Question

It is not giving me the option on changing the settings of my folder pane. It is greyed out on my end. How do I change and make this available on my end.

Answer 1

Maximize or widen the Classic Outlook window first, then select View > Layout > Folder Pane > Normal; Outlook can disable Normal when the available window width is too small.[^1^](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4535425/folder-pane-normal-is-greyed-out-cannot-select "folder pane "normal" is greyed-out, cannot select")

Restore the Folder Pane option

1. Maximize Outlook using the square button in its upper-right corner.
2. If Outlook is snapped to part of the screen, unsnap it and increase its width.
3. If using an external monitor, move Outlook to the primary display temporarily.
4. Go to View > Layout > Folder Pane > Normal.

You can also select the > button at the side of the Outlook window to expand a minimized Folder Pane. Classic Outlook supports Normal, Minimized, and Off states.^2^

If it remains unavailable

Reset the Navigation Pane only if maximizing the window does not enable the setting:

1. Close Outlook completely.
2. Press Windows key + R.
3. Enter:

Outlook.exe /resetnavpane

4. Select OK, then check View > Layout > Folder Pane again.

This removes local Navigation Pane customizations, so any custom shortcuts or arrangement may need to be recreated.^3^

If by “greyed out” you mean options on a folder’s Properties > Permissions tab—not View > Folder Pane—that is a separate business-policy issue. An administrator can disable folder-permission editing through policy, in which case your Microsoft 365 administrator must change it.^4^

---

References

1. folder pane "normal" is greyed-out, cannot select - Microsoft Q&A
2. Show all folders in Outlook | Microsoft Support
3. I can’t start Microsoft Outlook or receive the error “Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot open the Outlook Window” | Microsoft Support
4. Restrict users from changing folder permissions in Outlook