Enable or Disable App Names in Outlook App
App names in the new Outlook app for Windows show the actual name of the app right next to incoming messages instead of a generic sender icon. This setting lets you easily spot which app sent you an alert or a message.
The new Outlook app hides these app names by default, but you can turn them on in just a few clicks if you want more details in your inbox.
To enable or disable app names in the new Outlook for Windows 11, go to Settings, then Layout, and toggle the “Show app names” option. This setting controls whether icons for integrated apps display their names alongside them.
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This setting helps pinpoint the source of emails quickly, especially when monitoring multiple connected services. Messages from Microsoft Teams, Planner, or other integrated services arrive with clearer context. Without app names, distinguishing the true origin relies entirely on recognizing generic sender icons.
Turn on or off “Show app names” in Outlook
The ‘Show app names’ feature toggles on or off directly within the settings menu, though exact paths can shift across different software builds.
Here is the procedure for current desktop installations.
First, launch the Outlook app via the Start menu or the taskbar search box.
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This guide focuses on the new Outlook for Windows. Classic Outlook builds (Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and earlier) manage navigation elements through older configuration panels rather than this sidebar.
Once Outlook opens, click the Settings gear icon in the top-right corner of the window.
In the Settings sidebar, click General to expand the menu, then select Appearance.
Locate the Navigation bar section under the Appearance settings. Toggle the switch to On or Off to control the "Show app names" preference.
- Click on
Settings(gear icon) in the top-right corner. - Select
Generalfrom the left-hand menu. - Choose
Privacy. - Under the
App data usagesection, find the option forShow app names. - Toggle the switch to
OnorOffas desired.
Save the changes and close out of the panel.
That completes the setup process.
Conclusion:
Personalizing your inbox takes only a few clicks. The new Outlook adapts to workflows once these display preferences are updated.
Mobile Outlook users on iOS and Android manage layouts through distinct interface rules. While sender details appear prominently on mobile screens, a dedicated 'Show app names' toggle is absent from handheld client menus.
- The "Show app names" feature enhances recognition within the Outlook app.
- Users can easily toggle this feature in the Appearance settings.
- Accessing settings is straightforward via the gear icon in the menu bar.
- Remember to save your changes after adjusting the settings.
- Personalizing your Outlook experience can lead to better organization and usability.
Customizing the Navigation Bar
Inbox clean-up goes beyond sender names. Rearranging or hiding icons in the left-hand panel helps declutter the workspace. Users can pin favorite services or change icon ordering via the same Settings > General > Appearance path to speed up daily navigation.
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