How to Switch Between Classic and Simplified Ribbons in Outlook
This guide covers both the new Outlook for Windows and classic Outlook for Windows. The menus differ slightly between the two, and I point out where below. The Classic and Simplified ribbon choice is also tied to your Outlook version and update level. If you don’t see it, update Outlook first.
Click the downward arrow on the far right end of the ribbon at the top of Outlook and select either Classic ribbon or Simplified ribbon under the Layout section. The ribbon switches immediately with no restart needed.
Why switch your Outlook ribbon?
The ribbon is the strip of buttons across the top of Outlook. Your ribbon layout decides how many of those buttons you see at once. Pick the layout that fits how you work and you spend less time hunting for commands.
- Simplified ribbon: a compact, single-row layout that shows the most common commands. It leaves more room for your message list and reading pane.
- Classic ribbon: the traditional multi-row layout with tabs and grouped commands. It suits you if you use many different features and want them all visible.
What happens when you are done?
Outlook remembers the layout you choose. The buttons change as soon as you pick a layout, with no restart needed. If you change your mind, repeat the same steps and pick the other layout. Nothing is lost either way, because both layouts give you access to the same commands.
How to switch Outlook ribbons
You switch layouts from inside the app. Look for the small arrow on the far right end of the ribbon at the top of the window. Clicking it opens the display options, where you choose your view.
- Open the new Outlook app on your computer. Outlook opens with your inbox and the ribbon across the top.
Open the new Outlook app in Windows 11 - Find the downward arrow on the far right side of the ribbon and click it. A small panel of display options opens.
Switch to classic ribbon in the Outlook app - Under the Layout section, choose either Classic ribbon or Simplified ribbon. The ribbon changes right away to the layout you picked.
Switch to classic ribbon in the Outlook app
Also check that you are in a view that has a ribbon, such as Mail or Calendar. In classic Outlook, the same switch is available from the ribbon display controls at the right end of the ribbon, and it only appears in versions that include the Simplified ribbon.
Customizing the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar
In classic Outlook, go to File Options Customize Ribbon to add or remove commands, and use the Quick Access Toolbar to keep your most-used buttons always visible. Pin the few commands you use daily, such as New Email, Reply All, or Delete, so you don't have to switch tabs to reach them. If a customization doesn't work out, the Customize Ribbon window has a Reset option that restores the defaults.
Troubleshooting missing buttons
If ribbon buttons are missing or keep disappearing, work through these checks:
- Check whether Auto-hide ribbon is turned on. With it on, the ribbon stays hidden until you click the top of the window. Turn it off in the ribbon display options to keep the ribbon visible.
- Check which view you are in. The ribbon shows different commands in Mail, Calendar, People and other views, so a button you expect may only appear in another view.
- Check your layout. The Simplified ribbon shows fewer buttons by design. Switch to Classic ribbon if you need more commands on screen.
- Check the window size. A narrow window can collapse some commands into a menu, so try maximizing Outlook.
Summary
The new Outlook app lets you switch between a clean Simplified ribbon and a feature-rich Classic ribbon to suit your needs. The switch takes one click on the arrow at the right of the ribbon, it takes effect immediately, and you can reverse it at any time.
Have a question about this guide?
Answered by AI from this guide. Good questions may be added to this page — please don't include personal details.
Did this guide fix your problem?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
[…] Select an email and click the Pin button on the ribbon. […]