If the Folder Pane is missing in Outlook 2013, click View > Folder Pane and choose Normal. If it’s just collapsed to a thin bar, click the arrow (>) at the top of the bar to expand it, or drag its edge wider. The same steps work in newer versions of Outlook. Office 2013 reached end of support on April 11, 2023, so it no longer receives security updates.
Quick Answer
View > Folder Pane > Normal.
Steps to Restore the Folder Pane
- Open Outlook and click the View tab.
- Click Folder Pane.
- Choose Normal.
- If it’s still narrow, drag its right edge to widen it.
Folder Pane Options
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Normal | Full folder list on the left |
| Minimized | Thin bar you can expand |
| Off | Hidden completely |
| Favorites | Shows or hides the Favorites list |
Troubleshooting
- Folders missing inside the pane: Expand the account by clicking the arrow next to its name.
- Reading pane also gone: See restoring the reading pane.
- Other Outlook 2013 settings: See showing the Bcc field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did it disappear?
It’s often minimized by accident with a click on its arrow or a changed view.
Can I reset the whole view?
Yes. View > Reset View resets the current folder’s layout.
Does this affect other devices?
No, it’s a local view setting.
Summary
- View > Folder Pane.
- Choose Normal.
- Expand or widen it if needed.
- Reset the view if things look odd.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.