Microsoft Outlook 2013, like Outlook 2010 and Outlook 2007 before it, utilizes a navigation structure referred to as “the ribbon.” There are several tabs at the top of the ribbon, and clicking on each of those tabs shows several tools that fall within the classification identified by the ribbon tab. Some people have strong opinions about whether the ribbon or the previous navigation system was better, but the fact remains that the ribbon is the current way to use Microsoft Office programs in the 2013 suite.
But, as important as the ribbon is to Outlook 2013, it is possible for it to be minimized or hidden. Some people will choose to do this on purpose to gain additional screen space, while others may do it by accident. Fortunately it is possible to unhide the Outlook 2013 ribbon using a button that is visible on your screen regardless of the ribbon’s current state of visibility.
How to Show a Hidden Ribbon in Outlook 2013
The steps in this article were performed using Microsoft Outlook 2013. The method for doing this in different versions of Microsoft Outlook may vary.
This guide assumes that your ribbon is currently set to auto-hide, or that only the ribbon is hidden. The steps below will show the ribbon and the commands at all times.
- Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook 2013.
- Step 2: Click the Ribbon Display Options button at the top-right corner of the window. It is the rectangle with the upward-facing arrow.
- Step 3: Click the Show Tabs and Commands option.
You can choose to collapse the ribbon at any time using one of the options on the Ribbon Display Options menu, by clicking the Collapse the Ribbon button at the right side of the ribbon, or by pressing Ctrl + F1 on your keyboard. The Collapse the Ribbon button is identified in the image below.
Would you like to change how often Outlook attempts to send and receive new messages? You can adjust the send and receive frequency in Outlook 2013 so that it is checking for new messages as often or infrequently as you would like.
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.