Newer versions of Outlook let you start in any folder in your profile. You can use this method to open Outlook with a non-default folder – this is especially handy if you want to start in a different calendar folder.
In older versions of Outlook, go to Tools, Options, Other tab, Advanced options and change the startup in this folder setting. Click Browse and select any folder from the folder list.
In Outlook 2010, choose your startup folder at the top of the File, Options, Advanced page.
You can choose any folder type, however most people will select a calendar, their Inbox, or Outlook Today (select the mailbox folder).
See Using Command Line Switches to Startup in a Folder below if your version of Outlook does not allow you to pick from any folder your profile.
Using Command Line Switches to Startup in a Folder
If your version of Outlook limits you to selecting folders in the default PST, you can use a command line switch to start in other folders.
At Start menu, Run command (press Windows key + R to open), use the /select command as shown in the samples below, changing the folder path as needed.
The basic format is Outlook.exe /select outlook: followed by the folder path and name. If you want to use a different folder in the default message store, you need just the folder names in the path:
Outlook.exe /select outlook:Calendar\Testing
To open a folder stored in another PST in the profile, use the PST name and folder path:
Outlook.exe /select outlook:\\Archive Folders\Calendar\Testing
Outlook.exe /select outlook:\\Internet Calendars\Diane_Poremsky_Calendar
For more information on using command lines, see Using Command line switches
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Last reviewed on Mar 16, 2012
Please tell me how I can get to the home page that shows the overview of the calendar, mail, and to-do list. I have it set up as my initial page but in order to get it back I have to close out my outlook and start it again. This is the worst set up for those of us who use this program for all the above at the same time. The old outlook let you organize yourself so much easier. I need the old home page back!
To get back to Outlook Today at any time., click on the top level default folder. If you have one data file, it may have your email address in the name. In the video, its the one called Personal Folder at the top of the folder list. In Outlook 2010, it will have your email address but not the little house icon.
You can also add the Outlook Today button to the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the window so its easy to access from anywhere. Click the little arrow in the QAT and choose More Commands. Select “All Commands” in ‘Choose Commands from’ menu then scroll down to the O’s and find Outlook Today then press Add. (If you click in the commands window then press O you’ll jump to the O’s). A tutorial on editing the QAT is here: Edit Quick Access Toolbar