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.
If your startup folder is a Mail folder and Outlook is opening in the Folder list, not the Mail module (or vice versa), see Choose the Startup Module below.
In Outlook 2010 and up, 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).
You can choose a Search folder in your default data file, but Outlook will not use a search folder in a non-default data file. You'll need to use a startup switch to start in a search folder in a non-default data file.
In Outlook 2007 and older, 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.
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
To open a Search Folder in a non-default data file, use this format, wrapping the path in quotes because it contains spaces:
Outlook.exe /select "outlook:\\alias@domain.com\search folders\unread mail"
Choose the Startup Module
If you choose a Mail folder as your startup folder, Outlook should start in the Mail module. If it starts in the Folder module (or you want to start in the folder module) and the Mail module is the first one in Folder navigation, you can change a registry key.
- Exit outlook
- Update the registry key (for Outlook 2016/2019/365):
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\WunderBar - Change BootModule to
- 0: Mail view
- 5: Folders view
- 6: Shortcuts view
Outlook will now start with selected view of the Folder pane
More Information
For more information on using command lines, see Using Command line switches
brilliant....thanks
many thanks for the great post!
In case anyone wants to change the opening folder in Outlook '07, go to
=>Tools =>Options=>Other=>Advanced Options=>Startup in this folder;
Browse for the folder you'd like.
When I start Outlook 2016, I want both the mail and the calendar windows open. How can I do that?
right click on the calendar folder, choose Open in new window then close outlook using File, Exit command. When you reopen it, both windows should open.
On start-up, I want Outlook to open both my calendar and a calendar that is a separate "tickler" calendar that a former assistant used to track recurring reminders. Is this possible?
No, not from that screen. If you don't start in the calendar, then all calendars selected (for side by side or overlay) when you closed outlook should be selected when its reopened.
how do i change the default folder in outlook for mac. it does not have the"file options" option
I've used your fantastic advice to set my Mum's default email program, BigPond.com, to open as her initial page but just wondering if it's possible to move it up above the outlook email 'folder' in the left hand side pane? She's finding it a bit annoying to have to scroll past all the outlook folders etc to get to the actual email program that she uses :/
if she has either outlook 2013 or 2016, the folders, including the pst files, can be rearranged - just drag them up and down the list. if they won't drag, look on the Folder tab - is Show All Folder A-Z highlighted? if so, click once to turn it off.
If you have an older version unfortunately you can't rearrange the folders.
Thanks Diane, once I'd turned off the Show All Folder A-Z, it let me drag & drop!! Really appreciated all your help! :)
I need to know how to set Outlook to open in my gmail address inbox? I set it as the default acct. but it opens in the archives inbox instead.
Unless you use a really old version of Outlook, change it at the top of File, Options, Advanced page (Outlook 2010 and up)