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

Outlook.exe /select outlook:\\Archive Folders\Calendar\Testing
Outlook.exe /select outlook:\\Internet Calendars\Diane_Poremsky_Calendar

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.

1. Exit outlook
2. Update the registry key (for Outlook 2016/2019/365):
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\WunderBar
3. Change BootModule to
   • 0: Mail view
   • 5: Folders view
   • 6: Shortcuts view

Outlook will now start with selected view of the Folder pane