TL;DR
To show Favorites in Outlook, right-click the folder pane and select Show Favorites, or go to View > Folder Pane > Favorites. This adds quick access to key folders like Inbox or Sent Items at the top of the navigation pane. Use drag-and-drop to add or remove folders from Favorites. This feature is available in Outlook desktop and web.
Using the Outlook show Favorites feature can dramatically improve how quickly you navigate and manage your inbox. Favorites appear at the top of the folder pane and allow you to pin your most-used folders for instant access. Whether you’re working with multiple inboxes, subfolders, or shared mailboxes, Favorites helps reduce clicks and keeps your workflow organized.
If you don’t see the Favorites section in your Outlook, it may be hidden or disabled by default. Luckily, restoring it takes just a few steps.
What Is Favorites in Outlook?
The Favorites section in Outlook is a customizable area at the top of the Folder Pane. It provides quick links to frequently used folders such as:
- Inbox
- Sent Items
- Drafts
- Custom folders
This lets you jump between essential folders without scrolling through your entire folder hierarchy.
How to Show Favorites in Outlook Desktop (Windows)
If Favorites is hidden:
- Open Outlook
- Click the View tab on the ribbon
- Go to Folder Pane > Favorites
- Click to enable the checkmark
The Favorites section will appear at the top of the navigation pane.
Alternative Method:
- Right-click an empty space in the folder pane
- Select Show Favorites
How to Add Folders to Favorites
- In the Folder Pane, locate the folder you use frequently
- Right-click the folder
- Choose Add to Favorites
The folder will now appear in the Favorites section for quick access.
Shortcut Tip:
There is no default shortcut key, but you can use Alt + F, D to navigate to the folder list quickly and then use arrow keys to select and add.
How to Remove Folders from Favorites
- Right-click the folder in the Favorites pane
- Select Remove from Favorites
This does not delete the folder or its contents; it only removes it from the Favorites section.
Reordering Favorites
Favorites are manually ordered. You can:
- Drag and drop folders within Favorites to arrange them
- Outlook does not auto-sort Favorites alphabetically
This gives you full control over the layout based on your workflow.
How to Show Favorites in Outlook Web
Favorites in Outlook Web (Office.com) work differently but are still accessible:
- Open Outlook Web
- Click the Star icon next to any folder
- Starred folders appear under Favorites in the left panel
You can manage Favorites by clicking the Manage Folders option or dragging them.
Why Is Favorites Missing in Outlook?
If you don’t see Favorites:
- The Folder Pane may be minimized
- Compact View may be hiding sections
- It was manually disabled
- Corrupted Outlook profile (rare)
To fix this, go to View > Folder Pane > Favorites and ensure it’s enabled.
Outlook for Mac: How to Show Favorites
- Open Outlook for Mac
- Click the Organize tab
- Select Navigation Pane or right-click the folder pane
- Choose Add to Favorites
Outlook for Mac shows Favorites slightly differently but offers similar functionality.
Tips for Using Favorites Effectively
- Pin your Inbox, Sent Items, and custom folders
- Avoid adding too many folders to prevent clutter
- Use consistent naming to keep your Favorites list organized
- Combine with Quick Steps for faster folder actions
- Review and update your Favorites periodically
FAQ: Outlook Show Favorites
How do I show the Favorites section in Outlook?
Go to View > Folder Pane > Favorites or right-click the folder pane and select Show Favorites.
Can I remove folders from Favorites without deleting them?
Yes. Right-click the folder and choose Remove from Favorites. It only removes the shortcut, not the folder.
Why are my Favorites not showing in Outlook?
The Favorites pane may be hidden. Use View > Folder Pane > Favorites to enable it.
Does removing a folder from Favorites delete its contents?
No. The original folder and its contents remain in place in the folder list.
Can I reorder folders in Favorites alphabetically?
No. Favorites must be arranged manually via drag-and-drop.
Are Favorites synced across devices?
Yes, if you’re using an Exchange or Microsoft 365 account. POP accounts may not sync Favorites.
Conclusion: Use Outlook Show Favorites to Speed Up Navigation
The Outlook show Favorites feature is a small but powerful tool that improves productivity by giving you instant access to your most-used folders. Whether you’re working in Outlook desktop, web, or Mac, knowing how to enable and manage Favorites keeps your mailbox structured and efficient.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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