Outlook Split Screen Window: How to View Two Emails at Once

Outlook’s split screen window feature lets you view two emails, calendars, or folders side by side without opening separate Outlook windows. You can enable it in a few clicks, and this article explains the different ways to split your Outlook view, how to customize it, and how to fix common problems.

What Is Split Screen in Outlook?

Split screen in Outlook refers to displaying two different parts of the application simultaneously within the same window. This is useful when you need to compare two emails, drag appointments between calendars, or keep an email open while browsing your inbox. Unlike simply opening a second Outlook window, a split view keeps everything in one place, reducing clutter and making it easier to manage your workflow.

How to Split Your Outlook View (Step-by-Step)

The exact steps depend on your version of Outlook, but the general approach is the same. Here’s how to do it in the desktop version (Windows and Mac):

1. Open Outlook and go to the View tab on the ribbon.
2. Look for the Arrange group (Windows) or the Layout group (Mac).
3. Click View Side by Side (Windows) or Split View (Mac).
4. Outlook will automatically split the reading pane from the folder pane. To split between two emails, select two emails while holding Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac), then click View Side by Side again.

If you want a horizontal split instead of vertical, look for the Arrange dropdown and choose Split Horizontal or Split Vertical. You can also drag the divider line to resize the panes.

Using Split Screen in Outlook on the Web

Outlook on the web (browser version) doesn’t have a dedicated split-screen button, but you can achieve a similar effect by opening an email in a new browser tab and resizing the tabs side by side. Alternatively, use the New Window option (the pop-out icon) to open an email in a separate window, then drag that window next to your main Outlook tab.

Common Problems and Fixes

Sometimes the split screen doesn’t work as expected. Here are the most frequent issues and how to resolve them:

• Can’t find the View Side by Side button: In newer Outlook versions, the button may be under View > Arrange > View Settings. If you don’t see it, try selecting two emails first.
• Split screen is greyed out: This usually happens when you haven’t selected two items. Make sure you have two emails, calendars, or contacts selected.
• Split screen resets when you restart Outlook: Outlook doesn’t always remember the split layout. You may need to reapply it each time you open the app.
• Split screen not available in Outlook Mobile: The mobile apps (iOS/Android) do not support split-screen viewing. Use the desktop or web version instead.

Alternatives to Split Screen

If split screen isn’t working or you need more flexibility, consider these alternatives:

• Open a second Outlook window: Right-click an email and choose Open in New Window. Then use Windows Snap (Win + Arrow keys) or macOS Split View to place them side by side.
• Use the reading pane: Instead of splitting, set the reading pane to Right or Bottom so you can read an email while still seeing your inbox.
• Use multiple monitors: If you have two screens, drag one Outlook window to each monitor for a true side-by-side view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I split the calendar and email at the same time?

Yes. In the desktop version, go to View > Arrange > View Side by Side while you have a calendar and an email open. You can also drag the calendar to the other pane.

Does split screen work in Outlook 365?

Yes, Outlook 365 (desktop) supports split screen. The feature is available in the same View tab. The web version doesn’t have a built-in split, but you can use browser tabs.

Why is my split screen showing the same email twice?

That happens when you select the same email twice. Make sure you select two different emails by holding Ctrl (or Cmd) and clicking each one.

Can I save my split screen layout as a default?

Outlook doesn’t have a built-in way to save split layouts permanently. You can create a custom view in the View tab, but it won’t remember the split position after restarting.

How do I turn off split screen?

Go to View > Arrange and click Normal (or Reset View). This will return Outlook to a single-pane layout.

Final Tips for Using Split Screen Effectively

To get the most out of split screen, remember these tips:

• Use the Ctrl+Click method to select two emails quickly.
• Drag the divider to give more space to the email you’re reading.
• If you’re comparing two long emails, use the horizontal split to see more lines.
• On a small laptop screen, consider using the reading pane instead of split to save space.

Split screen in Outlook is a simple but powerful tool once you know where to find it. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, or the web, there’s a way to view two things at once and boost your productivity.

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