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If you use Outlook.com (the online version of Outlook) for your email, you may have noticed that emails from the same conversation are automatically grouped together. This feature, called Conversation View, can be convenient for some users but frustrating for others who prefer to see each email as a separate message. Fortunately, it’s easy to disable this setting and prevent Outlook.com from grouping messages together.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to turn off Conversation View on Outlook.com, giving you control over how your emails are displayed.
What is Conversation View?
Conversation View is a feature in Outlook.com that automatically groups emails with the same subject line or thread into a single “conversation.” This is similar to how Gmail organizes emails, allowing users to view multiple replies within the same thread at once. While this can reduce inbox clutter, it can also make it harder to find specific emails, especially if you prefer reviewing messages individually.
If you’d rather see each email as a standalone message, follow these quick steps to disable Conversation View.
How to Turn Off Conversation View in Outlook.com
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Log in to Your Outlook.com Account
Begin by navigating to Outlook.com and logging into your email account. -
Go to Your Inbox
Once you’re logged in, head to your inbox or whichever folder you want to manage. -
Open the Settings Menu
Look for the Settings icon (the gear icon) located at the top-right corner of the page, next to your profile picture. -
Find the Conversation View Option
When the Settings pane opens, scroll down until you see the Message organization section. You should see a toggle for Conversation View with options to turn it on or off. -
Disable Conversation View
To stop Outlook from grouping messages together, select Off. This will immediately change how your emails are displayed in your inbox, showing them as individual messages rather than as part of a conversation. -
Enjoy Your New Inbox Layout
Once you’ve turned off Conversation View, you’ll see your emails displayed in chronological order as separate entries, giving you better control over individual messages.
Bonus Tip: Apply to All Folders
The setting for Conversation View in Outlook.com is folder-specific, meaning you’ll need to repeat this process for other folders (such as Sent Items, Drafts, or custom folders) where you want individual emails to appear separately. Simply navigate to each folder and follow the steps to disable Conversation View.
Why Some Users Prefer to Turn Off Conversation View
While grouping messages by conversation can be useful for tracking ongoing email threads, it isn’t ideal for everyone. Here are some common reasons why users prefer to turn it off:
- Easier email management: Viewing individual emails allows for easier sorting, searching, and managing of your inbox.
- Less confusion: In long email threads, some responses may go unnoticed in Conversation View. By seeing each email separately, you won’t miss out on important replies.
- Simpler organization: For users who rely on folders or categories to organize their emails, having messages grouped together can interfere with their system of organization.
Can You Re-enable Conversation View?
If you find that you prefer the grouped view after trying out the separate email display, you can easily switch back to Conversation View by following the same steps and choosing the On option in the Settings menu.
Conclusion
Whether you prefer the simplicity of standalone emails or like the convenience of grouped conversations, Outlook.com gives you the flexibility to customize how your messages are displayed. Disabling Conversation View is a quick and easy process, giving you full control over your inbox. Now you can decide how best to manage your emails to suit your personal style and workflow.
How to Keep Outlook.com (online) from Grouping Messages Together