By default, when you start Outlook, the inbox of the first email account you added is automatically opened. However, that may not be the email folder you use most.

You can choose a different folder in that account or in a different account when Outlook opens. Maybe you created a rule to move email from a specific person or company into a folder and you want to access that folder automatically when you open Outlook. Or, maybe you want to open an inbox from an account you added recently. We’ll show you how to select which folder opens automatically.

To get started, click the ā€œFileā€ tab on the main Outlook window.

On the backstage screen, click ā€œOptionsā€ in the list of items on the left.

On the Options dialog box, click ā€œAdvancedā€ in the list of items on the left.

In the Outlook start and exit section on the right, click the ā€œBrowseā€ button to the right of the ā€œStart Outlook in this folderā€ box.

On the Select Folders dialog box, all your accounts are listed with their respective folders under them. Select any folder from any account and click the ā€œOKā€ button.

Click the ā€œOKā€ button on the Options dialog box.

Now, when you open Outlook, your chosen folder will open automatically.

Profile Photo for Lori Kaufman Lori Kaufman
Lori Kaufman is a technology expert with 25 years of experience. She's been a senior technical writer, worked as a programmer, and has even run her own multi-location business.
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