How to Change the Outlook Startup Folder

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 “File” tab on the main Outlook window.

On the backstage screen, click “Options” in the list of items on the left.

On the Options dialog box, click “Advanced” in the list of items on the left.

In the Outlook start and exit section on the right, click the “Browse” button to the right of the “Start Outlook in this folder” 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 “OK” button.

Click the “OK” button on the Options dialog box.

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