How to preview emails in Outlook 2010 with the Reading Pane

I really like to use the reading pane in Outlook 2010 to preview received emails prior to opening them. I think this option changed in Outlook 2007. I always try to teach new users of Outlook 2010 to use this option. Hopefully it helps them and will help you from accidentally clicking on a malicious link inside a phishing attempt email.

I can remember not that long ago, there was the thought not to use the reading pane as a preview to newly received email. There were a few drive by malware and virus threats that infected computers just by previewing the infected email. I feel that the new anti-virus programs out today will stop the vast majority of these threats. Just make sure that you have your anti-virus application is active on your computer AND up to date. I use an anti-virus program called ESET. What a fabulous application. Not only is it effective, but it does not slow my system down like some other well known applications.

Ok, how do you enable the Reading Pane in Outlook 2010?

1. Open Outlook 2010

2. Click on the View Tab at the top of the screen

3. Click the down arrow on the icon button labeled Reading Pane. You have the option to show the Reading Pane on the Right, Bottom or turn it off.

4. You also have a couple more options as shown below. What you see below is how I have my personal settings.

Pretty straightforward way to setup your Reading pane in Outlook 2010.

Hope this helps someone!

Happy computing!

If you want to know how to automatically save drafts of certain emails … go here 

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