Outlook Web App (OWA) Display Preferences

Common Display Settings – Standard Outlook Web App

By default, Outlook Web App (OWA) uses Conversation View in all email folders. It is not currently possible to disable Conversation View for all email folders in OWA at once; only one email folder at a time. If all folders need to be updated, it is suggested to switch accounts from Outlook Web App Standard to Outlook Web App Light, which does not include Conversation View. Instructions for switching to Outlook Web App Light can be found in the Display Mail like Previous Outlook Versions – Outlook Web App Light section below.

Disable Default Conversation View Per Folder

1. Log in to OWA at https://owa.twu.edu.​
2. At the top left of the page, choose Mail, or click the app launcher icon (appears as nine squares in the shape of a larger square).
3. Choose a folder. Once clicked, it will become highlighted and a conversation list will appear in the right Reading Pane.
4. Click All.
5. Under View as, choose Messages.
6. Repeat this process for other folders.

Change Colors, Look and Feel of Standard OWA

1. Log in to OWA at https://owa.twu.edu.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Click Change theme.
4. Choose a new color scheme or pattern.
5. Click OK.​

Other Display Settings for Mail

Use the display settings to control the appearance of the message list, reading pane, and conversation view.

1. Log in to OWA at https://owa.twu.edu.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Click Display settings.
4. Under Display settings, choose between Reading pane, Message list, or Conversations.
   1. Message list - Normally, Outlook Web App shows three lines of information for each message in the inbox: sender, subject, and part of the first line of text. Use this option to show the sender or subject first, and show or hide the preview line.
   2. Conversations - Show newest or oldest items on top, and show or hide deleted items.
   3. Reading pan – Determine reading pane preferences.
5. Choose desired preferences and click OK.
6. To view changes, log out and close the browser before logging in again.

Display Mail like Previous Outlook Versions – Outlook Web App Light

The light version of Outlook Web App works with older web browsers that are not supported by the standard version of Outlook Web App, provides a simplified interface that's easier to use with screen readers, connects easily with slower internet speeds, and displays mail in a traditional fashion similar to previous versions of Outlook. Please note that the light version of Outlook Web App has fewer features than the standard version of Outlook Web App.

1. Log in to OWA at https://owa.twu.edu.
2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Click Options.
4. Choose General > Light version.
5. Select the Use the light version of Outlook check box.
6. Click Save.
7. To view changes, log out and close the browser before logging in again.

See Getting Started in Outlook Web App - Outlook

For additional support, contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971, servicedesk@twu.edu, techchat.twu.edu, or submit a request through the Technology Service Catalog.

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