the way my email displays has changed. How do i change it back

In Classic Outlook for Windows, the inbox view can be restored by adjusting the layout and reading pane so sender and subject are clearly visible.

Use these steps:

1. Turn on and position the Reading Pane
   1. In Classic Outlook, go to the View tab.
   2. Select Reading Pane.
   3. Choose Right or Bottom so messages open in the main window instead of popping out.
2. Adjust how messages are shown in the list
   1. Still on the View tab, check options such as View Settings (if available in the ribbon) to ensure the standard columns (From, Subject, Received) are visible.
   2. If the message list looks compressed or missing preview text, change the layout or density settings so sender and subject are easier to read. In Outlook on the web and Outlook.com this is under Settings > Mail > Layout, where display density and message list format can be adjusted; Classic Outlook offers similar control via the View tab.
3. Control when items are marked as read (optional) If messages are being marked read/unread differently than before, adjust the Reading Pane behavior:
   1. Select File > Options.
   2. Choose Mail.
   3. In the Outlook panes section, select Reading Pane.
   4. Choose:
      • Mark items as read when viewed in the Reading Pane and set the number of seconds, or
      • Mark item as read when selection changes.
   5. Select OK to save.

If the change happened in Outlook.com or Outlook on the web instead of the desktop app, restore the view by:

1. At the top of the page, select Settings > Mail > Layout.
2. Under Display density and related layout options, choose a style (such as Roomy or Cozy) that shows sender images and message preview text (sender, subject, and part of the first line).
3. Use Filter at the top of the message list to adjust how email is sorted.

These steps restore a clear list showing senders and subjects similar to the previous layout.

References:

• Change how the message list is displayed in Outlook
• Change the look of your mailbox in Outlook.com and Outlook on the web
• Display settings for mail
• How to change marking read without having to do the pop up window? (Classic Outlook for Windows) - Microsoft Q&A
• Get help with Outlook.com