Set the toggle switches underPreview textandImage previewtoOff.

SelectView all Outlook settingsin theSettingsmenu.

Select theLayouttab, and then selectHide reading paneunderReading Pane.

Select Settings gear in the bottom-left area of the Mail app.

Scroll down and selectHide preview textunderMessage Preview Text.

SelectOfffrom the drop-down menu.

The message list pane will expand to fill the available space.

Select Message List in the Settings menu.

SelectView>Message Preview>Offto hide the preview text that appears under the message subject.

Set the toggle switches under Preview text and Image preview to Off.

Select Settings gear in the top-right area of Outlook.com.

Select View all Outlook settings in the Settings menu.

Select the Layout tab and select Hide reading pane under Reading Pane.

Scroll down and select Hide preview text under Preview Message Text.

Outlook 2016 View and Reading Pane menu selections

Outlook 2016 Reading Pane dropdown with Off selected

Outlook 2016 with Reading Pane turned off