Set Reading Pane to light/dark mode as default when Switch Background is used
When switching emails/views in Outlook, light mode set as background doesn't stay as a default option and reverts back to dark mode.

128 comments
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NI Bo commented
I suggest it can be an option in the config page so that user can decide the behavior of reading pane when switch background is used.
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Jan commented
It's now fixed so y'all can remove your votes and vote for something different. This shouldn't be so high on the start page anymore
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Andrea commented
I have the 16.29 update but it did not work for me until I went to Outlook, Preferences, General and disabled dark mode, and then re-enabled it.
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Mark Rash commented
I finally got the 16.29 update today and this looks great. Thanks for making the fix!
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Tyler Boggs commented
Can confirm, Outlook update 16.29 for Macs on Mojave (10.14.6) fixed this issue.
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Anonymous commented
When I checked for updates it said there were none so I had to join the Office insider program from within Outlook and Choose 'Office Insider Fast' which then installed an update which fixed the issue...Finally!
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Chris Stowe commented
ITS FIXED! Yahoo! :) v16.19
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Anonymous commented
this looks like ******* ***.. stop trying to better your gargbage ******* products and leave the **** alone that actually works.. you have so few wins.. just ******* stop you dumbfucks
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Carlos Sánchez commented
Please "Switch Background" select default for every messages
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Anonymous commented
GOOD NEWS EVERYONE - I've been in touch with Microsoft and they had the following to say:
Thank you for getting back to us. I would like to inform you that we have just received information that the request for setting the reading pane in light mode, permanently has been accepted and the feature is currently rolled out to Insider build. I would suggest to wait for this to be rolled out in Production build, as this is a stable build. Hence, we request to continue keeping Outlook updated to the latest build when available to avail the feature when released.
Once again, I thank you for your co-operation and understanding.
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Anonymous commented
please have a permanent toggle. I prefer the reading pane to be in light mode, while the rest in dark mode. instead of the cumbersome method of clicking on "switch background" button for EVERY email. pretty please. not only that, there is no shortcut for that button as well. so much trackpad traveling just to switch background. please FIX. thank you.
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Anon commented
I can't see any response from the Mac Outlook Team - Please, can you respond and let us know if this going to be addressed? I know it sounds like something trivial but it really does affect productivity. It's great to have the option to toggle the reading pane between light and dark mode but there simply needs to be an option to make dark or light permanent for the reading pane. Thanks
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Doug commented
Users are asking for two dark mode settings: one for overall UI, one for reading emails (preview or opened). I agree, it seems pretty simple — modify the "switch background" toggle to apply *only* to reading (as it now infers), and leave the overall UI dark mode as a separate setting in preferences.
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Anonymous commented
please have a permanent toggle. I prefer the reading pane to be in light mode, while the rest in dark mode. instead of the cumbersome method of clicking on "switch background" button for EVERY email. pretty please. not only that, there is no shortcut for that button as well. so much trackpad traveling just to switch background. please FIX. thank you.
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David Wiltshire commented
I cannot believe that this issue has not been fixed yet. Microsoft, I know your listening - for the love of god - if you are not capable of fixing the dark/light background default preference then immediately issue a patch returning all message previews to light background.
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Roberto commented
Please fix this ASAP
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Anonymous commented
Please do this!
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Jen commented
I like my dark mode global EXCEPT the reading pane. Please offer a permanent toggle for just the reading pane to be light.
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Lucy commented
109 comments and still no fix? so disappointing (again) with a Microsoft for Mac product... tsk tsk.
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Erwin van Lun commented
yes, what I actually want is the option 'light background' for reading emails. For the listing etc, a dark background is ok or me.