AutoPreview vs. Preview Pane

What is the difference between “AutoPreview” and “Preview Pane”. These are settings in your Outlook under View. Does it matter which one I use?

“AutoPreview” shows the Subject and the first few lines of a message. Usually this is enough information to indicate if this is an email to keep or dispose of.

The “Preview Pane” however, is a separate window pane in which you are able to read your entire email without clicking open the email. This may seem convenient, and therefore, many people use this setting. HOWEVER, the danger is this: once an email shows up in the Preview Pane, it IS considered open and therefore, any virus, spam, phish, etc. that was attached TO that email has now been activated – just as if you double-clicked it open. Therefore, we always recommend “AutoPreview” instead.