Task pane
Updated: 04/01/2018 by Computer Hope
The task pane is a Microsoft Office feature found in Office 2002 (Windows XP), Office 2003, and later versions. It enables users to have quick access to common features, information, and commands. By default, the Microsoft task pane opens on the right side of the Office program window.
If you're using an early version of Microsoft Office (without the Ribbon), you can use Ctrl+F1 keyboard shortcut to open the task pane. You may also click the View option in the program menu, and then Task Pane.