The new Outlook is set to replace Mail, Calendar & People apps in Windows next year.
Beginning 2024 Windows 11 PCs will ship with new Outlook as the default mail client.
For existing Mail users on Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft will begin auto-migrating to the new Outlook from September 2023, with an option to revert if users so wish. The legacy apps will be available until the end of 2024 when they will no longer be supported and removed from the Microsoft store.
This change will not affect Microsoft 365 users who use the Outlook desktop app.
So what's the difference between Mail and new Outlook?
New Outlook isn't actually a new standalone desktop application, it's a re-worked version of the web-based Outlook. It's a web-based app, so it doesn't support working offline, which may be an issue for some.
New Outlook does pack plenty of brilliant new features and we think it's a big improvement on the Windows Mail app, it's just not quite yet on the same level as the existing Outlook 365 desktop app.
Read more about the new app here - Getting started with the new Outlook for Windows
Can I try it?
Yes, both Windows Mail and Outlook users can try the new Outlook by toggling the button in their current email client
For previous Windows Mail users we think it's a nice upgrade, it's packed with new features and it supports all the most popular mail platforms and protocols.
Existing Outlook users looking to try it out might feel a little short changed, but remember this isn't replacing your paid-for Outlook 365 application, the new web-based Outlook will be the free Windows mail client going forward.
So how do I go back?
As much as we are a champion for Microsoft's products and services, we don't think new Outlook is quite right for business users just yet.
So if you're an existing Outlook user then we'd suggest you stick with it for now. Better the devil you know!
The good news is if you clicked to try the new Outlook and now regret that decision then you can simply toggle the switch to go back. But remember, if you're a Windows Mail user then it's days are numbered!
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