New Outlook Vs Classic Outlook

If your Outlook has all of a sudden started looking a little different, then you're not alone.

New Outlook has been out for a while now, but from January 2025, Microsoft has started forcing 365 users onto it, even though Outlook (Classic) will be supported for at least another 4 years.

New Outlook has come a long way since it's launch, it's got some nice features, but still has some key differences. Whether it's right for you will depend how you currently use Outlook.

But fear not, if you don't like New Outlook and want to rollback then scroll down to find out how.

Why use New Outlook?

Microsoft’s new Outlook aims to modernize the email experience with an updated look, improved speed and better integrations. Here’s what you can expect.

A Modern Interface

The new Outlook offers a sleek, modern design. Microsoft has focused on a streamlined layout, making it easier to find what you need without distraction. This cleaner interface brings Outlook in line with other Office 365 tools, giving you a consistent look across platforms.

The similarity between the look and feel of the new Outlook and Outlook Online, the web browser version, is no accident.

New Features

New Outlook has some great new features like advanced integration with Copilot (license required), Pinning emails, Snooze emails, Scheduled Send, Undo Send...

Improved Performance

Microsoft has worked hard to make the new Outlook faster. Reduced load times and smoother transitions between emails and folders mean you can work more efficiently.

Enhanced Integrations

With the new Outlook, integrations with other Office apps—like Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint—are better than ever. Microsoft is increasingly focused on making Outlook the centre of your productivity hub, with easier access to contacts, files and calendar events from within the app.

Why stick with Outlook (Classic)?

Outlook (Classic) remains popular for a reason. If you’ve been using it for years, you know it’s reliable and feature-rich. Many features and integrations present in Outlook (Classic) are not the same or missing from New Outlook. The biggest gripe we see is with shared mailboxes, which appear very differently in New Outlook.

Here’s why some people still prefer Outlook (Classic).

Trusted Layout and Navigation

If you’re comfortable with the old Outlook layout, switching can be challenging. The old version’s familiar navigation, icons and folder setup make it easy to find what you need—especially if you’ve developed a workflow over time.

Reliable Compatibility

The old Outlook is known for its compatibility with various add-ins, plugins and third-party tools. If your business relies on custom integrations, the old version might be more stable for your needs, or indeed the only option at present.

Just take me back please!

If you've migrated to the New Outlook and didn't want to, then it's really easy to go back to Outlook (Classic).

Just toggle off the switch in the top right corner and you will be taken back to Outlook (Classic).

What about the future?

New Outlook will continue to grow and improve as Microsoft listen to user feedback and add features that aren't currently there. In time New Outlook will become the best email client to use, but right now, that depends on how you use Outlook (Classic) and whether you're ready to embrace the change.