Outlook is available in several forms on Windows, and this obviously does not please Microsoft, which intends to standardize all of this by only offering the latest Web version of its messaging.
Microsoft has a problem with too many Outlook applications. There’s classic Outlook (Win32), which is the full-featured desktop app, and there’s Mail and Calendar (UWP and modern), which is the lightweight app that ships with Windows 10 and 11. And now there’s Outlook (new version), which is a web-based email client that runs on the Edge browser.
Microsoft’s goal is to unify all Outlook applications into a single web application, but it’s not about to force anyone to switch right away. The new version of Outlook for Windows will eventually become the default application for all users, but the transition process will be gradual and transparent.
Also read – Outlook: Install the latest update immediately if you don’t want a hacker to steal your password
When will the classic Outlook application disappear?
Microsoft has already defined the following phases for the migration:
- Opt-In : This is the current phase, where users can choose to use the new Outlook or classic Outlook by toggling the switch in the app.
- General availability : the new Outlook will be ready for all users and will have all the features and functionalities of classic Outlook. Users can always go back to classic Outlook if they want.
- Opt-Out : The new Outlook will be the default application for new customers who sign up for Outlook and download the application on Windows. Existing customers will still have the option to use the classic Outlook app if they choose.
- Transition : the new Outlook will be the only application for all customers, and classic Outlook will no longer be available. However, Microsoft will give users at least 12 months’ notice before this phase, so that they can get used to the new Outlook.
Microsoft assured users that Classic Outlook would remain supported until 2029 and that he wouldn’t force anyone to use the new Outlook before it was ready. However, the classic Outlook system may no longer benefit from new features as Microsoft focuses on the new web client-based Outlook system. The new Outlook for Windows is expected to enter the general availability phase in October, and the transition phase in 2025 or 2026.