Microsoft recently launched New Outlook – a new version of its flagship email client that is set to gradually replace the classic Outlook app used by millions of users worldwide. With its refreshed interface and modern features, the new version of Outlook has left current users with mixed feelings. While some praise its modern design and better integration with cloud services, others point out the lack of many features from the classic version. So, does “new” in this case mean “better”? What has been added and improved, and what has changed or not been included in the new version (at least for now)? What are Microsoft’s plans for the classic version?
Outlook, introduced by Microsoft in 1997 as part of Microsoft Office 97, has remained the most popular email client in the world for over a quarter of a century. Originally designed as an email manager, it has evolved over time into a comprehensive email, calendar, contacts, and task management tool. Today, the classic version of Outlook (Classic Outlook) is an integral part of the Microsoft 365 suite, available as both a desktop application and a web service. It was the latter that inspired the new Outlook (New Outlook), which Microsoft released in 2023 as a preview version and made it available to all commercial users in August 2024. It appeared quite discreetly, in the form of a toggle in the upper right corner of the application. After toggling it on, the email client reloads, and the new version of Outlook appears.
Key features of the new Outlook
By introducing the new version, the Redmond giant set itself the goal of creating a uniform, coherent experience for users - regardless of whether they use the application on a computer or via a browser. It is no wonder that the new Outlook looks very similar to the browser version. You could even say that it is a web version "wrapped" in an application. However, the simplified interface is not just a cosmetic change - the modernization of the appearance results primarily from the desire to increase the efficiency and speed of the application and its simplicity of use. A clear layout dominates, consistent with other Microsoft 365 services, and the sidebar provides quick access to the most important features.
In terms of integration, the new Outlook offers better than ever collaboration with Microsoft 365 services. In the case of Microsoft Teams, this includes directly starting conversations and meetings from email messages. Collaboration in real time on attachments via OneDrive has also become smoother, and the ability to pin important messages and create task lists directly from emails improves work organization.
Search, which has always been Outlook's strong point, has been significantly improved – the engine also uses artificial intelligence (AI) to better understand the context of queries.
Advantages of classic Outlook
Not to make things too rosy – the new Outlook lacks many features that may prove crucial and impact the user's final decision whether to use it or stick with the classic version. The classic Outlook "draws" on the traditional look and habits of users, which does not change the fact that it also has many features that increase productivity. Although generally available – the new Outlook is still being developed by Microsoft. Therefore, not everything works, not all features are available – at least at the time of writing this article. The reasons that currently convince to stick with the classic version of the email client and not switch to the new one include:
- no possibility to work offline – in the new Outlook it is also possible, but in a situation when we already have it running. When we do not have an internet connection and the new Outlook is turned off, a problem occurs, because we cannot turn it on.
- inability to use local .pst files (upcoming).
- no support for user profiles (upcoming).
- no ability to customize the order of e-mail accounts (under investigation) – dragging does notork, you cannot decide which account should be at the very top in the app.
- no support for server infrastructure (under investigation) – if the company has a local Exchange Server On-Premises mail server, the new Outlook client will not support it.
- no COM add-ins – add-ins that extend the standard functionality of Outlook.
- no support for VBA macros.
- no "Quick Parts" feature (under investigation) - one of the key feature that allows you to streamline everyday email writing.
It is worth mentioning, however, that Microsoft is already working on many of them to make them available in the latest version of Outlook – hence the "upcoming" and "under investigation" additions. The current status and tabular features comparison are worth following on the producer’s website.
New Outlook vs classic Outlook – comparison
Moving on to the comparison thread – there are differences between the solutions, but Microsoft is constantly eliminating them. Yes, it has withdrawn from some functions completely – the new Outlook does not support VBA macros or COM add-ins – however, it is working on many to make the transition from classic Outlook to new Outlook as painless as possible. However, if you want to try a comparison, it is worth dividing them into areas.
User interface:
New Outlook:
- Modern, simple interface.
- Simplified layout with refreshed colors.
- Better integration with Windows 11.
- Fewer options on the toolbar, more emphasis on simplicity and performance.
Classic Outlook:
- Classic interface with multiple windows and features in toolbars.
- More available options and advanced settings visible briefly.
Performance and system resources:
New Outlook:
- Optimized for better performance, especially on modern computers and mobile devices.
- Use fewer system resources, offering smoother experience for large email inboxes.
Classic Outlook:
- It can be more resource-intensive, especially when working with large mailboxes or many applications open at the same time.
Technical requirements:
New Outlook:
- Requires a permanent Internet connection to run. If the connection is lost during work, it allows offline work.
Classic Outlook:
- It can work offline, supports local .pst files.
Calendar management:
New Outlook:
- Simplified management options, basic sharing features.
Classic Outlook:
- Advanced management features, detailed permissions.
Contact management:
Newy Outlook:
- Basic contact management features.
Classic Outlook:
- Extensive options for categorizing, grouping and managing contacts.
Integration
New Outlook:
- Great integration with Microsoft 365 cloud services.
Classic Outlook:
- Support for COM add-ins.
Personalization:
New Outlook:
- Limited interface customization options.
Classic Outlook:
- Extensive view and layout customization options.
Rules and automation:
New Outlook:
- Basic rules of sorting and categorization.
Classic Outlook:
- Advanced rules and automation options.
Archiving:
New Outlook:
- Archiving in the cloud.
Classic Outlook:
- Supports local archiving and .pst files creation.
Search:
New Outlook:
- Fast, real-time search with AI.
Classic Outlook:
- Standard search options with advanced filters.
Security:
New Outlook:
- Integrated Microsoft 365 security.
Classic Outlook:
- Ability to configure own security settings.
Add-ins:
New Outlook:
- Limited number of compatible add-ins.
Classic Outlook:
- Broad compatibility with existing add-ins.
When it comes to features comparison, it is worth noting the following differences:
| Feature | CLASSIC OUTLOOK | NEW OUTLOOK |
| Exchange (on-prem and on-prem ADFS) | Available | Under investigation |
| Multiple mail profiles | Available | Upcoming |
| Shared mailbox as accounts | Available | Upcoming |
| Shared mailbox – archive | Available | Upcoming |
| Shared mailbox – delegate access | Available | Partially available |
| Custom forms | Available | Not supported |
| Offline support | Available | Partially available |
| .PST support | Available | Upcoming |
| Themes | Partially available | Available |
| What`s new | Not supported | Available |
| VBA Macro | Available | Not supported |
| In-person events | Not supported | Available |
| Follow meetings | Not supported | Available |
| Meeting recap | Not supported | Available |
| Preserved declined meetings | Not supported | Available |
| Setting to auto-decline if attendee’s calendar shows as busy | Available | Upcoming |
| Work hours and location on the calendar | Not supported | Upcoming |
| Chat with Copilot | Not supported | Available |
| Schedule a meeting with Copilot from an email thread | Not supported | Available |
| COM add-ins | Available | Not supported |
| MAPI | Available | Not supported |
| Favorite groups, people, categories | Not supported | Available |
| Folder reorder | Available | Upcoming |
| Public folders | Available | Partially available |
| Conditional formatting | Available | Partially available |
| Copilot | Partially available | Available |
| Delay send rule | Available | Under investigation |
| .MSG support | Available | Partially available |
| Pin messages | Not supported | Available |
| Quick Parts | Available | Under investigation |
| Voting buttons | Available | Not supported |
| Contact Categories | Not supported | Available |
| File tab | Not supported | Available |
| Teams tab | Not supported | Available |
| File answers | Not supported | Available |
| Calendar answer | Not supported | Available |
| S/MIME | Available | Upcoming |
What future awaits the classic version of Outlook?
Despite the differences, Microsoft is working to replace the classic version of Outlook with a new one. The changes are still being ironed out, so it seems that it is only a matter of time. Unless Microsoft changes its mind because that is also a possibility. So when will the support for classic Outlook end? For now, the classic version of Outlook will be supported until 2029. However, it is worth knowing that starting January 2025, Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Business Premium users will be automatically migrated from the classic version to the new Outlook for Windows. The user will receive in-app notification before the migration but also has the option to return to the previous version. What's more, if any of the currently missing features in the new Outlook are critical blockers for the company's business, the administrator has many options for blocking the use of the new Outlook.
New Outlook – give it a try (and time)
Does new mean better? Reading numerous discussion forums, it should be diplomatically stated that for now it certainly does not. There is too much missing. Some features are crucial for many users, and the New Outlook, for now, does not have them yet. Let's hope that Microsoft will introduce them in time. The statuses of features that are considered or are to be added are constantly updated in Microsoft documentation. Therefore, it is worth checking it from time to time and checking what has changed. To sum up – Classic Outlook offers more extensive functionality for advanced users, especially in managing rules, calendar, .pst files and customizing the interface. New Outlook focuses on simplicity, integration with Microsoft 365 cloud services and improved performance, but at the cost of losing some advanced options. For the moment.
If you are wondering whether the New Outlook is for you, you have some doubts or you are looking for answers to specific questions – do not wait, contact us and arrange a free consultation with our expert who will provide you with the necessary information.
