Microsoft is gradually moving everyone from classic Outlook — the version that’s been around for decades — to new Outlook for Windows. If your Outlook suddenly looks different, or you’ve seen a “Try the new Outlook” toggle, here’s what you need to know.
Which one do I have?
- Classic Outlook has a File tab at the top left, and a big ribbon of buttons.
- New Outlook has no File tab, a simpler toolbar, and a cog (Settings) icon at the top right. It looks almost identical to Outlook on the web.
If you see a New Outlook toggle switch at the top right, its position tells you which you’re using.
What’s different?
| New Outlook | Classic Outlook | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Clean, modern, same as Outlook on the web | Traditional ribbon with lots of buttons |
| Speed | Generally faster to start | Can be slower, especially with big mailboxes |
| Account types | Microsoft 365, Outlook.com, Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, IMAP | All, including POP accounts |
| Extra features | Pin, Snooze, Undo send, My Day | Quick Steps, Quick Parts, full rules wizard |
| Add-ins | Web add-ins only | Older COM add-ins (e.g. some CRM and PDF tools) |
| Offline | Limited offline support | Full offline access |
| PST files | Limited support | Full support |
| Mail merge to email | Not supported | Supported |
| Cost | Free with Windows | Comes with Microsoft 365 / Office |
Try new Outlook
In classic Outlook, click the New Outlook toggle at the top right. Outlook sets up the new app with your accounts. You can switch back at any time — your email isn’t affected, because it’s all stored on the server.
New Outlook may also already be on your computer as the Outlook (new) app in the Start menu.
Switch back to classic Outlook
In new Outlook:
- Click the New Outlook toggle at the top right to turn it off, or go to Help > Go to classic Outlook (or Settings > General > About Outlook, depending on your version).
- Classic Outlook opens. Microsoft may ask why you’re switching back — you can skip the survey.
If you don’t see the toggle, search the Start menu for Outlook (classic).
Note: Some organisations control which version people use. If you can’t switch, ask IT.
Should I switch?
New Outlook is a good fit if:
- You mainly read and send email and use the calendar.
- You use Gmail or iCloud alongside your work account.
- You like a simpler, cleaner look.
Stay on classic for now if:
- You rely on an add-in that only works in classic Outlook.
- You use PST files, POP accounts, or mail merge to email.
- You need to work offline a lot.
How long will classic Outlook be around?
Microsoft has said it will support classic Outlook until at least 2029, so there’s no need to rush. But new Outlook is where new features are going, so it’s worth trying.
Wrapping up
Look for the File tab to tell which version you have. Use the New Outlook toggle to try it — and turn it off again if something you need isn’t there yet. Your email stays exactly the same either way.
