Microsoft is moving users toward new Outlook, but its published guidance does not set one universal date when classic Outlook will stop working. The automatic switches Microsoft describes apply to particular account and license groups. You can often return to classic Outlook, and Microsoft says it will maintain side-by-side use during the transition. Before switching, check whether new Outlook supports the features and organizational workflows you rely on.
Is Microsoft getting rid of classic Outlook?
Microsoft is encouraging a transition from classic Outlook for Windows to new Outlook, including automatic-switch experiences for some users. That is not the same as announcing a single end-of-support date for every Outlook version, license, update channel, and organization. The rollout dates below describe Microsoft’s specified experiences; they do not mean classic Outlook stops working for everyone on those dates. See Microsoft’s guidance on the move to new Outlook for its current terms.
Who may be switched automatically, and when?
Microsoft’s guidance describes two rollout groups, with eligibility depending on more than the date. It says some users receive in-app notifications before an automatic switch; eligible users who receive automatic Office updates may have new Outlook downloaded and installed automatically.
| Microsoft’s stated rollout | Who the description covers | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Starting October 2024 | Some classic Outlook users with personal accounts | Microsoft lists criteria involving the Microsoft identity used for classic Outlook email accounts, the Office account user identity, and a license associated with a personal subscription product such as Microsoft 365 Personal or Family. The date alone does not establish eligibility. |
| Starting January 2025 | Classic Outlook users on the Current Channel with a Business plan | Microsoft says these users would receive a series of in-app notifications before an automatic switch. This is not a universal date for all business or organizational users. |
Microsoft says enterprise work or school users and some personal-account users were not included in the described automatic switch at that time. Because eligibility and rollout depend on account, license, channel, and organizational settings, check Microsoft’s current guidance or ask your IT administrator rather than inferring status from the dates alone.
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Can you stop the automatic switch or go back?
If you are eligible for an automatic switch, Microsoft’s documented opt-out is in classic Outlook: File > Options > General > New Outlook options. Clear Automatically switch me to new Outlook. Microsoft notes that this setting may not appear if you are not currently eligible for an automatic switch.
Microsoft also says users can return to classic Outlook from new Outlook. The exact control can depend on the app version and rollout, so use the return-to-classic option shown in new Outlook if it is available. If the app is managed by your organization, its policies may affect which options you see.
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Will new Outlook support the features you need?
New Outlook is not feature-identical to classic Outlook, but it is also not accurate to say that it lacks every familiar feature. Microsoft’s feature comparison between new and classic Outlook uses statuses including available, partially available, not supported, under investigation, and upcoming; Microsoft says the list is not exhaustive. The matrix was last updated September 23, 2026, and some capabilities depend on account type or an eligible Microsoft 365 subscription.
| Workflow or feature | Microsoft’s status for new Outlook | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Offline support | Partially available; matrix status update dated August 2026 | Confirm that the specific offline tasks you need work before relying on new Outlook without connectivity. |
| PST files | Partially available | Microsoft notes support for importing mail, calendar events, contacts, and tasks, while some classic Outlook capabilities remain unavailable. Test your archive workflow rather than assuming full parity. |
| COM add-ins and Outlook Object Model (OOM) | Not supported | If a business process or add-in depends on COM or OOM, keep classic Outlook available until you have a compatible alternative. |
| Web add-ins | Available | Check that the particular add-in you use is a web add-in and that it meets your organization’s requirements. |
| Access to files on a network share | Not supported | Verify a different approved way to attach or access shared files before changing your daily workflow. |
| Custom forms | Not supported | Confirm whether your team depends on custom forms and plan to keep using classic Outlook if it does. |
Before switching your primary workflow, list the functions you use every week: offline access, PST archives, add-ins, custom forms, network-share files, and organization-specific policies. Check the live matrix for each one, since Microsoft can update feature availability.
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Microsoft says you can keep both versions available while evaluating new Outlook and use classic Outlook for tasks that are not yet supported in the new app. It says it intends to maintain side-by-side use during the transition: “Microsoft will maintain the ability to run both classic and new Outlook side-by-side, so that you can learn the new Outlook while staying productive.”
- Try the in-app switch. In classic Outlook, use the Try the new Outlook toggle if it appears. Availability can depend on account eligibility and organization settings.
- Use Microsoft’s other listed installation routes. Microsoft lists a Microsoft Store download and preinstalled versions on eligible Windows devices as ways to try new Outlook.
- Keep both apps accessible. Pin classic Outlook and new Outlook to Start or the taskbar so you can open the appropriate version for each task.
- Test your real workflows. Try the accounts, archives, add-ins, and organizational tasks you use routinely; return to classic Outlook when a required workflow is not available in new Outlook.
Microsoft says most accounts are supported, including Microsoft accounts, organization-assigned work or school accounts, and third-party Gmail, Yahoo, and iCloud accounts through IMAP. Account eligibility and organization settings can affect availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to keep classic Outlook on a new PC
Many new Windows devices have new Outlook preinstalled without classic Outlook. That absence does not, by itself, mean classic Outlook has ended for existing users. Microsoft’s instructions for downloading and installing classic Outlook on a Windows PC provide a publisher download route for a standalone version. Follow the current instructions and confirm that your account or license supports the version you intend to install.
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