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Import settings from classic Outlook
Settings import is a setup step, and Microsoft says it works only when cloud settings storage is enabled in classic Outlook first.
- In classic Outlook, go to File > Options > General.
- Select Store my Outlook settings in the cloud (requires restarting Outlook), then restart classic Outlook.
- Switch to New Outlook and choose Import Settings when prompted during setup. New Outlook then proceeds to add accounts; availability of account types can vary.
If you skipped the prompt or the import did not complete, in New Outlook open Settings > Accounts > Your accounts. Select Manage beside the top-most, primary email account, then choose Get Started. Microsoft’s instructions are in Import settings and install add-ins on new Outlook for Windows.
Which settings come across
Microsoft lists a specific set of mail and calendar preferences, not a full clone of every classic Outlook option.
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Add-ins are a separate consideration
For applicable existing COM add-ins, Microsoft says New Outlook installs web add-in counterparts; existing web add-ins remain installed. A counterpart may have different permissions or privacy terms. An administrator can block add-in installation, including through Exchange Online roles governing custom apps and marketplace apps. See Microsoft’s add-in and settings guidance.
Choose how to handle a PST file
A PST can serve two different purposes in New Outlook: copy selected items from it into a mailbox, or keep the PST attached as a separate data file that you browse. These are distinct workflows.
| Your goal | New Outlook path | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Copy PST items into a mailbox | Settings > Data files > Import > Outlook Data File (.pst) > Get started > Select file | You select source folders, duplicate handling, destination account, and destination folder; the selected items are imported into the mailbox. |
| Keep the PST available as a separate data file | Settings > Data files > Outlook Data Files > Add file | Browse to and open the PST so it remains available to browse separately in Outlook. |
Microsoft’s PST import instructions describe copying items, not attaching the source file as a separate data file. The page notes that exporting to a PST makes a copy; it does not delete the information from Outlook.
Requirements for opening a PST separately
Before using Add file, confirm the documented prerequisites in Microsoft’s instructions for opening an Outlook Data File:
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- Classic Outlook is installed on the same computer.
- Classic and New Outlook use matching architecture: 32-bit with 32-bit, or 64-bit with 64-bit.
- The account in New Outlook has a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- New Outlook is a non-ARM version and is not running in Safe or Recovery mode.
Move locally stored contacts with a CSV
Contacts already synced to an account may appear after switching. If contacts saved only in classic Outlook’s local Contacts folder are missing, export them and import the CSV into New Outlook’s People app.
- In classic Outlook, choose File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Comma Separated Values.
- Select Contacts (This computer only) under the relevant account, then save the CSV file.
- In New Outlook, open People > Import contacts, select the CSV, and import it.
Microsoft recommends UTF-8 encoding. If names or other text look incorrect in the import preview, cancel, convert the CSV to UTF-8, and retry. See Microsoft’s CSV contact import and export instructions.
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Check feature support before leaving classic Outlook
Settings import does not guarantee that every classic feature or its data will work the same way in New Outlook. Microsoft’s feature comparison, last updated September 23, 2026, marks PST support as partially available, Rules Import/Export as unsupported, and rules overall as partially available. If rules or another feature is essential, check its specific entry in the New Outlook and classic Outlook feature comparison rather than assuming it will transfer.
For account setup and the first-run import prompt, consult Microsoft’s Start using new Outlook for Windows guide.
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