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Reclaiming Nostalgia: How to Revert to the Classic Outlook

For those of us who’ve spent years, even decades, navigating the familiar landscape of Classic Outlook, the shift to the ‘New Outlook’ can feel a bit like moving into a modern, minimalist apartment when all you craved was the comfort of your well-worn armchair. The streamlined interface and altered workflows, while intended to improve productivity, can sometimes leave you yearning for the simplicity and customizability you were accustomed to. So, how do you reclaim that familiar territory?

Here’s the direct answer: Reverting to the Classic Outlook is generally straightforward, but the specific steps vary depending on which version of Outlook you are currently using and whether you’re referring to the desktop application or the web version.

New Outlook Desktop (Windows 10/11): Look for a toggle switch at the top right corner of the Outlook window, usually labeled “New Outlook” or “New Outlook is On“. Simply toggle this switch off. A prompt will appear asking for feedback (optional), and then Outlook will revert to the classic version.
New Outlook for Mac: The process is similar to the Windows version. Locate the “New Outlook” toggle in the top right corner and switch it off.
Outlook on the Web (OWA): The option to revert to the classic web version of Outlook is becoming less common as Microsoft pushes users toward the new experience. However, if the option is available, it usually resides under the “Settings” menu (the gear icon). Look for an option like “Turn off the new Outlook” or “Return to Classic Outlook“.
Outlook Mobile App: Unfortunately, there is typically no direct way to revert to a classic version of the Outlook mobile app. Updates are generally forced, and older versions are not supported.

Keep in mind that Microsoft is gradually phasing out support for the Classic Outlook in favor of the New Outlook. Therefore, the reversion options described above might not be available indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reverting to Classic Outlook

Here are some common questions users have when trying to revert to the Classic Outlook, along with detailed answers to help you navigate the process:

1. Why Can’t I Find the Toggle Switch to Revert in the New Outlook Desktop App?

The absence of the toggle switch can be frustrating. Here are a few potential reasons:

Microsoft Rollout: The toggle might be part of a phased rollout, meaning it hasn’t reached your account or region yet. Patience is key.
Administrator Restrictions: Your organization’s IT administrator might have disabled the option to revert to Classic Outlook. Contact your IT department for clarification.
Outdated Outlook Version: Ensure you have the latest updates installed for your version of Outlook. Sometimes, missing features are implemented in newer releases.
Account Type: Certain account types (e.g., specific Exchange configurations) might not have the option to revert.

2. Will Reverting to Classic Outlook Delete My Emails or Settings?

No, reverting to Classic Outlook should not delete your emails, contacts, calendar entries, or settings. Your data is stored on the mail server (e.g., Exchange, Outlook.com), not within the Outlook application itself. Reverting simply changes the interface through which you access that data.

3. How Long Can I Continue Using Classic Outlook?

This is a critical question. Microsoft is actively promoting the New Outlook and will eventually phase out support for the Classic version. The exact timeline varies depending on your version of Outlook and the configuration of your organization. It’s crucial to stay informed about Microsoft’s announcements regarding the end of support for Classic Outlook. Be prepared for a forced transition at some point.

4. Is There a Way to Customize the New Outlook to Resemble the Classic Version?

While you can’t completely replicate the Classic Outlook, you can customize the New Outlook to better suit your preferences:

Reading Pane: Adjust the reading pane position (bottom or right) to match your preferred Classic Outlook setup.
Message List: Customize the columns displayed in the message list (e.g., From, Subject, Received).
Themes: Experiment with different themes to find one that is visually appealing and easy on the eyes.
Focused Inbox: If you dislike the Focused Inbox feature, you can disable it to view all your emails in one inbox.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn the new keyboard shortcuts, as some may have changed.

5. How Do I Manage Multiple Email Accounts in the New Outlook?

The New Outlook generally handles multiple email accounts well. You can add accounts via File > Add Account. Once added, each account should appear in the navigation pane on the left. You can easily switch between accounts to view their respective inboxes, calendars, and contacts.

6. The New Outlook is Slow. Will Reverting to Classic Outlook Improve Performance?

Potentially, yes. The New Outlook, especially early versions, can sometimes exhibit performance issues, particularly on older hardware. Classic Outlook tends to be less resource-intensive. Reverting might provide a performance boost, but it’s not guaranteed. Improving hardware or optimizing the New Outlook installation are better long-term solutions.

7. I Am Using Outlook on the Web (OWA). Why Can’t I Find the Option to Revert to the Classic Version?

As mentioned earlier, Microsoft is actively discouraging the use of the Classic OWA. The option to revert might have been removed entirely from your account. If it’s missing, you are likely forced to use the New Outlook interface.

8. Will Add-ins That Worked in Classic Outlook Work in the New Outlook?

Not necessarily. Add-ins designed for Classic Outlook might not be compatible with the New Outlook. The underlying technology for add-ins has changed. You will need to check with the add-in developer to see if they have a version compatible with the New Outlook. Many developers are updating their add-ins, but some older or less popular add-ins might not be supported.

9. Can I Run Classic Outlook and New Outlook Side-by-Side on the Same Computer?

In general, you cannot run Classic Outlook and New Outlook side-by-side for the same email account on the same computer. The New Outlook typically replaces the Classic version when installed, and both programs will attempt to access the same data files, leading to conflicts. However, if you have different email accounts that are supported by different Outlook versions (e.g., one account on New Outlook and another on Classic), you might be able to run them concurrently.

10. What Are the Biggest Differences Between Classic Outlook and New Outlook?

The differences are numerous, but here are some key distinctions:

Interface: The New Outlook boasts a more modern, streamlined interface.
Technology: New Outlook uses a different underlying technology, which impacts add-in compatibility.
Features: Some features might be slightly different or located in different places.
Performance: Performance can vary depending on your hardware and the specific version of Outlook.
Focused Inbox: The New Outlook introduces the Focused Inbox, which automatically filters your emails.

11. What Should I Do if I Experience Problems After Reverting to Classic Outlook?

If you encounter issues after reverting, try the following:

Restart Outlook: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.
Restart Your Computer: A more thorough restart can sometimes fix deeper problems.
Check Your Account Settings: Verify that your email account settings are configured correctly.
Repair Outlook: Use the “Repair” option in the Control Panel (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to repair your Outlook installation.
Reinstall Outlook: As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling Outlook.

12. Microsoft is Forcing Me to Use the New Outlook. What Are My Alternatives?

If Microsoft has removed the option to revert and you strongly dislike the New Outlook, consider these alternatives:

Use a Different Email Client: Explore other email clients like Thunderbird, Mailbird, or eM Client.
Access Your Email Through a Web Browser: Use the web interface of your email provider (e.g., Gmail, Outlook.com).
Adapt and Learn the New Outlook: Invest time in learning the New Outlook and customizing it to your preferences. You might eventually find it more efficient than you initially thought.
Provide Feedback to Microsoft: Let Microsoft know your concerns about the New Outlook. User feedback can influence future updates and improvements.

Reverting to the Classic Outlook can provide temporary relief for users who prefer its familiar interface and functionality. However, it’s essential to understand that this is likely a temporary solution. Microsoft is moving towards the New Outlook, and users will eventually need to adapt. By understanding the options available, the potential limitations, and the long-term trends, you can make informed decisions about your email workflow and prepare for the future of Outlook.