Table of Contents

How to Reclaim Your Familiar Territory: Reverting to the Old View in Outlook

Tired of the “new and improved” Outlook interface? Yearning for the simplicity and familiarity of the classic Outlook view? You’re not alone. Many users, after being automatically or reluctantly upgraded, find themselves struggling to adapt to the changes. The good news is, in many cases, you can revert to the old Outlook view. The path back to the familiar, however, depends heavily on the version of Outlook you’re using and whether you’re dealing with the desktop application, Outlook on the web, or the new Outlook for Windows. Let’s break it down.

The most direct answer is this: If you are using the desktop version of Outlook (Outlook for Microsoft 365, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016), look for a toggle switch in the upper-right corner of the Outlook window labeled “New Outlook.” Simply turn this toggle off. You will be prompted to provide feedback (optional) and Outlook will relaunch in the classic view.

If you don’t see this toggle, your reversion options become more nuanced and potentially limited. Here’s a deeper dive:

Understanding the Reversion Landscape

Before we delve into specific methods, let’s clarify the different scenarios you might encounter:

Outlook Desktop Application (Microsoft 365, 2019, 2016): This is the most common scenario where reverting is often possible, at least for now. The toggle switch is your best friend.
Outlook on the Web (OWA): Reverting to a completely “old” version of OWA is typically not possible. Microsoft generally maintains a single, evolving web interface. While customization is possible, a wholesale return to a previous OWA version is unlikely.
New Outlook for Windows: This is a replacement for the Windows Mail, Calendar, and People apps. If you’ve switched to this, it may offer a toggle to revert, but this is increasingly rare as Microsoft pushes users towards the new platform.

Step-by-Step Guides for Reverting

Reverting via the “New Outlook” Toggle (Desktop Application)

This is the easiest and most direct method.

Open Outlook Desktop Application.
Look for the Toggle: In the upper-right corner of the Outlook window, you should see a toggle switch labeled “New Outlook”.
Turn the Toggle Off: Simply click the toggle to switch it to the “Off” position.
Provide Feedback (Optional): Outlook will likely ask you for feedback about why you’re reverting. Providing this information can help Microsoft understand user preferences.
Outlook Relaunches: Outlook will automatically close and relaunch in the classic view.

Reverting from “New Outlook for Windows”

The “New Outlook for Windows” is designed as a replacement for the built-in Windows Mail app and is different from the traditional Outlook desktop application. Reverting options here are becoming more limited:

Check for a Toggle: Look for a toggle, similar to the desktop application, within the “New Outlook for Windows” settings. It might be located under “Settings” or “General.”
If No Toggle Exists: If the toggle is missing, you might need to uninstall the “New Outlook for Windows” app and revert to using the original Windows Mail, Calendar, and People apps.
Uninstalling New Outlook for Windows: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. Find “New Outlook” in the list and uninstall it.

Customizing Outlook on the Web (OWA)

While you can’t completely revert to an older version of OWA, you can customize aspects of the interface:

Access Settings: Click the Settings (gear) icon in the upper-right corner of OWA.
Explore Display Settings: Look for options related to “Display,” “Theme,” “Focused Inbox,” and “Reading Pane.”
Adjust to Your Preferences: Experiment with these settings to tailor the interface to your liking. For example, you can disable “Focused Inbox” to see all emails in one view, change the theme for better readability, and adjust the placement of the reading pane.

Understanding the Future of Outlook

It’s important to recognize that Microsoft is actively pushing users towards the “new” Outlook experiences. While reverting might be possible now, it may become increasingly difficult or impossible in the future. Embracing the changes, while initially challenging, might be necessary in the long run. Take the time to explore the new features and workflows to see if you can adapt to the evolving interface.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 FAQs to further clarify reverting to the old view in Outlook:

1. Why did my Outlook automatically update to the new view?

Microsoft periodically updates its software to introduce new features, improve performance, and enhance security. These updates are often applied automatically to ensure users are running the latest version.

2. Will reverting to the old view delete any of my emails or data?

No. Reverting to the old view does not delete any emails, contacts, calendar events, or other data. It simply changes the user interface. All your data remains stored in your mailbox.

3. The “New Outlook” toggle is missing. What does this mean?

If the toggle is missing, it could mean:

Your organization has disabled the option to revert.
You are using a version of Outlook where the toggle is not available (e.g., an older version).
You are using the “New Outlook for Windows,” and Microsoft has removed the toggle.

4. Can I revert to the old view on my mobile Outlook app?

Reverting to an older version of the Outlook mobile app is typically not possible. Mobile apps are generally updated automatically, and previous versions are not readily available. You can, however, adjust some settings within the app to customize the experience.

5. How long will I be able to revert to the old view?

There’s no definitive answer to this. Microsoft may eventually remove the option to revert completely as they focus on the new Outlook experience. It’s best to be prepared for the possibility that the old view will eventually become unavailable.

6. What are the key differences between the old and new Outlook views?

The differences vary depending on the specific versions, but some common changes include:

User Interface: A redesigned interface with a modern look and feel.
Features: Introduction of new features like My Day, improved search, and enhanced collaboration tools.
Performance: Potential improvements in speed and responsiveness.
Integration: Deeper integration with other Microsoft 365 services.

7. Is there a way to customize the new Outlook view to make it more like the old view?

Yes, to some extent. You can customize aspects of the new Outlook view, such as:

Theme: Change the color scheme and background.
Reading Pane: Adjust the position and size of the reading pane.
Focused Inbox: Disable Focused Inbox to see all emails in one view.
Quick Actions: Customize the quick actions that appear when you hover over an email.

8. My organization has mandated the new Outlook view. Can I still revert?

If your organization has mandated the new Outlook view, it’s likely that the option to revert has been disabled by your IT administrator. In this case, you may not be able to revert to the old view. Contact your IT support for clarification.

9. I’m using Outlook on a Mac. Does the reversion process differ?

The reversion process on Outlook for Mac is generally similar to the Windows desktop application. Look for the “New Outlook” toggle in the upper-right corner and turn it off to revert.

10. Can I install an older version of Outlook to get the old view back?

While technically possible, installing an older version of Outlook is not recommended. Older versions may have security vulnerabilities and may not be compatible with current services. It’s best to use the latest supported version and explore customization options.

11. I reverted to the old view, but Outlook keeps switching back to the new view. Why?

This can happen if your organization has configured Outlook to automatically update to the new view. Check with your IT department to see if they have policies in place that force the new view.

12. Where can I provide feedback to Microsoft about the new Outlook view?

You can provide feedback to Microsoft through the Feedback Hub app in Windows. You can also submit feedback directly within Outlook by clicking the Help > Feedback option. Microsoft uses user feedback to improve its products and services.

By understanding your Outlook version and the options available, you can navigate the transition and, hopefully, reclaim the familiar territory you prefer. Remember to stay informed about Microsoft’s updates and be prepared for potential changes in the future.