MC1066342 – Microsoft Outlook: Updated behavior for switching back from new Outlook to classic Outlook for Windows (archived)

Product:

Exchange, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook

Platform:

Online, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

Feature update, User impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft will update the behavior for switching between new and classic Outlook for Windows. Starting mid-May 2025, new Outlook will stay minimized when switching back to classic Outlook. From early June 2025, users can open classic Outlook without leaving new Outlook. This change requires no admin action and will be automatic.

Details:
Coming soon: We will change how users switch back from new Microsoft Outlook to classic Outlook for Windows to make it easier for users to simultaneously use classic Outlook and new Outlook.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out the default behavior to keep new Outlook minimized after a user switches out of new Outlook in mid-May 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025.
General Availability (Worldwide, GCC): We will begin rolling out an option to open classic Outlook without switching out of new Outlook in early June 2025 and expect to complete by late July 2025.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-05-02

updated:
2025-06-05

Task Type

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Docu to Check

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MS How does it affect me

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MS Preperations

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MS Urgency

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion when switching between new and classic Outlook due to minimized behavior of new Outlook, potentially leading to missed notifications and reminders.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/switch-to-new-outlook-for-windows-f5fb9e26-af7c-4976-9274-61c6428344e7

Increased Support Requests
The change in behavior may lead to an increase in support requests as users adapt to the new switching mechanism, impacting IT support workload.
   - roles: IT Support, Helpdesk Staff
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/switch-to-new-outlook-for-windows-f5fb9e26-af7c-4976-9274-61c6428344e7

Training and Documentation Needs
Organizations may need to update training materials and documentation to reflect the new behavior, which could lead to temporary gaps in user knowledge.
   - roles: Training Coordinators, End Users
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/switch-to-new-outlook-for-windows-f5fb9e26-af7c-4976-9274-61c6428344e7

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

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Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're working on a legal case or managing a team project, and you have two different workspaces on your desk. One is your classic, familiar setup with all your papers and files neatly organized. The other is a new, more modern workspace with digital tools and gadgets. Previously, if you wanted to switch from your classic desk to the new one, you had to pack up everything and move entirely. Now, imagine being able to simply swivel your chair and have both workspaces accessible without having to pack up and move each time.

This is similar to the upcoming changes in Microsoft Outlook for Windows. Starting in mid-2025, when you switch from the new Outlook to the classic version, the new Outlook will just minimize, like tucking away a digital workspace without closing it. By early June 2025, you'll also be able to open the classic Outlook without leaving the new one, much like having both workspaces open on your desk at the same time.

These changes mean you can easily toggle between the two versions without disrupting your workflow. Notifications from the version you're not actively using will be paused, so you won't be distracted by alerts from both at once. This setup will automatically roll out, requiring no action from your IT team, and won't alter any existing settings. It's like having the best of both worlds at your fingertips, making it easier to manage your tasks and communications efficiently.

Just as you might inform your team about a new office layout, it could be helpful to let your colleagues know about these changes, so they can adjust their workflows accordingly. You might also want to update any internal guides or documentation to reflect this new functionality.