MC1147392 – Microsoft Outlook: Set up classic Outlook accounts and settings in new Outlook for Windows automatically (archived)

Product:

Exchange, Intune, Microsoft 365 admin center, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook, Windows

Platform:

Education, Online, World tenant

Status:

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Links:

Details:

Summary:
Starting October 2025, Outlook will automatically set up classic Outlook Exchange Online accounts and settings in the new Outlook for Windows in the background, if conditions are met. This feature is on by default, preserves existing settings, and can be managed or disabled by admins via policy.

Details:
Introduction
To simplify the transition experience, starting in October 2025, Microsoft Outlook will automatically set up users' classic Outlook accounts and settings in the new Outlook for Windows-seamlessly and in the background-if certain conditions are met. This enhancement enables users to work across both Outlook experiences without manual setup or toggling.
Note: This update does not change the previously communicated migration opt-out timelines: January 2026 for EDU and April 2026 for Enterprise.
Note: This update does not force the launch or usage of the new Outlook, nor does it modify any existing classic Outlook settings or defaults.
When this will happen
Current Channel Production (General Availability): We will begin the roll out in October 2025 and continue to expand it over the next few months.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:

Created:
2025-09-04

updated:
2025-09-04

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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Pictures

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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Experience Disruption
Users may experience confusion or frustration if their settings are automatically migrated without prior notice, leading to potential disruptions in their workflow.
   - roles: End Users, Help Desk Support
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install, https://support.microsoft.com/office/import-settings-and-install-add-ins-on-new-outlook-for-windows-b85ce5ff-bef3-45ae-9e95-9d63c514abdc

Incompatibility Issues
Automatic setup may lead to incompatibility with existing add-ins or custom settings that users rely on, resulting in functionality loss.
   - roles: End Users, IT Administrators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook, https://support.microsoft.com/office/import-settings-and-install-add-ins-on-new-outlook-for-windows-b85ce5ff-bef3-45ae-9e95-9d63c514abdc

Policy Management Challenges
If the automatic setup is not properly managed through policies, it may lead to inconsistent user experiences and increased support requests.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook

Configutation Options**

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Opportunities**

Streamlined User Experience During Transition
The automatic setup of classic Outlook accounts in the new Outlook for Windows will significantly reduce the friction users experience when transitioning to the new platform. This seamless integration will enhance user satisfaction and productivity as they can continue their work without manual reconfiguration.
   - next-steps: Communicate the upcoming changes to users and provide training resources to familiarize them with the new Outlook features. Monitor user feedback post-implementation to address any concerns promptly.
   - roles: End Users, IT Support Teams, Training Coordinators
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install

Centralized Management of User Settings
Admins can leverage the policy to enforce automatic setup, ensuring consistency across user accounts and minimizing the risk of misconfiguration. This central management capability can lead to improved compliance and easier troubleshooting.
   - next-steps: Review current user settings and determine the best policy configuration for your organization. Implement the policy via Microsoft Intune or Group Policy, and provide guidance to users on how this will affect their settings.
   - roles: IT Administrators, Compliance Officers
   - references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install#prevent-users-from-switching-to-new-outlook

Enhanced Support for Shared Mailboxes and Delegate Permissions
The preservation of shared mailboxes and delegate permissions during the transition to the new Outlook will ensure that collaborative workflows remain uninterrupted. This feature is particularly beneficial for teams that rely on shared resources.
   - next-steps: Identify teams that utilize shared mailboxes and communicate the benefits of the new Outlook. Provide support documentation to help users navigate any changes in accessing shared resources post-transition.
   - roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, IT Support Teams
   - references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/import-settings-and-install-add-ins-on-new-outlook-for-windows-b85ce5ff-bef3-45ae-9e95-9d63c514abdc

Potentional Risks**

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IT Security**

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explanation for non-techies**

Starting in October 2025, Microsoft Outlook will introduce a new feature that automatically sets up users' classic Outlook accounts and settings in the new Outlook for Windows. This process will happen in the background, provided certain conditions are met, making the transition smoother for users.

Think of this change like moving into a new office building. Imagine you have an old office where everything is set up just the way you like it. When you move to a new office, instead of having to set up everything from scratch, all your furniture, files, and decorations are automatically arranged in the new space exactly as they were in the old one. This way, you can start working right away without any hassle.

In practical terms, if a user's primary account in classic Outlook is an Exchange Online account, and the new Outlook is installed and available on their device, their accounts and settings will be automatically configured in the new Outlook when they open classic Outlook. This automatic setup does not change existing accounts, settings, or defaults. Users will be notified through an in-app message in classic Outlook, and any new accounts added in classic Outlook will appear as secondary accounts in the new Outlook.

Admins have control over this feature and can manage it through policies. They can choose to enforce the automatic setup, allow users to manage it themselves, or prevent it altogether. This is similar to setting company policies on how employees should set up their workspaces in the new office.

For those who prefer not to have their accounts automatically set up in the new Outlook, there is an option to opt out. However, if the admin has configured a policy, users may not be able to change this setting.

This change aims to streamline the user experience, allowing for a seamless transition between the classic and new Outlook environments without requiring manual intervention.