check before: 2026-04-01
Product:
Copilot, Intune, Microsoft 365 Apps, Outlook
Platform:
Online, World tenant
Status:
Change type:
User impact, Admin impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Starting April 2026, Microsoft 365 for Enterprise users will be switched from classic to new Outlook for Windows, with the option to revert back. This change aims to enhance user experience with modern features. Organizations are notified to prepare, with automatic rollout requiring no admin action but allowing opt-out options.
Details:
We're making some changes to the migration from classic Outlook to new Outlook for Windows.
We aim to give more than 12 months of notice to help our customers prepare. Starting April 2026, users with Microsoft 365 for Enterprise licenses will be toggled from classic Outlook for Windows to new Outlook for Windows. Users will be toggled into new Outlook once with this roll-out, with potential to be toggled again in the future. Users will maintain the ability to go back to and use classic Outlook.
Our goal with this change is to give users an opportunity to try new Outlook as millions of users already have. New Outlook gives users the most modern experience with Copilot features, theming, and a wave of valuable time-saving features like Pinning and Snoozing mails. Users are also welcome to give us feedback on new Outlook using Feedback in the Help ribbon, so we can tailor the best email and calendar experience.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out April 2026.
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
Created:
2024-12-06
updated:
2024-12-06
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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summary for non-techies**
Starting in April 2026, Microsoft will automatically transition users to a new version of Outlook featuring modern tools like Copilot and email management options, but users can switch back to the classic version if preferred, and team managers can opt-out of the automatic switch for their teams.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Interface Changes
Users may face confusion and frustration due to a sudden change in the interface and features of Outlook, impacting their productivity.
- roles: End Users, Support Staff
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/switch-to-new-outlook-for-windows-f5fb9e26-af7c-4976-9274-61c6428344e7?OCID=NewOutlook_AutoSwitch_LearnMore
Feature Adoption
Users may struggle to adopt new features like Copilot, Pinning, and Snoozing without adequate training or preparation, leading to decreased efficiency.
- roles: End Users, Training Coordinators
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install?branch=main#policy-manage-user-setting-for-new-outlook-automatic-migration
Increased Support Tickets
The transition may lead to an increase in support tickets as users encounter issues or have questions about the new Outlook, straining IT resources.
- roles: Support Staff, IT Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/switch-to-new-outlook-for-windows-f5fb9e26-af7c-4976-9274-61c6428344e7?OCID=NewOutlook_AutoSwitch_LearnMore
User Resistance
Some users may resist the change, preferring the classic Outlook, which could lead to dissatisfaction and decreased morale.
- roles: End Users, HR Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365-apps/outlook/get-started/control-install?branch=main#policy-manage-user-setting-for-new-outlook-automatic-migration
Documentation Updates
Existing documentation may become outdated, leading to confusion and miscommunication about the features and functionalities of new Outlook.
- roles: Documentation Specialists, IT Managers
- references: https://support.microsoft.com/office/switch-to-new-outlook-for-windows-f5fb9e26-af7c-4976-9274-61c6428344e7?OCID=NewOutlook_AutoSwitch_LearnMore
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**
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** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.
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Last updated 1 month ago
