Microsoft to Start Windows Mail and Calendar to Outlook Migration Next Month

Outlook – 5

Last month, Microsoft unveiled its plans to replace Windows 11’s Mail and Calendar apps with the new web-based Outlook for Windows client in September 2024. The company later detailed that it’s re-evaluating the timeline and implementation of this change.

In a recent update posted on the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, Microsoft indicated that it would begin auto-migrating some users to the new Outlook for Windows in August. However, users will still be able to switch back to the Mail and Calendar apps via a toggle button. Microsoft said that the upcoming changes won’t impact the classic Outlook for Windows desktop app.

Microsoft has already started notifying consumers and enterprise customers that it would kill off the UWP Mail and Calendar apps in 2024. The company recommends users to migrate to the new Outlook for Windows experience.

“At the end of 2024 we will be ending support for the Mail and Calendar apps for Windows. The new Outlook for Windows helps people be more productive and in control of their inbox,” Microsoft explained. “Users within your tenant, who have accounts signed into the Mail and Calendar app, should already see a toggle in the application. Clicking that toggle will bring users to the new Outlook for Windows.”

Microsoft to Force Migrate Mail and Calendar Apps to Outlook for Windows Next Month
Source: Twitter/@jerrynixon

Microsoft’s new Outlook for Windows respects conditional access policies

Microsoft has been testing the new Outlook for Windows app for quite a while now. The new version should bring AI-powered features to help users write better emails. It offers support for Microsoft Loop, message reminders, file and people suggestions while composing emails as well as third-party services like Gmail and Yahoo. Microsoft says the app is more secure, and it offers a consistent search experience across all Microsoft 365 apps.

Compared to the UWP Mail and Calendar apps, the new Outlook for Windows offers greater levels of control for IT admins. For instance, it respects conditional access policies and provides integration with services like LinkedIn, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

Microsoft to Force Migrate Mail and Calendar Apps to Outlook for Windows Next Month

Meanwhile, the new Outlook for Windows app lacks some important features, including an offline mode, iCloud Mail support, and IMAP support for third-party mail services. Microsoft confirmed that the Mail and Calendar applications will continue to be available as a download in the Microsoft Store through the end of 2024. However, all new Windows 11 PCs will be shipped with the web-based Outlook client instead.