Microsoft to Auto-Migrate Enterprise Users to New Outlook for Windows
Microsoft will start automatically migrating enterprise users to the new Outlook for Windows by April 2026.
Published: Dec 11, 2024
Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft will begin auto-migrating Microsoft 365 Enterprise users to the new Outlook for Windows starting in 2026.
- The new Outlook experience will offer a modernized experience with features like Copilot, theming, and email management tools.
- Administrators can opt-out of the migration or enforce policies to restrict the transition.
Microsoft is preparing to transition Microsoft 365 Enterprise users from the classic Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows client. Starting in April 2026, the company will begin auto-migrating customers to the updated platform while providing the option to switch back to the classic version if needed.
“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,” the company explained on the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Microsoft is providing more than 12 months of advance notice to help organizations prepare for the upcoming transition to the new Outlook for Windows client. The update will happen automatically without requiring any administrative action. However, organizations can opt out of the migration using admin controls. Users who have already switched to the new Outlook will still have the option to return to the classic version at any time via a toggle button.
Who’s excluded from the new Outlook for Windows migration?
Microsoft has clarified that users will not be automatically switched to the new Outlook if they are opted out via admin controls, have the toggle hidden by policy, or are using a perpetual license. Furthermore, those with on-premises accounts will also be excluded from the migration to the new Outlook for Windows client.
Microsoft began rolling out the new Outlook experience to commercial customers in August 2023. However, the new app lacks some key features available in the classic version, such as support for Exchange Server and COM add-ins. Organizations will need to transition to web add-ins to use the new Outlook. Microsoft will continue supporting the classic Outlook for Windows until at least 2029.