Microsoft to Force Install New Outlook on Windows 10 PCs: Here’s What You Need to Know

Microsoft is preparing to roll out an update that will automatically install the new Outlook for Windows client on Windows 10 PCs. The company announced in a message on the Microsoft 365 admin center that the rollout will take place in two different phases.

The new Outlook for Windows will be automatically installed on Windows 10 PCs as part of an optional update that will ship on January 28. The app will then roll out to all Windows 10 users as part of the monthly security update release on February 11.

Microsoft notes that the new Outlook will coexist with the classic Outlook desktop application. This means that users will be able to run the new Outlook and classic Outlook side-by-side. It will not require any changes to configurations or user defaults.

“New Outlook exists as an installed app on the device. For instance, it can be found in the Apps section of the Start Menu. It does not replace existing (classic) Outlook or change any configurations / user defaults. Both (classic) Outlook and New Outlook for Windows can run side by side,” Microsoft explained.

How to remove the new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs

Currently, there is no way to block the installation of the new Outlook app on Windows 10 PCs. However, IT admins can choose to remove the installation through a PowerShell script or by applying a registry tweak to prevent Windows updates from reinstalling the new Outlook for Windows client.

Last month, Microsoft announced that it will begin auto-migrating enterprise customers from the classic version of Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows in April 2026. However, customers will still have an option to revert to the classic Outlook if needed. Microsoft will provide organizations with 12 months’ advance notice to help prepare for the upcoming transition.