[Updated] Microsoft’s New Outlook for Windows Client to Replace Mail and Calendar Apps in 2024

Outlook – 5

Microsoft is getting ready to replace the UWP Mail and Calendar apps with the new Outlook desktop client for Windows. The company announced in a message on the Microsoft 365 Admin Center that the web-based app will be shipped with all new Windows 11 devices starting in September 2024.

Microsoft started testing its redesigned Outlook for Windows app with Office Insiders enrolled in the Beta channel in May 2022. The new client offers new AI-powered features to help users write better emails. It also reminds users to follow up on important email conversations. Other updates include multi-account support, new emails and calendar management capabilities, and phishing and scam protection.

With this change, users will no longer be able to download or use the built-in Mail and Calendar applications on Windows 11 devices. The new web-based Outlook for Windows client will be available for Office 365/Microsoft 365 subscribers. Consumers with personal email accounts (such as Gmail or Outlook.com) will also be able to use the app on their PCs.

“Beginning in 2024, new Windows 11 devices will be shipped with the new Outlook for Windows as the default mailbox application free for all to use. The Mail and Calendar applications will continue to be available via download in the Microsoft Store through the end of 2024. On existing devices, users can switch to the new Outlook for Windows from a toggle in the Mail and Calendar applications,” Microsoft explained.

Microsoft's New Outlook for Windows Client to Replace Mail and Calendar Apps in 2024

Microsoft asks Windows 11 users to move to the new Outlook for Windows app

Microsoft plans to inform Windows 11 users about the upcoming change via in-app notifications. These messages will encourage them to switch to the new Outlook for Windows app. However, users will still have the option to switch back to the previous experience via a toggle button before September 2024. Meanwhile, Microsoft will continue to support its legacy Outlook desktop app for power users.

In April, Microsoft rolled out support for third-party accounts to the new Outlook app for Windows. The company is also working to add support for Yahoo, iCloud, and other IMAP accounts as well as an offline mode and ICS calendar files.

Update – (June 17, 2023) 5 AM PT: Microsoft has updated the Microsoft 365 Admin Center to indicate that the company is “reevaluating the timing and implementation of this change and will provide updated information shortly. Thank you for your patience.”