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Microsoft 365 Will Automatically Switch to New Outlook Starting January 6th

On January 6th 2025, all Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium users will be switched automatically from Classic Outlook for Windows to New Outlook for Windows. 

This transition forms part of Microsoft’s efforts to bring users a more modern experience, including features like Copilot, to help boost productivity. 

If you’re not quite ready for this change, don’t worry—you’ll have the option to revert to Classic Outlook if you prefer.  

Here’s what to expect, and what you can do to prepare. 

What’s New in New Outlook for Windows?  

Microsoft’s New Outlook brings several updates designed to enhance productivity and modernise your email experience.  

Some of the highlights include: 

  • Copilot Integration: New Outlook now includes Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, to help with drafting emails, organising tasks, and even summarising threads. 
  • Improved Interface: The updated look offers a more streamlined, responsive design. 
  • Performance Enhancements: Better speed, stability, and performance for faster email management. 

However, some features are different or missing—notably, the unified inbox option is unavailable, which may impact users managing multiple accounts in a single view. 

How to Revert Back to Classic Outlook (If You Prefer)  

If New Outlook doesn’t meet your needs, you can easily revert to Classic Outlook. Here’s how: 

  1. In New Outlook, go to Settings > Switch Back to Classic Outlook. 
  2. Follow the prompts, and your app will reload in the Classic version. 

Tip: If you switch back before January 6th, Microsoft will respect your choice and won’t try to switch you again during this rollout. However, you may be prompted to switch in future updates. 

What’s Stopping Some Users from Switching?  

For users who manage multiple accounts, like many of our clients, Classic Outlook still offers unique advantages, especially for viewing all accounts in one place. 

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