How to Switch From New Outlook Back to Classic Outlook
Have you noticed that Outlook only opens in the “new version”, here is how to switch from the new Version to the Classic or Legacy version of Outlook
Microsoft has been slowly pushing users toward the new Outlook interface, and while some users prefer the streamlined design, others find features missing, mail flow disrupted, or compatibility issues with add-ins.
In this guide, we’ll show you:
- Why Outlook is stuck in the new version
- How to switch back to Classic Outlook
- What to do if the Classic version isn’t installed
- How to download the full version of Outlook if it’s missing
Let’s dive in.
🔄 Why Is Outlook Forcing You Into the New Version?
Microsoft is rolling out a new web-based version of Outlook (built on the Outlook.com foundation). For many users—especially those on Windows 11 or using Microsoft 365 subscriptions—Outlook will default to this version unless they opt out.
Common complaints with the new version include:
- Missing third-party add-ins
- Limited PST file support
- No support for some Exchange or IMAP configurations
- Slower performance in large mailboxes
- Issues with cleaning up mailbox and attachments
✅ How to Switch Back to Classic Outlook
If you’re lucky, Microsoft hasn’t removed Classic Outlook from your system yet. Here’s how to revert:
Steps to Disable the New Outlook and Return to Classic
- Open Outlook (the new version).
- In the top-right corner, look for the toggle that says “Try the new Outlook” or “New Outlook”.
- Toggle it off.
- Confirm the prompt to restart Outlook.
🔁 Outlook should relaunch in the classic desktop version.
❌ Don’t See the Toggle or Does the Toggle Not Switch You Back? You Might Not Have Classic Outlook Installed
If the toggle is missing or grayed out or if you click to turn it Off but it still comes back, that usually means:
- Your PC only has the new, lightweight Preview version of Outlook installed.
- The full Microsoft Office Desktop Apps suite (which includes Classic Outlook) is not present.
You’ll need to install the full version to regain access to Classic Outlook.
💾 How to Download and Install the Full Version of Classic Outlook
If you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can download the desktop version of Office (which includes Classic Outlook) from your account.
Steps:
- You can download the classic Outlook here
- Sign in with your Microsoft 365 account
- Click Install Office
- Choose Office 365 apps
- Run the installer and complete the setup
Once installed, search your PC for “Outlook” and launch the full desktop version (it will look noticeably different from the new version).
💡 How to Set Classic Outlook as Default
After installing the full version, you might want to make sure Outlook always opens the Classic version.
Steps:
- Press
Windows + Ito open Settings - Go to Apps > Default Apps
- Scroll down and click on Outlook
- Change all file types (
.eml,.ics,MAILTO, etc.) to open with the desktop version of Outlook
🛑 Still Can’t Switch? You May Be on a Microsoft-Controlled Deployment
In some organizations, IT administrators can force users into the new Outlook experience via Microsoft Endpoint Manager or group policies. If you’re part of a business or enterprise environment, you may need to:
- Contact your IT department
- Submit a request to reinstall the full Office desktop suite
- Ask for the group policy to disable the “New Outlook” toggle
✍️ Final Thoughts
The new Outlook may be here to stay, but for many users, the Classic version is still the better option—with full feature support, compatibility, and a familiar interface.
If you can’t switch back through the toggle, downloading the full version of Outlook through your Microsoft 365 account is your best bet.
Need Help Reinstalling Classic Outlook?
We help individuals and businesses manage Microsoft 365, Outlook issues, and mail migrations every day. If you need support, reach out to our IT team and we’ll walk you through it.
👉 Contact us now to get help fast.
