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Quick Answer

Open Outlook, locate the Try the new Outlook toggle switch in the very top right corner of the window, and click it to switch versions. Outlook will close and reopen in the selected version.

How to Switch Between New Outlook and Classic Outlook on Windows ​

Applies to: Windows 11, Microsoft 365, Outlook
Article Type: How-To
Last Updated: 2026-07-09

Summary ​

Microsoft has been rolling out "New Outlook for Windows" as the replacement for Classic Outlook. If the new version feels unfamiliar — or if features you rely on are missing — this guide shows you how to switch between the two versions and adjust to the changes.

Prerequisites ​

  • Microsoft 365 with Outlook installed on Windows
  • Both Classic and New Outlook may be available on your machine depending on your organization's rollout schedule

Instructions ​

1. Check Which Version You're Using ​

FeatureClassic OutlookNew Outlook
Look & feelTraditional ribbon with tabs (Home, Send/Receive, etc.)Simplified toolbar, web-app style interface
Title barSays "Microsoft Outlook"Says "Outlook (new)" or has "(new)" label
Toggle switchTop-right corner: "Try the new Outlook" toggleTop-right corner: "Switch to classic Outlook" option

2. Switch from New Outlook to Classic Outlook ​

If you're in New Outlook and want to go back:

  1. Look for the toggle switch in the top-right corner of the Outlook window. It may say "Try the new Outlook" and be flipped On.
  2. Click the toggle to flip it Off.
  3. Outlook will prompt you to provide feedback (optional — you can skip this).
  4. Click Switch to Classic Outlook.
  5. Classic Outlook will open. This may take a moment while it loads your profile.

WARNING

If the toggle isn't visible, your IT department may have enforced New Outlook as the only option. Ask IT to confirm whether your organization has pinned everyone to New Outlook by policy, and whether Classic Outlook can be re-enabled for your account — say which feature you need it for, since that is what an exception is usually granted on.

3. Switch from Classic Outlook to New Outlook ​

If you want to try or return to New Outlook:

  1. Open Classic Outlook.
  2. Look for the "Try the new Outlook" toggle in the top-right corner.
  3. Click the toggle to flip it On.
  4. New Outlook will open and import your settings.

4. What's Different in New Outlook ​

Not all Classic Outlook features have made the transition. Here's what to expect:

FeatureClassic OutlookNew Outlook (2026)
COM Add-ins (custom plugins from third parties)✅ Fully supported❌ Not supported — web add-ins only
Quick Steps✅ Available✅ Available (restored in 2025)
Offline access✅ Full offline mode⚠️ Limited — requires internet for most actions
PST/local archive files✅ Supported❌ Not supported
Shared mailbox sidebar✅ Appears automatically⚠️ Must be manually added
Rules✅ Full rule engine✅ Available (server-side only)
Categories & color coding✅ Available✅ Available
Multiple email accounts✅ Supported✅ Supported (including Gmail, Yahoo)

5. Restore Your Workflow in New Outlook ​

If you're sticking with New Outlook, here are adjustments for common frustrations:

Add a shared mailbox:

  1. Click Settings (gear icon) in the top-right.
  2. Select Accounts > Email accounts.
  3. Click Add a shared mailbox.
  4. Enter the shared mailbox email address.

Change the default font (Aptos to your preference):

  1. Click Settings (gear icon).
  2. Select Mail > Compose and reply.
  3. Under Message format, change the font, size, and color to your preference.
  4. Click Save.

Customize the reading pane layout:

  1. Click Settings (gear icon).
  2. Select Mail > Layout.
  3. Choose Reading pane position: right, bottom, or hidden.

6. Verify Success ​

  1. Confirm you're running the version you prefer (check the title bar for "(new)" or look for the toggle).
  2. Verify your email rules, signatures, and shared mailboxes work as expected.
  3. Send a test email to confirm normal functionality.

Troubleshooting ​

WARNING

If you switched to Classic Outlook but it still opens New Outlook after a restart, your organization may have pushed a policy update. Check with IT — they may have set New Outlook as the default for your company.

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Toggle switch is missingIT has enforced one versionAsk IT to confirm whether policy pins your account to one version, and whether an exception is possible
Classic Outlook won't open after switching backProfile corruption during switchOpen Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles > create a new profile
Signatures look different in New OutlookFormatting engine differencesRecreate your signature in Settings > Mail > Compose and reply
COM add-in missing in New OutlookCOM add-ins not supportedCheck if a web add-in version exists; contact the add-in vendor
PST files not accessible in New OutlookLocal archives not supportedSwitch to Classic Outlook to access PST files, or migrate to Online Archive
Default font changed to AptosMicrosoft changed the default in 2023Change font in Settings > Mail > Compose and reply