Returning to the classic version of Outlook means adjusting your update preferences in the app. If you have been asking yourself “how do i get the old version of outlook back,” you are not alone—many users find the new interface confusing or slow. This guide will walk you through every step, from rolling back updates to disabling forced upgrades.
Microsoft has been pushing a new Outlook for Windows that replaces the classic mail and calendar apps. The new version looks modern but lacks features many people rely on. The good news is that you can switch back, at least for now.
Before you start, know that the old Outlook is still installed on your computer. Microsoft just hides it. You just need to know where to look and what settings to change.
Why You Might Want The Old Version Back
The new Outlook has a different layout. It tries to integrate with web services more. For some, this is fine. For others, it slows down workflow.
Common complaints about the new Outlook include:
- Slower loading times
- Missing offline support
- Different keyboard shortcuts
- Harder to manage multiple accounts
- More ads and promotional content
If any of these sound familiar, you are in the right place. We will show you exactly how to revert.
How Do I Get The Old Version Of Outlook Back
This is the main question, and the answer depends on how you got the new Outlook in the first place. Most people see a toggle switch inside the app. Others had the new version installed automatically through a Windows update.
Step 1: Check The Toggle Switch In Outlook
Open Outlook on your computer. Look at the top right corner of the window. You should see a toggle that says “Try the new Outlook.” If it is turned on, click it to turn it off. This will switch you back immediately.
If you do not see the toggle, the new Outlook might be installed as a separate app. In that case, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Uninstall The New Outlook App
Microsoft sometimes installs the new Outlook as a standalone app from the Microsoft Store. To remove it:
- Open Settings (Windows key + I).
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Search for “Outlook (new)” or “Microsoft Outlook.”
- Click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall.
After uninstalling, the classic Outlook should become your default again. If it does not, you may need to re-enable it.
Step 3: Re-Enable Classic Outlook From Microsoft Store
Microsoft hid the classic Outlook in some versions of Windows 11. To bring it back:
- Open the Microsoft Store.
- Search for “Microsoft Outlook.”
- Look for the listing that says “Microsoft Outlook” without the word “new.”
- Click Install or Enable.
This should restore the classic version. You might need to sign in again with your Microsoft account.
Step 4: Block Future Updates To The New Outlook
Even after reverting, Microsoft may try to switch you again. To prevent this:
- Go to Outlook > File > Options > General.
- Uncheck “Enable the new Outlook.”
- Also check for a setting that says “Automatically switch to new Outlook.”
If you use Office 365 or Microsoft 365, you can also use Group Policy to disable the new Outlook. This is more advanced but works well for businesses.
Using Registry Or Group Policy To Force The Old Version
For users who want a permanent fix, editing the Windows Registry or using Group Policy can lock the old version in place. This is useful if the toggle keeps turning back on.
Registry Method (For Advanced Users)
Warning: Editing the registry can break things if done wrong. Back up your registry first.
- Press Windows key + R, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
- Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General
- Look for a DWORD called “DisableNewOutlook.” If it does not exist, create it.
- Set the value to 1.
- Restart Outlook.
This tells Outlook to never show the new version toggle. It should keep you on the classic interface.
Group Policy Method (For Office 365 Admins)
If you manage multiple computers, Group Policy is the cleanest way. Download the Office Administrative Templates from Microsoft. Then:
- Open Group Policy Management Console.
- Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Microsoft Outlook 2016 > Outlook Options > Other.
- Enable “Disable the new Outlook.”
- Apply the policy and update your users.
This prevents the new Outlook from ever appearing on managed devices.
What If The Old Version Is Not Installed?
Some computers never had the classic Outlook installed. This is common on new Windows 11 devices. In that case, you need to install it from an Office suite.
You can download Office 2021 or Office 2019 from Microsoft. These versions include the classic Outlook. Alternatively, if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can install the classic version from the Office portal.
Steps to install classic Outlook from Office portal:
- Go to office.com and sign in.
- Click “Install Office” > “Other install options.”
- Choose “Office 365 apps” or “Office 2021.”
- During installation, deselect any apps you do not want.
- Make sure Outlook is selected.
After installation, open Outlook and follow the steps above to disable the new version.
Common Problems When Switching Back
Some users run into issues after reverting. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.
Outlook Keeps Switching Back To New Version
This happens if you have automatic updates enabled. To stop it:
- Go to Outlook > File > Office Account > Update Options.
- Select “Disable Updates.”
- Or set updates to manual only.
You can also uncheck “Enable the new Outlook” in the General options again.
Missing Emails Or Accounts After Reverting
Sometimes accounts do not sync properly after switching. Try this:
- Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Select your email account and click Repair.
- Follow the prompts to re-authenticate.
If that does not work, remove the account and add it again. Your emails are stored on the server, so you will not lose them.
Classic Outlook Looks Different Or Broken
This can happen if you were using the new Outlook for a long time. The classic version might have different default settings. Reset your view:
- Go to View > Reset View.
- Or go to View > Change View > Compact.
You can also reset the navigation pane by right-clicking the folder list and choosing “Reset.”
How To Keep The Old Version Long-Term
Microsoft plans to eventually force everyone to the new Outlook. But you can delay this for years with the right settings.
First, never update to a version of Office that removes the classic Outlook. Stick with Office 2021 or earlier. Microsoft 365 subscribers can also choose the “Current Channel” instead of “Monthly Enterprise Channel” to get fewer forced changes.
Second, disable telemetry that reports your version. Some updates check what version you are using and push the new one. Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Privacy Options. Uncheck everything related to “Customer Experience Improvement Program.”
Third, use a third-party tool like “Older Outlook Tool” or “Classic Outlook Manager.” These tools block the new Outlook at the system level. They are safe and free.
Alternatives If You Cannot Get The Old Version Back
If Microsoft eventually removes the classic Outlook entirely, you have options. You can switch to a different email client that works like the old Outlook.
Popular alternatives include:
- Mozilla Thunderbird – free, open-source, customizable
- eM Client – paid but very similar to classic Outlook
- Mailbird – modern but with classic layout options
- Postbox – focused on productivity and organization
These apps support POP3, IMAP, and Exchange. They also import your Outlook data easily.
Another option is to use Outlook on the web (outlook.com). It is free and works in any browser. The web version is different from the desktop app, but it is stable and always available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use the old Outlook after 2024?
Yes, but Microsoft may stop supporting it. You can still use it offline, but security updates may stop. Plan to switch to an alternative eventually.
Will uninstalling the new Outlook delete my emails?
No. Your emails are stored on the server or in a PST file. Uninstalling the app only removes the program, not your data.
How do I get the old version of Outlook back on Mac?
Mac users have a different process. Open Outlook, go to Help > Check for Updates. In the update window, uncheck “Automatically keep Microsoft apps up to date.” Then, reinstall an older version from the Mac App Store history.
What if I do not see the toggle in Outlook?
This means the new Outlook is not enabled yet. You are already on the classic version. To stay there, do not click any “Try the new Outlook” prompts.
Is the classic Outlook faster than the new one?
For most users, yes. The classic version uses less memory and loads faster, especially with large mailboxes. The new version is web-based and slower on older hardware.
Final Thoughts On Switching Back
Getting the old version of Outlook back is not hard. The toggle switch is the easiest method. If that fails, uninstalling the new app or editing the registry works well.
Remember to block future updates so Microsoft does not switch you again. Use the settings we covered to keep the classic interface for as long as possible.
If you run into trouble, the FAQ section above covers the most common issues. You can also search for specific error messages online. Many users have shared their solutions in forums.
Stick with what works for you. The new Outlook may improve over time, but for now, the classic version remains the better choice for productivity. Follow these steps and you will be back to your familiar workflow in minutes.