Outlook has been a go-to for checking emails and keeping track of your calendar for years. Now, with the New Outlook, there's a choice to make—stick with what you're used to or try out the latest version with updated tools and a cleaner look. This blog breaks down the key differences to help you decide what’s best for you.
Feature |
Classic Outlook |
New Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Look and Feel | Traditional ribbon-style layout | Clean, modern design that's easier to use |
| Email Organization | Folders | Focused Inbox and tabs help you see what matters most |
| Search | Basic search bar | Smarter, faster search with suggestions |
| App Connections | Some integration with apps | Works well with Microsoft 365 and other apps like Teams or OneNote |
| Calendar Tools | Standard calendar functions | Better scheduling features like shared calendars and meeting insights |
| Personalization | Change views, folder layout | Add-ins, themes, and quick actions (like one-click archive or flag) |
| Speed | Can slow down older computers | Runs smoother and faster, especially on newer devices |
| Security | Basic protection like junk email filters | Stronger security, like email encryption and smarter threat detection |
With the new Outlook, you can quickly create or change meetings, see your co-workers' availability, and share calendars with a few clicks. It’s great if you manage multiple schedules or work with a team. Classic Outlook still handles the basics, but you might find yourself clicking around more to get things done.
Example: Want to set up a lunch meeting with a coworker? In New Outlook, just open your calendar, type in their name, and it shows when you’re both free.
Both versions of Outlook let you change some settings to fit your style, but New Outlook gives you even more control. In Classic Outlook, you can adjust things like how your inbox looks or which folders show. The New Outlook goes further—letting you pin important emails to the top, swipe to archive messages (just like on your phone), and add helpful tools for things like tracking packages or scheduling meetings.
Example: Want to keep an email handy until you reply? Just pin it to the top so it doesn’t get buried under new messages.
If you’ve ever waited for Classic Outlook to load or noticed it slows down when you open a bunch of emails, the New Outlook is a welcome change. It’s built to use fewer system resources, so everything feels snappier—especially helpful on laptops or older PCs.
Classic Outlook has basic safety tools, but the new version steps up with things like encrypted emails and better ways to spot phishing or unsafe links.
Example: If someone sends you a sketchy-looking attachment, New Outlook is more likely to warn you or block it before you even click.
It removes some of the clutter and puts the tools you actually use up front. That makes it easier to find what you need—whether that’s replying to a message, checking your calendar, or searching for an old email.
New Outlook works more smoothly with tools like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, or OneNote. It’s easier to jump between apps without losing your place.
Example: If someone shares a file in Teams, you can open it right from your Outlook email without downloading anything.
You can check your email, update your calendar, or join a meeting from your phone or tablet without struggling to zoom in or find buttons.
Yes—you can switch between Classic Outlook and New Outlook, and many users do just that while getting used to the new layout. If you're not quite ready to make a full switch, it's okay to try New Outlook for a while and then go back if it doesn't feel right yet. There’s usually a toggle switch in the upper-right corner of the app that lets you move between the two versions. Just keep in mind that some features or settings might not carry over perfectly between them, so if you customize your setup in one version, you might have to adjust a few things if you switch back. Trying both is a good way to see what works best for how you manage your email and calendar.