This month, Microsoft is rolling out the new Outlook for Windows.
This update is promoted as bringing a host of new features and improvements which include
- Modern and Simplified Design: A cleaner, more intuitive interface to make navigation easier.
- Enhanced Productivity Tools: Improved calendar integration, task management and email categorisation.
- Intelligent Assistance: Features like AI-powered email sorting and smart replies, to help you manage your inbox more efficiently.
- Customisation Options: Tailor the interface to suit your style and workflow with customisable themes and layouts.
How do I enable the new Outlook?
During January, if you have a Business Standard or Business Premium licence and you’re working in the desktop version of Outlook for Windows, you should receive a notification which prompts you to switch from Classic Outlook to the new Outlook application.
There will be a toggle button in the top right hand corner. If you click on this, the new app will download and install. This may take a few minutes.
Classic Outlook will then close and the new Outlook will open. Sign in and choose to import your accounts and settings.
What if I want to switch back?
Most users are expected to find that the new Outlook brings enhanced functionality and are unlikely to want to revert to Classic Outlook.
However, if your business uses any older software which is not initially compatible with the new Outlook, then you may need to switch back to the Classic version. This can be done at individual user level and is achieved by using the same toggle button in the top right corner.
Anything else I need to be aware of?
- The initial roll-out will apply only to the desktop version of Outlook, so if you mainly use the web version, you won’t immediately be affected by this change.
- If you have shared mailboxes attached to your email account, then the display of these will change. In your list of mailboxes on the left hand side of the screen, you’ll see an item that says “Shared with me”. When you click on this, there will be a list of the individual mailboxes that you can access.
If you have any questions or need help with Microsoft Outlook, please give us a call or enter your contact details here.