In September 2023, Microsoft announced enhancements to the New Outlook for Windows app, enabling various features to function without an internet connection. This update included the introduction of offline capabilities for managing emails and composing new messages.
During the announcement, the company indicated that additional offline functionalities would be added in subsequent updates, stating, “The initial suite of offline features in the new Outlook for Windows allows you to store emails, calendar events, and contacts on your device, ensuring access even when you’re offline.”
However, the implementation of offline storage for emails, calendar events, and contacts faced delays, which Microsoft addressed later in June. Despite this reiteration, the company did not clarify the reasons for postponing the launch.
Moreover, another promised offline feature related to email synchronization faced similar delays. This feature aims to give users the option to select how many days’ worth of emails and attachments they wish to download for offline access.
Initially included in the Microsoft 365 roadmap in late November of the previous year under feature ID 189809, the rollout was scheduled for June. This did not occur, leading Microsoft to update the feature under a new ID 412619, stating:
Outlook: Select the number of days for email synchronization to your device offline
The updated sync window will allow you to determine how many days’ worth of emails and attachments you want to download to your device, ensuring you can access them even in offline mode.
While the delay might seem frustrating, it makes sense considering the feature would only be beneficial if users could already launch the New Outlook app without an internet connection. Fortunately, Microsoft has begun developing this capability, which we have recently explored in further detail.
The company has indicated that the preview for the new offline email synchronization feature is expected around December this year, with a broader rollout commencing in January 2025.
With these two new additions, the New Outlook for Windows is progressively matching the functionality of Classic Outlook. For instance, Classic Outlook provides a default setting for syncing emails for offline access over a 12-month period, with the flexibility to store “All”mail if desired.
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