Microsoft’s Transition to New Outlook for Windows
In December 2023, Microsoft revealed plans for a significant transition for its Enterprise users. Starting in April 2026, these users will be migrated from Classic Outlook to the New Outlook for Windows, as detailed in an announcement made via the Microsoft 365 admin center.
Gradual Migration for Business Plan Users
Simultaneously, Microsoft indicated that users on Business plans utilizing the Current Channel would also begin to transition to the New Outlook. This was confirmed in a support article, where Microsoft noted:
Starting January 2025 and over the following months, if you are a classic Outlook user on the Current Channel with a Business plan, you will automatically be switched to the new Outlook after receiving a series of in-app notifications. You can choose to switch back to classic Outlook at any time, using the toggle in new Outlook. Both users and IT Admins can also turn off the automatic switch if not ready to try the new Outlook.
We will start to roll out to users with a Business Plan in the Beta Channel in November 2024 for validation and feedback.
Detailed Guidance on Migration
Further clarification was provided later on the specifics of this migration process. Microsoft outlined that:
Starting in January 2025, users holding Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium licenses will be automatically migrated from Classic Outlook for Windows to New Outlook for Windows. Prior to the switch, users will receive in-app notifications and have the option to opt out of the automatic transition through Outlook Options > General. Once transitioned, users can revert to Classic Outlook if they prefer.
Recent Developments in Deployment Guidance
In a more recent update, Microsoft revised the deployment guidance for New Outlook for Windows. The company explained:
Install new Outlook with a new Microsoft 365 deployment
Beginning with Version 2502, new deployments of Microsoft 365 desktop client applications on Windows will include the New Outlook app by default. Administrators can choose to exclude either Classic or New Outlook, or allow both versions to be installed concurrently.
To facilitate a smoother transition and minimize potential disruptions, organizations are encouraged to run Classic and New Outlook side-by-side. By default, both versions will be available for installation. However, administrators have the flexibility to modify this setting and configure the install options to meet their organization’s needs.
Latest Version Update
This month, on March 5, Version 2502 of the Microsoft 365 Apps was released on the Current Channel, with an update size of approximately 60 MB. The latest build for this version is 18526.20168.
For further details, you can refer to the source here.
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