Microsoft 365 Transition to the New Outlook app
In a significant move, Microsoft plans to transition all Enterprise users of Microsoft 365 to the New Outlook for Windows automatically by April 2026. Earlier in the year, the tech giant ceased support for legacy Outlook clients, urging users to adapt to this modern application.
Concerns of Classic Outlook Users
While the New Outlook app brings a fresh interface and updated features, longstanding users of the Classic Outlook have expressed their dissatisfaction. The primary concern lies in the perceived lack of essential features that many have grown accustomed to. Acknowledging this feedback, Microsoft is committed to enhancing the New Outlook app, particularly improving its offline functionality. New features are in various stages of testing, with further developments expected to roll out in early 2025.
Enhancements in PST Support
In addition to bolstering offline mode capabilities, Microsoft is actively working on incorporating PST (Personal Storage Table) support for both the New Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac. Recently, the company released the initial phase of PST support, which is detailed under feature ID 399467 on the Microsoft 365 roadmap. The announcement outlines:
Outlook: First phase of PST support in new Outlook for Windows
The first phase PST (a.k.a. Outlook Data File) support in the new Outlook for Windows provides read-only access to Mail items within *.pst files. Users will be able to open *.pst files, read their emails within *.pst files, and search *.pst files for emails. All Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks data saved in the *.pst files are still there, but they cannot be accessed in this preview. Next releases will expand PST support capabilities.
PST files serve as a proprietary Microsoft format for importing and exporting Outlook data, including emails, contacts, calendar entries, tasks, and notes. These files are typically stored locally on users’ PCs.
Future Prospects for Outlook for Mac
Similarly, Microsoft plans to implement PST support in Outlook for Mac, with the feature’s rollout anticipated to commence. Currently, this functionality is exclusive to the legacy Mac app, and its expected deployment was targeted for November but has faced delays.
According to feature ID 405754, Microsoft highlights:
Outlook: Import and export support for data files in Outlook
This feature adds support for importing PST files into Outlook for Mac. Support for OLM data files will include both importing and exporting data.
For context, OLM files are the equivalent data format specifically for Outlook for Mac, serving similar functions as PST files on Windows.
Additional PST Functionality Updates
Recently, another update related to PST files was introduced under feature ID 473995. This significant enhancement allows for greater management of email within PST files. Microsoft elaborates:
Outlook: Manage email in PST files in new Outlook for Windows
With this update of support for. pst files (a.k.a. Outlook data files) in the new Outlook for Windows, users will be able to move, copy, delete, flag/unflag, mark as read/unread, and set categories for email within. pst files. Additionally, users will be able to create, delete, move, and rename folders within. pst files. Future releases of new Outlook will expand the support for. pst file capabilities.
The enhancements relating to PST file management are anticipated to be available in January next year, coinciding with a major update for the Microsoft 365 app interface.
For those interested in further details, more information is available [here](https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-adding-pst-features-support-to-new-outlook-for-windows-and-mac-in-early-2025/).
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