outlook new version missing notes and cannot get back to classic

Question

can not get back to classic and new outlook lost all my notes

Answer 1

Hi Tom Belzer

Thanks for posting your question. I understand that after switching to the new Outlook for Windows, you’re unable to return to the Classic version, and your existing Notes now appear to be missing.

Before proceeding further, please let me know whether you’ve already tried switching back using the toggle in the new Outlook (top‑right corner > turn off “New Outlook”), or if you don’t see this toggle at all.

If the toggle is missing or not working, Microsoft confirms that this usually means Classic Outlook is not installed on the device. In that case, you’ll need to install it first: Install or reinstall Classic Outlook for Windows

After installation:

• Open Outlook (classic)
• Go to the Notes module

Your existing notes should still be available as long as the same account and profile are used.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes and thank you for your understanding.

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Answer 2

Notes from classic Outlook do not sync to new Outlook, so they appear missing.

To get back to classic Outlook and see Notes again:

1. In new Outlook for Windows, use the toggle at the top-right.
2. Choose Switch back to classic Outlook to return permanently, or Use classic Outlook this time for a one‑off session.
3. If the toggle is missing, classic Outlook is likely not installed. Install it using the instructions in Install or reinstall classic Outlook on a Windows PC.
4. After classic Outlook opens, check the Notes module; existing notes should still be there if the original Outlook profile/data file is intact.

If classic Outlook was never installed on this device, install it first, then open the same account/profile where the notes were originally stored.

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References:

• Toggle out of the new Outlook for Windows
• Install or reinstall classic Outlook on a Windows PC
• Switch to new Outlook for Windows
• Go back to classic Outlook button not working correctly in new Outlook