need a support in new outlook automation

Question

In outlook classic we had an option to automate via COM feature. but in new outlook we don't have that feature. How can I do automation?

Answer 1

Dear @Rajarathinam, Wilson Richard [EMR/FCTL/FCV/CHNN],

I completely understand your frustration transitioning from Outlook Classic to the New Outlook for Windows can be challenging, especially when your existing automated workflows rely on COM/VBA add-ins.

To answer directly: The New Outlook for Windows does not support COM, VBA, or MAPI automation. Because the New Outlook is built on modern web architecture (WebView2), Microsoft has retired COM support in this platform to improve security, cross-platform performance, and stability.

To achieve automation in the New Outlook, you have two official modern alternatives:

Option 1: Modern Outlook Add-ins (Office JavaScript API)

If you need in-app automation or custom buttons within the Outlook user interface, you should transition to Office Web Add-ins.

• How it works: They use HTML, JavaScript, and the Office.js API.
• Advantage: Works seamlessly across New Outlook for Windows, Mac, Outlook on the Web (OWA), and mobile devices.
• Documentation: Outlook add-ins documentation - Office Add-ins | Microsoft Learn

Option 2: Microsoft Graph API & Power Automate

If you need external background automation (such as automatically processing emails, creating events, or exporting attachments without opening the desktop application), Microsoft Graph is the direct replacement for COM.

• How it works: RESTful web APIs allow you to interact directly with mailbox data in the cloud.
• Low-Code Option: You can build automated workflows without coding by using Power Automate (using the Office 365 Outlook connector).
• Pro-Code Option: Call Microsoft Graph endpoints via script or app code.
• Documentation: Outlook mail API overview - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn

If you have legacy COM or VBA scripts that cannot be rewritten immediately, you can temporarily toggle back to Outlook Classic using the toggle switch in the top-right corner of the New Outlook window to keep your workflows running while you migrate your automation to Office.js or Microsoft Graph API.

Your feedback is very valuable for shaping future improvements. Please submit your suggestion directly to the product team via the official Microsoft Feedback Portal:

1. Go to the Ideas · Community
2. Search for existing requests regarding "New Outlook COM support" or "New Outlook Automation".  
3. Upvote existing entries or create a new post. High-vote posts are actively monitored and prioritized by the Microsoft engineering team during product roadmap planning.  

I’m sorry that I’m not able to provide any additional direct assistance in this case, as I don’t have the ability to intervene or make changes to these kinds of product limitations myself. That said, I genuinely want to express my understanding and empathy for your situation, and I do support the view that improvements in this area would meaningfully help deliver a better overall user experience. If you decide to submit feedback or create a post on the feedback portal, please feel free to share the link here. I’d be more than happy to upvote it on your behalf to help increase its visibility. 

Please let me know if you need assistance with anything else.

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