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Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
Using Classic Outlook on Windows for personal email, calendar, and contact management
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Hi Harry,
Yes, you can still use Classic Outlook, but you need the full desktop version from your Office license or Microsoft 365 subscription. Once installed, you can run both versions side by side.
When you install Office 2024 on Windows 11, Microsoft defaults to the New Outlook for Windows app. This is a modern, web-based client that replaces the old Mail & Calendar app and is being pushed as the future Outlook experience. However, many advanced features like full IMAP configuration, PST file support, and offline mode are still missing in the new version.
Classic Outlook the full desktop version is still available, but:
It’s included with Microsoft 365 subscription plans or certain perpetual licenses like Office 2024 Professional Plus.
If you installed only the lightweight Office apps or the new Outlook preview, you won’t see the toggle to switch back
How to get Classic Outlook
Check if it’s already installed
Click Start → Search “Outlook”. If you see Outlook (classic), launch it and pin it to your taskbar.
If only “Outlook” (new) appears, you need to install the classic version.
Install Classic Outlook
Go to Microsoft Account – Services & Subscriptions.
If your license includes desktop apps, click Install Office → choose Office apps.
This will install the full suite, including Classic Outlook.
Switch back from New Outlook
Open the new Outlook app.
Look for the “New Outlook” toggle in the top-right corner and turn it off.
If the toggle is missing, you can:
Uninstall the new Outlook app via Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
Or edit the registry key UseNewOutlook under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences Set its value to 0.
IMAP Support
Classic Outlook fully supports manual IMAP setup with custom server settings.
New Outlook supports IMAP but with limited manual configuration. You can add IMAP accounts via:
Settings → Accounts → Add account → Advanced Setup → IMAP, then enter server details.
Let me know how it goes, Happy to help!