Mail app opens Outlook but its still 2023

Question

Hi I'm aware that there is a migration from the default Mail app to Outlook upcoming, however everything I can find online about it states that this isn't happening until 2024. Today I went to open the default Mail app (which I prefer 100000x over Outlook but user feedback doesn't really matter at MS and I get that) and then Outlook opens. I tried uninstalling Outlook and then when i click the default Mail app I get a pop-up saying I need to download Outlook to "open this ms outlook link". So the app icon gets turned into an Outlook link overnight, all by itself. This is hilarious but stupid. There is no option on the top right of the Outlook window to stop "trying" outlook as other posts suggest, I never even clicked the suggestion to try it when that came up in Mail, which was the reason why I know we aren't to expect this until 2024. It's currently 2023 by the way, in case that helps.

My real question is how do I comprehend an update to my OS that went by completely without my consent? I didn't click anything and there was zero notification saying "hey tomorrow we're just gonna change this thing even though we said it would happen much later." Not even a yellow dot above a Windows symbol in the tray that indicates an update will happen and a restart is required. Just whatever MS says goes?

Answer 1

Hi Chandy, unsure if this post is still live or not!! I also have had fun and games with the Mailbox/Calendar app (which I like). Over the months I have tried the "New Outlook" but reverted back to the Mailbox app. A few weeks ago a message came up saying "next time I launch the Mailbox it would install New Outlook" and it did no questions asked! As you can imagine I was annoyed to say the least. I decided to keep the New Outlook thinking to myself you can't win Brian! It is still in the Microsoft store and I am tempted to put it back at least till the end of 2024. I am still on Windows 10 and planning to change to Windows 11 next year. Until then I would like my Mailbox back without these warnings flashing up!!

Your thoughts please

Brian ( A little early but Happy Christmas)

Answer 2

Happened again this morning, fyi -- Reset in Advanced Options for Mail worked again. Although every time I have to reestablish my account, preferences, and signature.

Answer 3

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/toggling-out-of-the-new-outlook-for-windows-preview-ec102b39-5727-418e-ae1f-a1805434640c did the trick for me (the Going back to Windows Mail or Calendar part)

Answer 4

Hello, Tom Magee1

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

As things stand, starting in 2024, new Windows 11 devices will be available with the new Outlook for Windows as the default mailbox app for everyone to use for free. The Mail & Calendar app will continue to be available for download in the Microsoft App Store. This does not mean that older versions of Windows Mail & Calendar will be removed, its still available in your Microsoft Store.

If it's convenient, could you share your current New Outlook interface? It should appear with the following options:

If not, please follow the instructions in the following article to modify the corresponding settings, and restart the computer after completing the settings to observe how the problem manifests itself:

Toggling out of the new Outlook for Windows preview - Microsoft Support

Hope it helps! If any update, welcome to share with us.

Best regards,

Chandy |Microsoft Community Support Specialist