Phantom Outlook Application Installed

Question

Edition Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 Installed on ‎1/‎15/‎2024 OS build 22631.3007 Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.22681.1000.0

Microsoft 365 Family

I did a clean install of Win11 on my HP Fury Laptop using Create Windows 11 Installation Media from here: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 Primarily to remove the Factory bloatware.

I did have some trouble removing/Unlinking OneDrive. I mention that for full disclosure.

So, I went thru the install using my Microsoft credentials and was pleased with the result. Then, a day or two ago, all of a sudden on my start menu a second entry appeared "Outlook (new)"!

I clicked it and it starts a new install of OL and seems to know that I have a Gmail account. I backed out of the install.

The original MS365 install of Outlook works fine and In Settings > Installed Apps, it only shows "Outlook (new)", "Outlook" doesn't appear.

On my Start menu it first lists Outlook and below that "Outlook (new)". I'm concerned that if I uninstall "Outlook (new)" from Settings > Installed Apps that it will also remove Outlook.

Hoping someone can provide a solution to remove "Outlook (new)" and only have Outlook appear in Settings > Installed Apps and on the Start menu.

Answer 1

Thanks @Karl

So, the 'Outlook (new)' replaces the "Mail" app and from what I can decipher, is made to mimic the the Web version of Outlook.

And, the look would be very similar to my enabling the "Try the new Outlook" as in the attached image.

Question remains for me, why would I need 'Outlook (new)' or Mail for that matter, if I have MS365?

-

L

Answer 2

Hello Lance S

Hi, I'm Karl and will be happy to help you today.

The "new Outlook" ("Outlook new" on the Windows Start menu) is the intended replacement for the Windows 10 / 11 Mail, People, Calendar apps. It is essentially "Outlook on the web" wrapped in an app framework with the added functionality of being able to add external IMAP accounts.

It is in no way related to the classic Outlook desktop program (part of Office) and uninstalling it will not uninstall Outlook desktop. You can certainly uninstall it but it will return should you click on "Try new Outlook" in any app such as the Windows Mail app. While MS can certainly have chosen a better moniker for this, it is no different than also having the "Mail" icon in the Windows Start menu

For your info

Things to look forward to in the new Outlook for Windows https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/outlook-blog/things-to-look-forward-to-in-the-new-outlook-for-windows/ba-p/3975602

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, we're here to help you further if needed.