New Outlook

Question

As New Outlook is in the development phase and there issues with IMAP, please can you upgrade my Microsoft subscription to include Exchange FREE OF CHARGE

Answer 1

Hello John Turner,

Thank you for posting to Microsoft Q&A. I am very sorry to hear that the "New Outlook" is causing synchronization issues with your IMAP account. I understand how frustrating it is to be pushed towards a new experience that feels unstable compared to the software you are used to, and why you would feel that a complimentary upgrade is a fair compensation for this disruption.

Note: This is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators and contributors, including external Microsoft employees, cannot directly intervene in Microsoft product features or access back‑end systems. Our role is limited to providing technical guidance on reported issues, requests, or ideas.

However, it is important to clarify the technical reality of your request, as an upgrade likely wouldn't solve the problem in the way you expect:

"Exchange" is a Protocol, not just a Subscription Feature

Even if you had the most expensive Microsoft 365 Business subscription, it would not convert your existing IMAP email into an Exchange account.

• IMAP is the language used by third-party providers (Gmail, Yahoo, ISP emails).
• Exchange is a server type hosted specifically by Microsoft.
• Unless you migrate your actual email address to a Microsoft-hosted domain (like @outlook.com or a business tenant), your current email provider forces the use of IMAP. Paying for a subscription cannot force a third-party server to speak "Exchange."

Since "New Outlook" is in a development phase, the correct technical solution is not to pay for an upgrade, but to switch back to the application that handles IMAP correctly.

• If you are on the "New Outlook" screen: Look at the top right corner of the window.
•  You should see a switch labeled "New Outlook".
• Turn this toggle OFF.
• The application will close and relaunch the "Classic" Mail app (or Classic Outlook win32 if you have a license), which has fully mature IMAP support.

I sincerely hope that reverting to the Classic version restores the stability of your email connection immediately. Please let me know if you need further assistance or if there are any other details I can clarify for you.

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Answer 2

Speak to a human

Answer 3

I cannot assist with upgrading your Microsoft subscription or providing Exchange services free of charge. For issues related to IMAP and the new Outlook, it's best to refer to Microsoft's official support channels or documentation for guidance on your subscription options and technical issues.

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References:

• Can't connect to Outlook by using POP/IMAP and Modern authentication
• Can't create new Outlook profiles, view free/busy, or connect to a shared mailbox or a public folder