Can't access new Outlook on my desktop or 365

Question

Can't access new Outlook on my desktop or 365

Elaine Harrigan 0

Two days ago my Outlook app automatically changed to the new Outlook. I didn't do anything, My email client is an IMAP account associated with my website. My web email is already set to automatically detect Outlook for Windows. It was working perfectly well. I removed the Outlook app and reinstalled but when I try to log in, it shows it's setting up then asks for a password for the email address. Won't open. The password is valid as I can log into the client from another browser. All of the IMAP settings are entered correctly. How do I resolve? Please explain like I'm a 5th grader--I'm not a techie and, no, we don't have a tech. We're a small church.

Also--all my 365 apps work fine. I have Windows 11 and Office LTSC 2021.

Hornblower409 12,245 Reputation points

2026-08-05T23:53:00.54+00:00

@Elaine Harrigan said

Two days ago my Outlook app automatically changed to the new Outlook

Were you able to revert back to using Classic Outlook instead of New Outlook for Windows? If not, here are some support documents that might help:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/toggle-out-of-the-new-outlook-for-windows-ec102b39-5727-418e-ae1f-a1805434640c

[External Non-Microsoft Site] https://www.slipstick.com/outlook/classic-outlook-not-new-outlook/

If you still can't get back to Classic Outlook, please leave a comment below and I'll try to help.

1 answer

Your answer

Hornblower409 12,245 Reputation points

2026-08-05T23:53:00.54+00:00

@Elaine Harrigan said

Two days ago my Outlook app automatically changed to the new Outlook

Were you able to revert back to using Classic Outlook instead of New Outlook for Windows? If not, here are some support documents that might help:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/toggle-out-of-the-new-outlook-for-windows-ec102b39-5727-418e-ae1f-a1805434640c

[External Non-Microsoft Site] https://www.slipstick.com/outlook/classic-outlook-not-new-outlook/

If you still can't get back to Classic Outlook, please leave a comment below and I'll try to help.

Answer 1

Dear @Elaine Harrigan,

Good day! Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum!

Based on your description, I understand that Outlook on your Windows 11 desktop automatically switched to the new Outlook two days ago, and since then you have been unable to sign in to your IMAP email account. Although your password works through webmail and your IMAP settings appear correct, the new Outlook keeps asking for your password and does not complete the setup.

Regarding your situation, this may be related to a known compatibility issue with some IMAP accounts in New Outlook for Windows. At this time, I recommend using Classic Outlook (the Outlook app included with Office LTSC 2021), as IMAP accounts generally have more consistent support there.

Therefore, kindly:

Open Classic Outlook and add your IMAP account there
Verify that you can send and receive email successfully
If the account works in Classic Outlook but not in New Outlook, this helps confirm the issue is specific to the New Outlook experience rather than your email settings or password

In addition, I have noticed other users reporting an issue with IMAP accounts in the new Outlook. I would appreciate it if you could submit feedback so that the product team can investigate.

In New Outlook:

Select Help > Feedback
Describe the issue and submit the report

You can also submit feedback through the Feedback Portal

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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