Issues with classic Outlook after uninstalling new Outlook

Question

Issues with classic Outlook after uninstalling new Outlook

Ron Wwrobleski 0

Have active subscription to Office 365. Some time ago I uninstalled the new Outlook version because I didn't like it. I am now experiencing issues with Outlook Classic where it will not download pictures or placeholders. I've been through all the setup and Trust Center options but still having problems. I believe this is occurring because Microsoft is doing planned obsolescence. I am now unable to download the new outlook. I have signed into my account and clicked on the download link, but when I go back to check, the new outlook was not installed. I have looked online and cannot find a link to just download the newer version. Suggestions?

Moderator note: thread title updated to better reflect the question asked

Ron Wwrobleski 0 Reputation points

2026-08-17T21:53:00.3266667+00:00

How long do I have to wait for a community answer....
Hornblower409 16,975 Reputation points

2026-08-19T09:13:52.8833333+00:00

@Ron Wwrobleski said

I uninstalled the new Outlook version because I didn't like it. I am now experiencing issues with Outlook Classic where it will not download pictures or placeholders.

I would hate to see a long time Classic Outlook user have to switch to New Outlook if they don't absolutely have to. If you still can't get Classic to download pictures, please come back here and we'll figure it out.

I believe this is occurring because Microsoft is doing planned obsolescence.

Microsoft certainly wants you to move to New Outlook. But Classic Outlook is, and will be for some time, a fully supported product.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5554339/when-will-classic-outlook-end

1 answer

Your answer

Ron Wwrobleski 0 Reputation points

2026-08-17T21:53:00.3266667+00:00

How long do I have to wait for a community answer....
Hornblower409 16,975 Reputation points

2026-08-19T09:13:52.8833333+00:00

@Ron Wwrobleski said

I uninstalled the new Outlook version because I didn't like it. I am now experiencing issues with Outlook Classic where it will not download pictures or placeholders.

I would hate to see a long time Classic Outlook user have to switch to New Outlook if they don't absolutely have to. If you still can't get Classic to download pictures, please come back here and we'll figure it out.

I believe this is occurring because Microsoft is doing planned obsolescence.

Microsoft certainly wants you to move to New Outlook. But Classic Outlook is, and will be for some time, a fully supported product.

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5554339/when-will-classic-outlook-end

Answer 1

Chloe-V 14,125 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Ron Wwrobleski

I understand how frustrating this is, especially after you already reviewed the Trust Center settings.

Please note that this is a user-to-user support forum. Moderators, 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 only.

New Outlook is installed as a separate Windows app, so reinstalling Microsoft 365 from your account page may not reinstall it. Please open the Microsoft Store, search for “Outlook for Windows,” select Get or Install, and then select Open when the installation is complete. You can keep New Outlook and Outlook Classic installed side by side.

For the missing pictures or placeholders in Outlook Classic, please select File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now. Once the update is complete, restart Outlook and test the affected email again.

If the Microsoft Store shows Open, search the Windows Start menu for Outlook (new) because it may already be installed. If the installation still does not start, please let us know whether this is a personal computer or a work-managed computer, as security policies may be preventing the app package from installing.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

Ron Wwrobleski 0 Reputation points

2026-08-18T15:59:03.5233333+00:00

While I would have liked to say the suggestions heloed, they didn't. I have downloaded the new Outlook and immediately had a problem with all my contacts. If they were all transferred, they were in different folders or somewhere I didn't find. I'm 77, and while I am still able minded, the new technology is sometimes difficult. I understand it is geared for a certain market of people. Updating did not cure the picture/placeholder issue. This is a Dell computer and I run the full package of Norton, so I'm going to pursue the issue with them as it is possible there is a setting, maybe in Norton, that is not allowing the items to download. An aside to this is that when I click on the message that allows you to view the page on the web, sometimes all I get is a screen of code and a lot of other gibberish. Hate to say it but I may have to just reset thie computer and start from scratch which is a real bummer having to reload all the apps and data. My first Dell laptop and I am far from impressed. Even their own programs; i.e. SupportAssist is unreliable and I have to go to Services daily to turn back on the associated applications. Thanks for your response though!
Chloe-V 14,125 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-18T23:32:37.5466667+00:00

Hi Ron Wwrobleski

Thank you for the update. I am sorry the previous suggestions did not resolve the issue. Before resetting the computer, I recommend temporarily disabling Norton’s email or web protection and testing one trusted email, then enabling the protection again. If the pictures appear, Norton may be blocking the external content.

Please confirm that Outlook is fully updated, then restart Windows and test again.

Regarding the contacts, New Outlook may not automatically display contacts stored locally in Classic Outlook. Those contacts may need to be exported from Classic Outlook as a CSV file and imported through People > Your contacts > Import contacts in New Outlook.

I would not recommend resetting the computer at this stage, as it may not resolve either issue.
Ron Wwrobleski 0 Reputation points

2026-08-18T23:47:01.8366667+00:00

Thank you Chloe. I've stopped the Norton email screening, spam, etc. I've also sent a message to Norton asking for input. Absolutely do not want to reset unless it becomes the last resort...lol
Chloe-V 14,125 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-08-20T03:15:53.1866667+00:00

Hi Ron Wwrobleski

I just wanted to follow up and see whether you received any guidance from Norton or noticed any improvement after stopping the email screening.