The Windows Mail App Will Become Outlook for Windows in 2024

The Windows Mail App Will Become Outlook for Windows in 2024

Microsoft in their inexplicable habit of re-using names will cause more confusion next year (2024) when the Windows Mail app (which is nothing like Windows Mail which was included in Windows XP & Windows Vista). becomes Outlook or officially “Outlook for Windows”.

The Windows Mail app comes pre-installed on all versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. Unfortunately, as of now, Windows 10 users, it seems, won’t be “upgraded” to the new Outlook for Windows.

But this Outlook is not the Outlook you’re thinking of – the one that comes with Microsoft 365 (formerly Microsoft Office). This Outlook is free. Confused yet? Well wait til you see the “new” “free” Outlook email program – it looks like the Outlook that comes with Microsoft Office, hmm I mean Microsoft 365.

If you are using the Windows Mail app and you can’t wait until next year when you’ll be (without any options) transitioned to the new “free” Outlook, all you have to do is open the Windows Maili app and toggle on the switch next to “New Outlook” in the upper right corner. After a few minor typical Microsoft distractions will get a working preview of the new “free” Outlook. And if you don’t like it, you can turn the switch off to go back to the Windows Mail app… at least until you are forcibly transitioned to Outlook for Windows in 2024.

So all of you who didn’t want to pay for MS Office (MS 365) will be able to use a very close replica of Outlook for free. And if you’re one of those who are using an MS Office alternate like Open Office or Libre Office (neither of which come with an email program) and you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, you’ll be delighted to know that one of the only things missing from your free MS Office replacement – Outlook – will be at your fingertips soon – or whenever you’re ready to try it.

The last time Microsoft did this with Outlook they called it Outlook Express. At least they added a qualifier to the name so people could tell the difference. just by the name.  Outlook Express became significantly more popular than its parent. Outlook Express was a simplified version of Outlook, and as it turned out,  that’s what most people wanted.

Soon, the real Outlook will (so they say) be able to answer your emails for you using AI. According to Microsoft, those using the free Outlook for Windows will be getting AI-assisted mail answering too! Won’t that be fun?

Anyway, enough of our commentary. We’re going to let Microsoft tell you more about the “free” Outlook coming in 2024.

The new Outlook for Windows brings the latest features with a modern and simplified design to your Windows 11 PC. You can tailor it to your style and do more with the new Outlook for Windows! Learn more about the new Outlook for Windows here.

When will the new Outlook for Windows replace the Mail, Calendar, and People apps?

Beginning in 2024, new Windows 11 devices will be shipped with the new Outlook for Windows as the default mailbox application free for all to use. The Mail and Calendar applications will continue to be available via download in the Microsoft Store through the end of 2024. On existing devices, users can switch to the new Outlook for Windows from a toggle in the Mail and Calendar applications. You can see more information about accessing the People app here.

Move to the new Outlook for Windows

To try the preview of the new Outlook for Windows, you can slide the Try the new Outlook toggle located in the upper-right corner of your Mail and Calendar or the classic Outlook for Windows applications, then follow the onscreen instructions. See Getting started with the new Outlook for Windows.

NOTE: You can switch back to your previous experience at any time. Just slide the toggle off and it will automatically open your previous version with no data or email loss.

Why use the new Outlook for Windows

The new Outlook for Windows is for everyone. Now everyone with Windows gets the best of Outlook built into Windows for free. No subscription needed. You will write better emails with advanced AI built into the new Outlook for Windows to help you write impactful, clearer, mistake-free messages. New Outlook for Windows can also help remind you to follow up on important conversations. Other great features of the new Outlook for Windows include:

Streamline accounts. Now everyone can access their emails—in one spot—on every Windows device. That’s Gmail, Yahoo! and even a place for that account you use for shopping.

Stay on top of things. Organize your appointments, share availability and events with a click, and ensure time for important people and events.

Feel secure. Trust in Microsoft’s security to help keep your emails and documents safe from phishing and scams.

Accomplish more. Enjoy Microsoft 365 free on the web and use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneDrive with the click of a button.

Stay organized. File your valuable content neatly or find it simply with universal search, make your calendar yours with multiple options and personalization capabilities, and know when your packages will arrive with package tracking.

Unify your accounts. The new Outlook for Windows brings several advantages when it comes to managing your emails and calendars. For example, you can now view your various emails and calendar events in one place, making it easier to stay organized. This is also great for people who have accounts from multiple providers, as they can access them all from one unified inbox.

Whether you are looking for an easier way to manage your emails or want more control over your calendar events, the new Outlook for Windows has something to offer everyone!