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Transition to New Outlook (or Opt-out)

The New Outlook for Windows is here, delivering a seamless, productive, and familiar experience for commercial customers. This version integrates advanced productivity features and the latest innovations. Microsoft has planned a migration process (staged rollout) to ensure a predictable transition, with an opt-out option available for those not ready to switch. Early adopters can benefit from a 10–20% reduction in Outlook incidents, making this transition a win for reliability and efficiency.

Plan (Announcement)

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with 'Microsoft 365 for Business' plans are expected to enter this phase starting in January 2025 (06.01.25), with customers holding 'Microsoft 365 for Enterprise' licenses following in 2026:

  • New Outlook
  • New Outlook

Depending on which App you are using, the following applies:

Name Next Step (Timeline) Description (Technical)
Classic Outlook (App) Supported until at least 2029, Cutover can impact deployment,
Automatic Migration depending on Office Edition		 Legacy App
New Outlook (App) Opt-out possibility, New Outlook App after Migration,
Recommended deploying to Pilot-User before Cutover		 WebView2, same as Teams
Outlook Web (OWA) No change, available over browser Website
Outlook PWA1 (App over browser) No change, available over browser Website as App

List of Possibility & Limits for New Outlook

Pro () Con ()
Loop Components integration Not supported on Windows Server 2016 and 2019
Manage meetings easier with Copilot in Outlook COM add-ins aren't supported (use web add-ins)
Meeting feature "'Follow' a meeting"2 Automapping of Mailboxes

Prepare for migration and deployment

Reach out to stakeholders to gather input and align on objectives. Next, define the scope of testing, conduct a review, and proceed with the rollout.

Deployment options:

Use the Installer (same as with New Teams):

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.\Setup.exe --provision true --quiet --start-*
# .\Setup.exe --quiet --start-

Add the new Value in the existing XML for the deployment:

In a future release after the commercial preview stage, New Outlook will be an option in place of the classic Outlook experience for new Microsoft 365 deployments.

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# OutlookForWindows refers to the new Outlook app
# ID="OutlookForWindows"

Just install it over the Microsoft Store:

The New Outlook for Windows is a best-in-class email experience that is free for anyone with Windows.

Opt-out vs Staging

Staging (Release Ring vs Update channel)

Adjust your Release ring and perhaps Microsoft 365 Edition (License) to target the rollout as intended, here is an example:

People Release ring Update channel Office edition (minimal)
First User (Test/Pilot) Targeted release Current Channel Microsoft 365 Apps for business
Fast User (Business) Standard release Monthly Enterprise Channel Microsoft 365 Apps for business
Broad User (Enterprise) Standard release Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise

New features will debut in the Targeted Release ring (for early previews) and remain there for 30 days before going into General Availability release (Standard Release, most common). If users are already part of Targeted Release, new Outlook will honor that.

Opt-out (Block Migration to New Outlook)

If you have concerns or missed the opportunity to test and validate New Outlook, you have the following options:

Link: https://config.office.com/officeSettings/officePolicies

Customization > Policy configurations > Create

Link: https://intune.microsoft.com/#view/Microsoft_Intune_DeviceSettings/AppsMenu/~/officeProPlusPolicies

Apps > Policy > Policies for Office apps > Policy configurations > Create

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Name: Transition to New Outlook  
Scope: This policy configuration applies to all users  
Policy: Admin-Controlled Migration to New Outlook = Disabled

Registry Value or Group Policy [Alternative]

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# Disable the New Outlook migration (Registry)
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General]
"DoNewOutlookAutoMigration"= dword:00000000

# Path from Group Policy for Comparison
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General]

Do not mix up the Setting with 'HideNewOutlookToggle' or 'NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting' key
Control the installation and use of new Outlook

Disable (Block Usage of New Outlook)

Block Mailbox Access on New Outlook in general (not recommended)

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#Connect-ExchangeOnline
# per-user
Set-CASMailbox -Identity colin@contoso.onmicrosoft.com -OneWinNativeOutlookEnabled $false
# per-tenant
Get-OwaMailboxPolicy | Set-OwaMailboxPolicy -OneWinNativeOutlookEnabled $false

Summary

In my opinion, the 'New Outlook for Windows' brings advanced features and improved reliability to commercial customers. With a phased rollout and an opt-out option, businesses can prepare appropriately and benefit from reduced technical issues and enhanced productivity (new features arrive faster).

However, some changes, like how Shared Mailboxes are mapped, may require training to help users adjust. Basic habits and familiarity with the classic Outlook, which has been around since the late 1990s, might also delay acceptance.

Wish you all a good day!

References:

  1. Progressive Web App (PWA) ↩

  2. Follow a meeting in Outlook ↩