Windows 11 introduces a number of new features and improvements, including a forced upgrade of theMail app to the Outlook web app. This move by Microsoft aims to push all users to use the new Outlook as soon as possible. The update was released in early March and involves only the Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 10.
The forced update of the Mail app
When you open the Mail app, a pop-up window appears informing you of the app updates and theintroduction of the new Outlook. However, the new Outlook opens so quickly that there may not be time to read the notice. This is part of Microsoft’s efforts to quickly push users away from the old Mail and Calendar apps in favor of the new Outlook, but the migration process may be confusing for some people.
The pop-up window, which disappeared before I could read the text, offered me two buttons: one to try the new Outlook right away and another to keep the existing app for the time being, in case you didn’t want to make the switch. However, before I could even choose to continue using the existing app, Microsoft closed the Mail app and opened the new Outlook.
The warning in the pop-up window clearly specified, “The next time you start Mail or Calendar, you will be redirected to Outlook. You can return to Mail and Calendar by clicking the button at the top right of the screen.” There is no option to click “Not now,” as Microsoft automatically begins to switch to using the new Outlook. However, the pop-up window reminds us that we can always switch back to the previous mode by clicking a small switch in the top corner.
The migration process
After making the switch, a screen indicating “switch to new Outlook” will appear and the new Outlook web app will be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. It will take a minute or two to complete the migration process and the web version of the new Outlook will be displayed. You will then have the option to return to the Mail app.
The new Outlook experience
Finally, you’ll be able to use the Outlook web experience, which includes advertisements for users not subscribed to Microsoft 365. The Mail UWP app, on the other hand, shows no ads.
You can restore the Mail and Calendar apps by selecting the switch next to the new Outlook, but I do not recommend uninstalling the web app. If you open the Mail app after removing Outlook Web, you will be prompted to migrate to the new Outlook again, and the whole process will repeat in a continuous loop unless you choose to keep both apps.
The switch is a temporary option for those who may need more time to get used to the new Outlook experience. Microsoft does not intend to leave the option to avoid using the Outlook web app.
Future support for Outlook
If you use Outlook Classic, you will not be forced to upgrade to the new Outlook. Microsoft does not intend to rush things and plans to support the Win32 client until 2029.