How to get the “Classic” Outlook back?
Microsoft in their wisdom are trying to force users to use their “new” and “improved” version of Outlook with new Windows 11 devices.
We show you 4 ways of how to get the “old” Outlook back, now know as “Classic” Outlook
With new Windows 11 installations, the only version of “Outlook” initially available is the “new” Outlook, which many users dislike due to its lack of features
“Classic” Outlook is still available, we show you 4 ways of finding it and install it.
As of now, Microsoft are not forcing users to switch to “new” Outlook, but there’s a good chance that time will come some time in 2029
How to switch back to “Classic” Outlook
The easiest way to switch back to “Classic” Outlook is
Option 1. Switch to Outlook Classic from New Outlook
Open the current “New” Outlook … select “Help” > “Go to classic Outlook”
However, this appears to NOT be available on all Windows 11 versions? If not try clicking on the link below or Option 2 or Option 3
You should get redirected to a page such as this:
Scroll down and click on the “Download” link
This download “OfficeSetup.exe” …open the file and agree to make changes
Now under the start menu … you will see 2 Outlook Apps … click on Outlook “classic”
If you do not have a paid licence you will see warnings such as this
You can “Activate” the account with your Microsoft 365 license or continue to use the online version for FREE
Option 2. Open Outlook.exe
Right click on the Windows icon and select “Run”
type “outlook.exe” in the run box and if it is installed it will open “Classic Outlook”
Option 3. Download from Microsoft
If the above 2 methods do not work, there is another workaround but it requires you to have a current subscription to Office 365, such as Personal, Family or Business Standard.
In any browser goto
If not automatically signed in, click on “Sign in” and enter your Microsoft login and password
Login to Microsoft Account and click on “Apps” and “Install apps” … “Microsoft 365 apps”
Once into “My Account” hit “Install Office”
OfficeSetup.exe should start to download
Once downloaded, Run the file, which may take up to 30 minutes to install.
Now you will be able to find the two versions of “Outlook” in Apps and the latests versions of Word, Excel, OneDrive etc.
Option 4 – Install from Microsoft Store
If you cannot find any version of Office on your PC, load it from Windows Store and then follow the instructions in Option 1 above
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