Prepare for the New Outlook Now
Starting in January 2025, Microsoft will automatically migrate users from the classic Outlook for Windows to the new Outlook for Windows if they are currently using Microsoft Business Premium or Microsoft Business Standard licenses. This transition aims to provide users with a more modern and efficient email experience. However, if IT administrators do not take control of this migration, users might be unexpectedly switched to the new interface, leading to confusion, decreased productivity, and frustration.
The lack of familiarity with the new features and layout could result in a flood of support requests, overwhelming the IT department’s helpdesk. To ensure a smooth transition, it is crucial for IT administrators to manage the migration process. By doing so, they can maintain operational efficiency and enhance the end-user experience.
Users will receive a series of in-app notifications before the switch, and they can toggle back to the classic Outlook through Outlook options if needed. However, if this has not been communicated to the staff yet, IT administrators can manage this by using Intune or Group Policy.
They can hide the “New Outlook toggle button” or disable the automatic migration by setting the following registry keys:
To hide the New Outlook toggle button:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General]
“HideNewOutlookToggle”=dword:00000000
To disable the automatic migration:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\outlook\preferences]
“NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting”=dword:00000000
What to look forward to in the New Outlook:
When users migrate to the New Outlook, they can look forward to several exciting new features and improvements:
- Personalised Layout Options: The new Outlook offers more flexibility with personalised layout options, making it easier for users to access settings and control when they receive and send emails.
- Microsoft Copilot-Assisted Capabilities: Users can benefit from Copilot-assisted capabilities, which help them connect, organise, and get things done more efficiently.
- New Modern Design: The new Outlook features a modern and simplified design, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Improved Integration: The new Outlook integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 apps, providing a cohesive experience across the platform.
These features are designed to improve productivity, enhance user experience, and provide better integration with other Microsoft 365 services.
What we recommend:
- Check Your License: This migration does not affect customers with Enterprise licenses such as E3 or E5. The planned migration date for those users is April 1, 2026.
- Disable the Policy: If you need more time to communicate with users, test the new Outlook, or update documentation, you can disable the policy.
For more information, reference the Microsoft document: “Control installation and use of new Outlook – Microsoft 365 Apps | Microsoft Learn.”
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at asktheexpert@enterprise-solutions.ie. Our team of Microsoft experts is ready and eager to help you with any challenges your organisation may be facing. Whether you need guidance on the new Outlook migration, assistance with optimising your Microsoft 365 environment, or support with any other IT-related issues, we are here to provide the expertise you need. We can schedule a chat at your convenience to discuss your specific needs and ensure that you have all the information and support necessary for a smooth and successful transition.
An experienced Senior Microsoft 365 engineer, specializing in cloud services such as Intune, Entra/Azure as well Microsoft’s Security products. Cormac has years of experience protecting companies against Data breach’s or dealing with the aftermath and can help your company protect its data from attacks from both outside or within.
An experienced Senior Microsoft 365 engineer, specializing in cloud services such as Intune, Entra/Azure as well Microsoft's Security products. Cormac has years of experience protecting companies against Data breach's or dealing with the aftermath and can help your company protect its data from attacks from both outside or within.
