Microsoft forcing new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs next month

Mandatory installation will commence on 11th February

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Not everyone wants the new Outlook

Microsoft is set to make a significant change to the email experience for Windows 10 users.

Starting next month, Microsoft will begin forcibly installing its new Outlook email client on all Windows 10 devices.

This move will occur in two phases.

The first phase of the rollout will begin on 28th January 2025 with the release of an optional Windows 10 update. This update will include the new Outlook for users who choose to install it.

The mandatory installation will commence on 11th February with the release of the monthly security update for Windows 10. All Windows 10 devices will receive the new Outlook as part of this update.

The new Outlook app will appear as an additional programme on devices running Windows 10. It will not replace the classic Outlook application or change existing configurations, ensuring that users can continue to use their preferred version without disruption.

"New Outlook exists as an installed app on the device. For instance, it can be found in the Apps section of the Start Menu. It does not replace existing (classic) Outlook or change any configurations / user defaults. Both (classic) Outlook and New Outlook for Windows can run side by side," Microsoft stated in a support document.

The announcement, tagged as MC976059 in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, has sparked discussions about user control and forced updates.

Microsoft clarified that while the new Outlook client cannot be blocked during installation, users have the option to remove it post-installation if desired.

Steps to remove the New Outlook

For users who prefer not to have the new client installed, Microsoft provided detailed steps for its removal. The process involves running specific commands in Windows PowerShell and editing registry settings to prevent future reinstalls during updates.

  1. Open Windows PowerShell and run the following command to remove the app package: Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName
  2. Add a new registry value to block the new Outlook client from being reinstalled: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe\OutlookUpdate
  3. Add a REG_SZ registry setting, named BlockedOobeUpdaters, with a value of ["MS_Outlook"].

The first preview version of the new Outlook for Windows was released in May 2022. It became generally available for personal accounts in September 2023 through the Windows 11 Microsoft Store and the September 26 Windows fall update.

Commercial customers gained access in August 2024.

The mandatory rollout marks the latest step in Microsoft's ongoing push to modernise its email client offerings. However, the lack of an opt-out option has raised concerns among users about control over their devices and software.

For additional details, Microsoft encourages users to refer to its support documents or consult their IT administrators to address concerns about the new client's installation.