{"id":10336,"date":"2025-09-25T09:44:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T13:44:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pair.com\/support\/kb\/?post_type=ht_kb&p=10336"},"modified":"2026-02-19T14:54:49","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T19:54:49","slug":"classic-outlook-vs-new-outlook","status":"publish","type":"ht_kb","link":"https:\/\/www.pair.com\/support\/kb\/classic-outlook-vs-new-outlook\/","title":{"rendered":"Classic Outlook vs New Outlook"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Microsoft Outlook is available in two versions: Classic Outlook and New Outlook. Both handle email, calendars, and contacts, but the layout and available features differ. This article explains the differences and shows you how to tell which version you\u2019re using. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Classic Outlook?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Classic Outlook is a long-standing desktop version of Outlook that comes with Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365. The layout looks more like older versions of Microsoft Office, with more buttons and menus visible by default. This is the version most long term users are familiar with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

See Microsoft\u2019s plans for Classic Outlook here: Outlook Blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is New Outlook? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The New Outlook (sometimes referred to as \u201cOutlook for Windows,\u201d though it is also available on Mac) is Microsoft\u2019s modern, streamlined version of the application. It has a simplified design that matches Outlook on the web and focuses on speed, better Office 365 integration, and security. While it doesn\u2019t yet include every feature from Classic Outlook, Microsoft continues to expand its capabilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can see a full feature comparison list here: Microsoft Feature Comparison List<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Tell Which Outlook You\u2019re Using<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The quickest way to tell whether you\u2019re using Classic Outlook or the New Outlook is by looking at the interface. The toolbar, layout, and available toggles are slightly different between the two versions. Below we\u2019ve included screenshots of each interface layout on both Windows and Mac so you can easily identify your version. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windows Desktop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Classic Outlook on Windows 11<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New Outlook on Windows 11<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mac Desktop<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Classic Outlook on Mac <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New Outlook on Mac<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Switching Between New and Classic Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can move between Classic Outlook and the New Outlook from within the application. The process is quick, but the steps may vary depending on whether you\u2019re using Windows or Mac. Follow the instructions below for your device. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Switch from Classic Outlook \u2192 New Outlook (Windows 11)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Open Classic Outlook<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. In the upper right corner, toggle on the Try the new Outlook<\/strong> option

    Note: a pop-up may appear while Outlook downloads the new version.<\/em>
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. A pop-up will appear. Click the Switch<\/strong> button<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Classic Outlook will close and open the New Outlook version. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Switch from Classic Outlook \u2192 New Outlook (Mac)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Open Classic Outlook<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. In the upper right corner, toggle off the Legacy Outlook<\/strong> option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. A pop-up will appear. Click the Switch to Outlook<\/strong> button<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Classic Outlook will close and open the New Outlook version. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Switch from New Outlook \u2192  Classic Outlook (Windows 11)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Open New Outlook<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. In the upper right corner, toggle off the New Outlook<\/strong> option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. A pop-up will appear. Select Switch back to classic Outlook<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Click the Continue <\/strong>button

        Note: a pop-up may appear requesting your feedback. Complete the form or click the Skip Feedback<\/strong> option to continue.<\/i><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        New Outlook will close and open the Classic Outlook version. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Switch from New Outlook \u2192  Classic Outlook (Mac)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Open New Outlook<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. In your Mac\u2019s top toolbar, click the Outlook<\/strong> option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. In the drop-down, click the Legacy Outlook<\/strong> option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. A pop-up will appear. Click the Revert<\/strong> button<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          New Outlook will close and open the Classic Outlook version. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Troubleshooting: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Can\u2019t find the toggle? This could be caused by a few reasons: <\/p>\n\n\n\n