Microsoft launches the new Outlook app for all users to download

The Outlook app is available in the Store

The app is now available for all users to download from the Microsoft Store. If you want, you can switch to the new Outlook app now. The minimum requirement is Windows 10 with build number 17763 or higher (which corresponds to Windows 10 version 1809 and later).

With Windows 11 version 23H2, the app is installed automatically and then regularly pre-installed starting with the Fall Update. Some features of the new app require a Microsoft 365 subscription. This includes writing AI-powered emails.

New app as an alternative

In the description of the app in the Store, Microsoft also announces the change in 2024:

“The new Outlook for Windows is a premium, free email experience for all Windows users. Easily connect and coordinate your personal email accounts, work email accounts, and calendars in one app. Write clear, concise emails, and get smart suggestions with built-in AI. “Seamlessly attach important documents and photos to any note. The new Outlook for Windows lets you stay on top of things for free. This app replaces the Windows Mail, Calendar, and People apps starting in 2024.”

The testing phase of the app entered its hot phase in September 2022 – Microsoft is now long overdue to make the app available to all users. However, the new Outlook for Windows initially only starts for all private Microsoft accounts. Anyone who is a business customer can still test the app in beta.

Transition schedule

Microsoft only recently announced the official timeline for the change. There will be an “opt-out” phase lasting several years during which the old Outlook will be retired and eventually completely replaced by the new PWA version. But there is still plenty of time until then. The current version is scheduled to be retired by 2026, or at least another two years and three months.

See also: