Updated on November 28, 2024
On September 21st, 2023, Microsoft officially launched the new Outlook desktop app for Windows, and in August 2024, it was pushed out to all organizations for users to opt-in. Since Outlook 2013, the Windows desktop Outlook app hasn’t changed much - only minor visual tweaks and a few new features. Now, with the new version of Outlook, Microsoft has revamped the desktop version of Outlook to be on par with Outlook on the web.
The new Outlook feels like Outlook on the web – and whether you like it or not, this is the strategic direction that Microsoft is going in. The benefit is that users now have a consistent user experience across all platforms – something that was long overdue. In addition to having a consistent user interface, the new Outlook also introduces some new AI capabilities that are not currently available in the classic version of Outlook, as well as improved speed and performance.
Faster and leaner user interface
The new Microsoft Outlook is noticeably faster with simplified menus making navigation more intuitive. Email and calendar content is loaded almost instantly when rapidly switching between various emails and calendar appointments. Since new emails load instantly, there is no longer any reason to have a “Send/Receive” button for users to push. The improved performance, combined with the modern Fluent design makes browsing emails more enjoyable. Even though the performance is improved, the substantial change in appearance from the classic version may take a bit of getting used to for some users.
Better support for modern Microsoft 365 Apps
The new Outlook has better support for other modern Microsoft 365 apps like To Do, Loop, and OneDrive to name a few. You can insert a Loop component agenda in your Outlook meeting invitations to keep everyone aligned. You can click the “My Day” button to get access to your To Do tasks without switching apps.
New features
Being able to “Sweep”, “Pin” and “Snooze” emails are features that have been available in Outlook on the web for quite some time – we are happy to see that these features are available on the new desktop version of Outlook. “Sweep” allows you to quickly organize your emails - like deleting emails older than 10 days from a specific sender. Pinning keeps messages of priority at the top of your inbox, so your important message is never lost with new emails. “Snoozing” an email removes it from the inbox but will reappear at a time you specify.
With the new Outlook you can also keep track of calendar invitations you for some reason have to decline. This way, you can still stay on top of meetings even if you can’t attend yourself. The search experience is also improved with easy-to-use search filter buttons, and a more advanced search drop down window to help users find what they are looking for.
AI and Copilot: Improve your Email Communication
The most groundbreaking new feature in the new Outlook is the integration of AI-based tools and the full support for Microsoft 365 Copilot. Copilot in Outlook helps you draft emails and get coaching to improve email writing (tone, reader feeling, clarity). Additionally, it assists with tasks like creating rules, summarizing email threads, and getting a better overview of your inbox. It is to be noted that Microsoft has partial support of Copilot features in the classic version of Outlook.
Downsides when switching to the New Outlook
One of the most significant features users have been complaining about is the lack of full support for working offline. Microsoft has addressed this by offering partial support for offline features, including the ability to read, manage, and draft emails.
Another feature missing in the New Outlook is the support for PST files. The classic version of Outlook uses PST files to store email messages, contacts, calendar information and tasks to access them later without an internet connection on your computer. Since the new Outlook does not support PST file format, it cannot be used to back up or export items from your email account. Also, support for PST files is coming in the near future, according to Microsoft.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the New Outlook offers a range of modern features and improvements, transitioning from the classic version can be challenging for many users. To ensure a smooth and efficient transition, comprehensive training is essential. We recommend taking advantage of Storyals' new course on the New Outlook, designed to help users navigate and utilize the new interface effectively. This training will equip your team with the skills needed to maximize productivity and fully leverage the capabilities of the New Outlook. For more details, visit our course page on Storyals.
We are continuously updating our courses to incorporate the New Outlook desktop app to help organizations seamlessly transition from the classic version of Outlook to the New Outlook desktop app.
Contact us for a smooth adoption of the New Outlook for your users.