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How to Restore the Classic Contact Card Layout in Outlook
Question details
The user wants to restore the traditional individual card-style layout for viewing contacts in Outlook instead of using the new list view.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Viewing and managing the contacts or address book within the Outlook email client.
- Observed behavior
- The new version of Outlook automatically displays contacts in a list format, removing the classic individual card-style layout.
Verify that you still have the classic Microsoft Office suite installed on your computer, as the 'new Outlook' is a separate app that replaces the built-in Windows Mail and People apps.
Switch Back to the Classic Outlook Desktop Application
Since the new Outlook is a web-based experience that does not support the legacy card layout, launching the classic Outlook application is the best way to regain this feature.
The new Outlook is not a direct upgrade or 1:1 replacement for the classic Outlook desktop application. Instead, it is a web-based client meant to replace the default Windows Mail, People, and Calendar apps. Certain features, like the classic contact card layout, are exclusive to the traditional desktop application.
Click the Windows icon on your taskbar or press the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu.
Type 'Outlook' into the search bar. Look for the application icon labeled simply 'Outlook' rather than the one labeled 'Outlook (new)'.
Click on the classic Outlook icon to launch the program. Once opened, navigate to the People or Contacts pane at the bottom left to view your contacts in the traditional card layout.
Looking for a Lightweight and Free Office Suite?
While WPS Office does not function as an email client to replace Outlook, it is an excellent, free alternative to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. If you are exploring cost-effective software solutions, WPS Office offers a familiar interface and seamless document compatibility.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded setup file and follow the simple on-screen instructions to install the suite.
- 3. Open and Edit Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files to continue working seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my Outlook contacts suddenly change to a list view?
Microsoft recently introduced the 'new Outlook' app on Windows, which defaults to a list view for contacts. If your system automatically updated or switched to this new app, your contacts will appear differently than in the classic desktop version.
Can I customize the contact view in the new Outlook?
The new Outlook offers limited customization compared to the classic application. While you can adjust column widths and sort orders in the list view, the traditional individual card-style layout is not supported in this web-based version.
Is classic Outlook being discontinued completely?
Microsoft continues to support the classic Outlook desktop application alongside the new Outlook. You can keep using classic Outlook if you rely on specific legacy features like the contact card layout.
