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Fix Classic Outlook Desktop App Missing After Office 2021 Installation
Question details
Users are unable to locate or launch the Classic Outlook desktop application after installing Microsoft 365 or Office 2021, as Windows defaults to opening the new web-based Outlook.
- Product
- Microsoft 365, Office 2021
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Trying to launch or switch back to the classic Outlook desktop application for full features after a recent Office suite installation.
- Observed behavior
- Windows Search only shows the new web-based Outlook, and the classic Outlook.exe shortcut is missing. In some cases, the new Outlook prevents switching back or reports that it cannot find Outlook.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 or Office 2021 installation has completely finished in the background and that you have administrator privileges to access system drive folders.
Locate Outlook.exe Manually and Create a Desktop Shortcut
Find the classic Outlook executable file directly in your Windows system drive and manually create a shortcut for easy access.
Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 often install the classic Outlook desktop app, but Windows Search may prioritize the new Outlook. You can manually locate the execution file and pin it.
Press the Windows Key + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.
Go to 'C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16'. If you are using a 32-bit version of Office on a 64-bit system, navigate to 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16' instead.
Scroll through the folder contents and look for the file named 'OUTLOOK.EXE'.
Right-click 'OUTLOOK.EXE', select 'Show more options' (if on Windows 11), and then click 'Send to' > 'Desktop (create shortcut)'. You can also right-click and select 'Pin to taskbar'.
Switch Back via the New Outlook App
If the new Outlook app opens by default, use the built-in toggle to revert to the classic version.
Perform an Online Repair for Microsoft Office
If Outlook.exe is entirely missing from your installation folder, repairing the Office suite can restore the missing application files.
Experience a Lightweight and Hassle-Free Office Suite with WPS
Tired of dealing with confusing app versions, missing shortcuts, and heavy installations in Microsoft Office? Try WPS Office, a comprehensive and lightweight alternative that seamlessly bundles Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools in one intuitive interface.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and click 'Download WPS Office Free' to get the installer.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded file and follow the quick on-screen instructions to complete the lightweight installation.
- 3. Open Your Files: Launch WPS Office and instantly access or edit your Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents with perfect compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Classic Outlook being permanently discontinued?
Microsoft is gradually transitioning users to the new web-based Outlook for Windows. However, Classic Outlook will still be supported for several years. You can continue using it by locating and launching the OUTLOOK.EXE file manually.
Why does Windows Search only show the New Outlook?
The Windows Search index often prioritizes the newer built-in application. Pinning the classic Outlook.exe to your taskbar or Start menu ensures you can always easily launch the desktop version you prefer.
Can I run both New Outlook and Classic Outlook at the same time?
Yes. The new Outlook and Classic Outlook are entirely separate applications installed on your computer. You can open and use both of them simultaneously without them interfering with each other.
