logo
search
Uninstall & Reinstall Issues

How to Install Office 2024 with Preinstalled Microsoft 365 and New Outlook

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to know if preinstalled Microsoft 365 and New Outlook must be removed before installing standalone Office 2024 on a Windows 11 device, and whether existing Outlook configurations are kept.

Product
Microsoft Office 2024, Microsoft 365, New Outlook
Device & OS
Windows 11
Scenario
Installing a standalone perpetual license of Office 2024 on a PC that already has Microsoft 365 desktop apps and the Windows 11 New Outlook preinstalled.
Observed behavior
Clarification is needed regarding side-by-side installation limitations for Office versions and the retention of email accounts and personal preferences during the transition.
Before you start

Ensure you have the Microsoft account credentials associated with your Office 2024 license and verify your current Outlook email account settings before making changes to your installed applications.

Solution 1Recommended

Uninstall Microsoft 365 and Install Office 2024

Since multiple desktop versions of Office cannot be installed simultaneously, you must remove Microsoft 365 before installing Office 2024. New Outlook can remain installed.

Microsoft's installation rules typically prevent different versions of Office desktop applications from existing simultaneously on the same system to avoid registry and licensing conflicts.

However, New Outlook is a built-in application for recent versions of Windows 11. It operates independently and does not conflict with standalone Office installations, meaning you do not need to uninstall it.

1
Uninstall Microsoft 365

Navigate to Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Locate Microsoft 365 in the application list, click the three horizontal dots next to it, and select 'Uninstall'.

2
Install Office 2024

Go to setup.office.com or your Microsoft account dashboard. Sign in using the Microsoft account linked to your Office 2024 license, download the installer, and run the setup file.

3
Configure Classic Outlook

Once the installation completes, open Classic Outlook from your Start menu. It will typically detect your existing profile, though you may need to re-verify your password. If preferred, set Classic Outlook as your default mail client when prompted.

Outlook Preferences Retained: Personal preferences and Outlook account information are generally retained in your Windows user profile during the uninstall and reinstall process, minimizing the need to manually reconfigure everything.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office as a Lightweight Alternative

If dealing with complicated Office installations, license conflicts, and confusing Outlook versions feels overwhelming, consider WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible Office suite that installs quickly without conflicting with other software on your PC.

  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your Windows PC.
  2. 2. Install Quickly: Run the setup file. WPS Office installs rapidly and operates flawlessly alongside your current Windows 11 apps.
  3. 3. Open and Edit Office Files: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing Word, Excel, or PowerPoint documents to continue your work seamlessly.
100% compatible with Microsoft Office formats including .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation that does not cause registry conflicts with existing system apps.All-in-one suite combining Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF tools in a single window.Familiar tabbed user interface ensuring a seamless migration with zero learning curve.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to uninstall New Outlook before installing Office 2024?

No, New Outlook is included with recent versions of Windows 11 and operates completely independently of the traditional Office suite. It can remain installed alongside Office 2024 without causing any software conflicts.

Can I keep Microsoft 365 and Office 2024 installed at the same time?

Normally, only one desktop version of Microsoft Office can be installed at a time. The Office 2024 installer will require you to remove the existing Microsoft 365 desktop applications to proceed with the installation.

Will I lose my Outlook emails and settings when switching to Office 2024?

Your personal preferences and Outlook account information are stored locally in your Windows user profile. When you open Classic Outlook after installing Office 2024, it should automatically detect your previous settings, though you may need to re-enter your passwords.

How do I make Classic Outlook my default mail client instead of New Outlook?

After installing Office 2024, go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps. Search for Outlook (Classic) and set it as the default application for all email and calendar protocols.