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Office Installation Errors

How to Manage Classic and New Outlook on the Same Windows PC

Natalie TaylorNatalie Taylor Sep 29, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to manage both Classic and New Outlook simultaneously on their computer, prevent New Outlook from starting automatically, and troubleshoot sudden closures of Classic Outlook.

How to Manage Classic and New Outlook on the Same Windows PC
Product
Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS
Windows PC
Scenario
Using Classic Outlook and New Outlook on the same system while preventing conflicts or auto-start issues.
Observed behavior
New Outlook opens automatically against the user's preference, or Classic Outlook closes unexpectedly during use.
Before you start

Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows PC, as you may need to modify startup applications or repair your Microsoft 365 installation.

Solution 1Recommended

Stop New Outlook from Opening Automatically

Use this solution to prevent New Outlook from launching on startup or to switch back to the Classic Outlook interface.

Classic Outlook and New Outlook are separate applications that can coexist. Classic Outlook is included with Microsoft 365, while New Outlook is a Store/WebView2-based application. If New Outlook is taking over, you can disable its auto-start behavior or uninstall it completely.

1
Toggle back to Classic Outlook

Open the New Outlook application and look for the 'New Outlook' toggle switch in the top right corner. Turn this switch off to revert to Classic Outlook.

2
Disable New Outlook in Startup

Open Windows Settings, navigate to Apps, and click on Startup. Find 'Outlook' (the new version) in the list and toggle the switch to Off. Alternatively, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab, right-click New Outlook, and select Disable.

3
Uninstall New Outlook (Optional)

If you do not want to use New Outlook at all, open Windows Settings, go to Apps, then Installed apps. Search for 'Outlook (new)', click the three dots next to it, and select Uninstall.

Stop New Outlook from Opening Automatically
Default Email Client: After performing these steps, remember to set Classic Outlook as your default email app in Windows Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run Classic Outlook and New Outlook at the same time?

Yes, you can run both simultaneously. Classic Outlook is a traditional desktop application included with Microsoft 365, whereas New Outlook is a separate web-based Store app. They operate independently of each other.

Will uninstalling New Outlook delete my emails or affect Classic Outlook?

No. Uninstalling New Outlook from your Windows Settings will not affect your Classic Outlook installation, its profiles, or your email data. Your emails remain safely stored on your email server and within Classic Outlook.

Why did my computer switch to New Outlook automatically?

Microsoft sometimes enables the 'Try the new Outlook' toggle by default during Windows or Office updates to encourage adoption of the new app. You can easily turn this toggle off in the top right corner of the New Outlook window.

How do I make sure mail links open in Classic Outlook?

Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Default apps. Search for 'Outlook', select the Classic Outlook icon, and set it as the default application for 'MAILTO' protocols and email-related file types.