Microsoft wants users to switch to the new Outlook before August, or receiving emails will be interrupted

Microsoft wants users to switch to the new Outlook before August, or receiving emails will be interrupted

Microsoft has been testing and rolling out the redesigned Outlook Windows app for nearly a year now, and now might be the time for the new platform to be pushed out to the largest possible audience. The Redmond company has emphasized many times the full implementation schedule of the new Outlook, as well as how this application will replace other work support software that is no longer receiving much attention. However, the number of users switching to Outlook still seems to be too modest, forcing the company to take 'strong' measures.

Microsoft wants users to switch to the new Outlook before August, or receiving emails will be interrupted Picture 1

In a new post on the Microsoft 365 notification center, more detailed information about the retirement of legacy Outlook clients and web browsers was announced. The phasing out of the old platform will apparently begin in July 2024 and August 2024, and last until October:

Starting mid-July 2024, the legacy Outlook client will be phased out, directly affecting users using outdated versions of the Windows Mail and Calendar h apps on iOS, Android, Mac as well as Windows. Starting mid-August, outdated browsers will experience errors when accessing the Outlook web app. Users must update to the latest version to continue using regular and fully supported functionality.

Starting mid-July, for organizations using virtual domains and their users using the following client versions, functionality will be gradually limited:

1. Outlook for iOS versions prior to 4.2411,
2. Outlook for Android versions prior to 4.2342,
3. Outlook for Mac versions earlier than 16.73
4. Windows Mail and Calendar application

Microsoft encourages users to migrate to the new Outlook for Windows and update to the latest version of Outlook on iOS, Android, and Mac. Ongoing development efforts and enhanced security measures will focus on these updated platforms.

Starting mid-August, for Outlook on the web and Outlook.com:

If the user is using an older browser, the page loads with an error and the user is prompted to download a newer browser version to continue using Outlook on the web.

1. Internet Explorer
2. Microsoft Edge Legacy
3. New Microsoft Edge
4. Chrome
5. Safari
6. Mozilla Firefox
7. Opera

The light version of Outlook on the web will also stop working.

There is also a separate section that explains when and how the upcoming changes will take place and how they will affect organizations and businesses.

Deployment time

For the Outlook iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows Windows Mail and Calendar app, Microsoft will gradually roll out the app to customers by mid-July 2024, with the rollout complete by the end of September 2024. 2024.

For Outlook on the web, Microsoft will gradually roll out the feature to customers in mid-August 2024, with the rollout complete by the end of October 2024.

How will this change affect organizations and businesses:

Once this change is implemented, legacy Outlook clients will no longer be supported.

For Outlook iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows Windows Mail and Calendar apps, users will not be able to send or receive new emails when this change is applied.

For Outlook on the web, the IsOptimizedForAccessibility parameter is no longer supported in the Set-CASMailbox Cmdlet for Exchange Online users. The latest Outlook on the Web supports all accessibility features.

The new Outlook for Windows app is based on the Outlook.com web app, with a significantly overhauled design compared to the old Outlook app, along with the ability to integrate with other Microsoft 365 services. has also been significantly improved.

Marvin Fry

Update 09 July 2024