Microsoft lets you swap New Outlook's looks with the face of Outlook Classic

Microsoft has introduced a new feature allowing users to customize the appearance of Outlook on the Web and New Outlook for Windows to resemble the Classic Outlook interface. This update aims to provide a more familiar experience for users transitioning from the classic version, while preserving the enhanced capabilities of the new Outlook.

The feature does not restore removed functionalities from Classic Outlook, such as offline capabilities, which remain less robust compared to the predecessor. Although calendar and contact imports from .pst files have been possible for a few months, full support is expected to be implemented in the future. The app framework, including COM add-ins, will not be available in New Outlook.

The toggle for this feature can be found in the appearance settings and is expected to be fully rolled out by late September to early October. This move is part of Microsoft's strategy to phase out Classic Outlook, which will be discontinued in upcoming years. Users will eventually need to migrate to the new platform, although the process will not be immediate.

Currently, New Outlook is available for opt-in testing, with users previously having the option to opt-out until 2027. Microsoft has assured at least a 12-month notice for administrators to prepare for the transition, and support for Classic Outlook through perpetual and subscription licensing will continue until at least 2029. The new setting applies consistent changes to the Outlook experience, including visual styling, layout, typography, icons, and certain interactions.

While the phrase "putting lipstick on a pig" is often used to describe superficial modifications, Microsoft assures that this change is genuinely beneficial.