{
  "id": 2369165,
  "title": "Microsoft lets you swap New Outlook's looks with the face of Outlook Classic",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/microsoft-lets-you-swap-new-outlooks-looks-with-the-face-of-outlook",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-21T11:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Software",
    "slug": "the-register-software",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/applications/2026/08/21/microsoft-lets-you-swap-new-outlooks-looks-with-the-face-of-outlook-classic/5290948"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Microsoft has introduced a feature allowing users to change the appearance of Outlook on the Web and New Outlook for Windows to resemble the Classic Outlook interface. This update, made available through the appearance settings, aims to ease the transition for users moving from classic Outlook by providing a familiar look and feel while retaining the functionality of the new Outlook. However, it is important to note that this update will not restore the missing features of Classic Outlook, such as offline capabilities. Users can opt to try the new theme, which includes changes to visual styling, layout, typography, icons, and certain interactions. The toggle for this setting will be fully available by the end of September, with a global rollout planned between late September and the end of October. Microsoft is phasing out Classic Outlook in the coming years, and users will eventually need to migrate to the new platform. The company has provided a 12-month notice for administrators to prepare for the transition and promised to continue supporting Classic Outlook through perpetual and subscription licensing until at least 2029.",
  "summary": "Functionality not all there yet, but at least Redmond's latest and greatest appears a bit more like its predecessor",
  "key_points": [
    "Users can customize Outlook Web and New Outlook appearance to Classic Outlook.",
    "Feature available via appearance settings, aids transition from classic Outlook.",
    "Full toggle set by end of September, global rollout between late September and October."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "Microsoft lets you swap New Outlook's looks with the face of Outlook Classic",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/microsoft-lets-you-swap-new-outlooks-looks-with-the-face-of-outlook-2395353",
        "published": "2026-08-21T11:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}