In a major move, Microsoft announced its plan to bid farewell to the beloved Windows Mail and Calendar applications on Windows 10 and 11 by year-end. But before you worry about the changes, here’s the exciting part: Microsoft will seamlessly transition users to their slick new Outlook for Windows app in August. Say hello to the all-new Outlook for Windows app, promising a revamped and unified experience for managing emails and schedules.
The trustworthy Windows Mail and Calendar applications might be bidding farewell, but don’t fret just yet! The silver lining is that you’ll be seamlessly auto-migrated to the new Outlook app when the time comes. You won’t be left high and dry, as the existing Mail and Calendar app will still be up for grabs until the end of 2024.
Al-Powered Outlook to Take Over Mail and Calendar on Windows 11
Microsoft also said that the upcoming Windows 11 devices will come with an AI-infused Outlook app pre-installed. This app will replace the current Calendar, Mail, and People applications as the official mailbox app, starting in 2024.
Users of existing devices will have the flexibility to transition to the new Outlook by simply ‘turning on’ the option within their Mail and Calendar applications. This will allow them to easily access the advanced AI-powered features of the Outlook app and enjoy an upgraded mailbox experience.
Additionally, the new Outlook features a thorough web interface that works seamlessly for everyone, including Microsoft 365 subscribers as well as free users. According to a support document only available to Microsoft 365 business users, Microsoft has formally started the transfer process. Some users may get alerts today regarding the upcoming changes to the mail applications in Windows 11 as a consequence of this transition.
Starting in August 2023, Microsoft will initiate an automatic migration process for certain Mail & Calendar app users, transitioning them to the new Outlook. However, users will have the option to opt out and revert if they prefer, simply by pressing the toggle located in the top right corner of the UI.
Signing-Off
Microsoft is actively seeking feedback on the new Outlook experience to address any possible improvements before Windows Mail and Calendar support concludes in 2024. As part of their plans, the company intends to automatically download and install the new Outlook app in the upcoming months, directing all users towards the enhanced mailbox application. Microsoft emphasized that these changes will solely impact Windows Mail and Calendar users and will not have any effect on regular Outlook desktop application users.
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