Will there be a way to continue using Windows mail instead of the new Outlook?

Anonymous
2023-08-15T15:12:03+00:00

I keep seeing that Outlook is supposed to take over Windows Mail as the default mail app. But will the Windows Mail app still be available to use? I do not want to be forced to use Outlook. When I tried the preview, it had ads that I thought were my actual mail, and the app I find is just too busy overall. I don't want a bunch of stuff in the way of me reading my email. Windows Mail is simple, I like the interface, it's not too busy, and my mail is prominent within the window.

Edit 2025:
I got tired of the shenanigans and switched to Wino Mail app. I will likely switch to Linux OS in the future as MS is starting to go off the rails.

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2023-08-15T15:52:34+00:00

Hello Skeleton! My name is Jeremy and I’m happy to help you with your question.

Although Outlook will be the new default mail app, you can still change your default mail app back to Windows Mail and use Windows mail.

I understand your concern and appreciate your viewpoint so when the time comes do not worry you will still be able to use Windows Mail.

This change is referring to what apps are shipped with Windows 11 not that the apps will no longer work for old users.

Regards,

Was this answer helpful?

90+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

124 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-13T16:33:35+00:00

    You're wasting time. Microsoft has said that a good, simple, and beautifully designed email can no longer exist. Now it has to be another stupid and uglier one. They have to serve you things you don't want. They have to ruin the look because they don't know what else to come up with. They have to shove ads in there. They have to read what you write. Windows 11 is software for wasting time. You constantly have to adapt and explore how to outsmart them. Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't have real competition. If you try another email client, you'll find it's slow and doesn't have everything you need. I don't know what to tell you except that you're wasting your time. They don't care about you. They're so big that they don't care what people think of them. Clients are just statistics to them. One more thing, I thought there were some laws in the USA that protect consumers. I guess I was a bit mistaken. It seems they can do whatever they want

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-13T21:34:32+00:00

    This is ridiculous. I can hardly believe they are being SO intrusive and yes, they watch everything you write Keywords). No use fighting it.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-14T20:32:29+00:00

    Yea, until this morning, I've been able to keep using Mail, by uninstalling Outlook, then opening Mail from the start menu. Now, Mail is still there, but I can't get rid of that popup so I can't interact with it at all.

    Does anyone know of a way to get rid of the popup so I can keep using Mail? I've no interest in the piece of **** they're forcibly installing on my computer every day.

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-14T21:05:35+00:00

    I am still using the old Windows and Mail app on Windows 10 without any problems. As far as I am aware, the old Mail and Calendar app is still available in the Windows store. Of course, one day Microsoft might pull the plug on the servers and it will stop working. There are alternatives like the Thunderbird email client etc.

    To continue using the old Mail app, first you have to disable the new Outlook. There are several ways to do this. I think the easiest method is described below

    Kind regards

    Chris

    To disable the new Outlook. Download the Outlook remover on Github. (To clarify, this removes the new Outlook that replaces the old Mail and Calendar app. It does not remove the "Outlook" mail client that is part of Office 365. That is an entirely different app)

    https://github.com/matej137/OutlookRemover

    Download the Zip file. Inside you will find a file called outlook.bat. Right click and select, "run as administrator". That will remove the new Outlook. Please also read the "readme" file before doing anything.

    After the new Outlook is removed, go to the Windows store and download the Windows mail and calendar app. Now you should be able to open and use it.

    I hope this helps.

    Kind regards

    Chris

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments