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 No 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 No comments

124 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-01-06T21:28:26+00:00

    Hi Jeremy,

    My question is this: Windows is saying it "will not support" Windows mail after 2024. What does this mean? It sounds from other responses, too, that I can keep my Windows Mail indefinitely, but if it isn't supported, will this be a problem? My contacts did not move over when I tried the new Outlook, and I can't for the life of me figure out from Windows Mail how to create a .csv file to export my contacts into Outlook. I would much prefer to stay with Windows Mail if it won't be a problem after 2024.

    Thanks for your help.

    Kim

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  2. Anonymous
    2024-03-16T02:42:57+00:00

    This change is just the latest in a massive bevy of (expletive). I sent them the following note telling them how I felt about this latest change to Windows after they asked why I didn't want to use the "new outlook".

    "I actually want to use plain Windows Mail, but apparently Microsoft strikes again and now that's not possible. Y'all better be careful, your losing customers fast due to your greed and (expletive). I would never use windows again if one software package I rely on for work can only run correctly on windows. As soon as that changes, I will be switching from windows and never looking back. How do you guys sleep at night? Unfortunately for you all, Karma is a (expletive). Microsoft you will reap what you sow much sooner than later, and I will have my popcorn ready. Have a great day (expletive)!

    Was this answer helpful?

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-21T11:38:45+00:00

    This no longer works. The Windows Mail app automatically opens outlook now. Even if I uninstall outlook and change my default app to mail, the Mail app will not open.

    Was this answer helpful?

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments
  4. Anonymous
    2024-04-01T02:47:08+00:00

    You can uninstall the "New Outlook" then the old Mail app will open directly.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments No comments