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

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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,

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-06-27T12:55:13+00:00

    I'm getting really annoyed with the contant try outlook pop up everytime I open mail, Outlook has auto installed without my consent numerous times and have had to uninstall it, I wish ms would just get the message "I do not want outlook", I like my mail app period. Would not this constant pressure by MS to install Outlook be classed as intimidation, harassment and bullying, which is illegal in my country, the whole thing is getting to me mentally as I feel MS are abusing me, I'm frightened to update windows(not done for last 3 months), I read now they are pushing malware adds on our pc's, and also read they are trying to stop us having offline accounts with newer updates. If there were a lawyer out there where we could all join a group lawsuit for compensation for these constant intimidation tactics by MS count me in. It is my personal copy of Windows, It is my right to have on my PC what I want not the corporate bullies at Microsoft trying to intimidate me and trying to force me to have things I do not want, either through adds or pop ups.

    I think I have found a way to keep my old mail app, I just updated windows after months of refusing too, and as soon as my pc rebooted, outlook was there as my email app. I tried uninstalling outlook, but every time I did it reinstalled again when opening the mail app, but think I have fixed and now have my mail app back without the outlook pop up, I followed advice from Nlite.com and went to below in registry.

    [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe\OutlookUpdate].

    I deleted the OutlookUpdate file, rebooted my pc and hey presto no more Outlook, I have my mail app back and the annoying try outlook pop up is also gone, although the switch still remains, everything seems to be working fine so far, I am sending and receiving mail as normal. I am annoyed that Microsoft are trying to force this app, prior to updating windows I ran app update via MS store and my mail app had an update, so it is being updated still.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-07-31T22:02:41+00:00

    How do I get Mail back? Everytime I open the app it defaults to the new Outlook. Thanks.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-08-01T07:31:16+00:00

    You can try this.

    1- Open aps and uninstall the new Outlook

    2- Go to Windows store and search for "Mail and Calendar". If it's already installed, click open. Later you can pin it to the start menu or taskbar.

    I hope this helps

    Kind regards

    Chris

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-08-01T12:03:51+00:00

    How do I go about changing the new outlook back to the windows mail?

    I had been having issues with keeping my mail open and when I did a reset

    it is forcing me into outlook.

    I deleted the outlook app and tried to sign back in under windows

    and now it tells me that that can not be completed.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated

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