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
    2025-01-22T13:19:04+00:00

    Update Jan 2025: Now it displays an unremovable banner "Windows Mail and Calendar are no longer supported" so it is unusable. The full application seems to be still there though. If anyone figures out how to remove the banner, that will be a day of celebration. No, I don't want Wino Mail.

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-22T07:45:40+00:00

    Dear Jeremy,

    Thank you for your reply. For the past year, I've gotten tired of "open windows mail"- self-directed to -"Outlook"- go to "setting"- change back to "Windows mail". However, I do this every day because Windows mail had become an essential part of my life, whose functions cannot be replacecd by Outlook personally speaking.

    But today, a window jumped out says “Windows Mail and Calendar are no longer supported”, and it doesn't allow me to function to keep using Windows Mail, but only gives me two options: "Export Data" or "Open Outlook". According to your reply, win 10 wouldn't ban the users from continue using Windows Mail. Therefore, I would like to ask you and your colleagues to fix this bug.

    Thank you very much!

    Best regards,

    Athena

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  3. Anonymous
    2025-01-15T22:26:32+00:00

    Same thing happened to me the beginning of Jan. I reset the computer (HP I've always used. I went all the way back to how my computer came in the box this laptop is only 4 months old). I'm using Blue mail right now. Not thrilled with it. There are so many things that Store will not import now. It's Windows 11. Afraid to lose how little I have. I keep trying. My prior laptop had Windows 10 upgraded to 11. This is a horrible mess. Bluemail is good but didn't import my archived emails. Gmail on Bluemail doesn't have a trash bin. Maybe Thunderbird but I can barely see the emails. I miss Mail so much.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-01-14T21:28:53+00:00

    Indeed. There's not supporting something, and then there's actively sabotaging it.

    I can still use Windows XP if I want. Heck, I could still use Windows 95 if I want. They still WORK, even if they're not supported anymore. This is an actual effort to sabotage the existing Mail program.

    And, to Chris Nicola...

    I'm reluctant to try your solution, because I'm afraid removing Outlook entirely might leave me with NO mail program, if the download you suggest is ALSO blocked, or unavalable.

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