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
    2024-11-05T16:47:44+00:00

    I posted the same question in the thread here:.

    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook_com/forum/outlk_win-outtop_new-outsub_ofh/how-to-stop-the-new-outlook-from-automatically/34246983-2a13-4462-8a8a-df618c36ca3f

    Several solutions were suggested. I succeeded using the old Mail and Calendar app and stopping the New Outlook from taking over.

    What worked for me was doing two things: (There were also some other solutions suggested)

    1. Credit Jimmy W posts)

    Going to username]\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\Migration\settings.json

    and deleted all the .json files. Then I changed the security settings of the "Migration" folder and denied the current user (me) from write privileges. (Credit Jimmy W. post)

    1. Then outlook tried to reinstall. So I tried the post marked "Answer". (Credit post from The ManJames12256)

    Go to "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps\Microsoft.OutlookForWindows" Take ownership and delete "olk.exe" and afterwards restore the owner to "Trusted Installer"

    Doing both things worked for me.

    Kind regards

    Chris

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-28T17:21:50+00:00

    On mine when the toggle disappeared I found where the hid the option. When Outlook rudely pushes its way to the front again (usually after update or restart), click on the Help menu in the crappy new Outlook and choose the button to use the old app. It will restart Outlook, but you can close it and click on Mail and it launches. Not sure how long this will work, but the new Outlook is TERRIBLE for my personal email. It's too busy, slow, and a pain compared to the simplicity of Windows Mail.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-08-19T22:37:26+00:00

    What a bunch of miserable shysters Microsoft has become. What Microsoft is doing with its applications is disgusting. What they are doing is slowly removing all of the most basic and essential software to your computer, and then replacing it with "applications" that you have to pay for. Oh but don't worry, if you don't pay for it, then your entire computer will just be one large ad campaign. Where is the U.S. government regulations to protect the property rights of people? Where is the ethical code to force these companies to cease such unethical business practice? Microsoft Office is reduced to a rent subscription, and if you want to purchase it, the price is outrageous simply just for one single computer use. It has been practically the same office program Americans have been using for decades. Entire businesses rely on these programs, yet at every turn American livelihood is being robbed and converted into subscriptions.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-06-26T14:16:23+00:00

    I WAS able to toggle back to old Mail -- but now Outllook mail and calendar show up with NO toggle switch. Please Put The Switch Back!!!!

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