New Outlook - Completely Sucks

EVEN Microsoft's own AI is saying that the new Outlook is bad, so bad that in Windows 11 you;re better off using the OS's Mail & Calendar apps then use the new Outlook,

For the love of God Microsoft when are you going to pull your head out of your butt about this new OL trash?

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/even-microsofts-ai-says-the-new-outlook-is-worse-than-mail-and-calendar-on-windows-11

Well said!

I can tell you what Microsoft will likely say..

1. Studies showed that users preferred SYNC over send/receive (user study not referenced)
2. Studies showed that users preferred this simpler interface over the more flexible one (user study once again not referenced)
3. Studies showed that users preferred a more Apple like experience over the traditional non-Apple experience (user study yet again not referenced)
4. Users [whom MS sales dept care about, the decision makers at these companies were notified. As we were serving them champaign on their complimentary flight on the MS jet for a work trip to Hawaii they said the changes we proposed were fineeeeee.

See a pattern here? With office365 the individual user experience is no longer relevant only keeping the people at the clients company who decides to renew the Office subscription, happy,

I am writing to express my deep frustration with the recent overhaul of Outlook. As a long-time user, I’ve come to rely on its features for seamless communication and productivity. However, the recent changes have left me bewildered and disappointed.

1. Hidden Sync Functionality: The decision to replace “Send/Receive” with “Sync” is baffling. Why hide such a critical function under the “View” tab? It’s like hiding the ignition key in the glove compartment of a car. Users expect essential actions to be easily accessible, not buried in obscure corners.
2. User Experience Regression: The new interface feels like a step backward. Simplicity is admirable, but not at the cost of functionality. The minimalist design sacrifices usability. I miss the old toolbar, where everything was within reach. Now, I find myself hunting for basic functions like a detective in a labyrinth.
3. Apple Imitation Syndrome: Microsoft, please resist the urge to mimic Apple. Yes, Apple’s design is sleek, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. We need a distinct Microsoft experience—one that caters to power users, professionals, and those who rely on Outlook for business.
4. Communication Gap: Why weren’t users informed about these changes beforehand? A simple heads-up would have softened the blow. Instead, we were left to decipher the new layout like archaeologists deciphering ancient hieroglyphs.

In conclusion, I implore you to listen to your users. We’re not asking for perfection, but we do expect transparency, thoughtful design, and respect for our workflows. Outlook is more than an app; it’s a lifeline for many of us. Please restore the balance between innovation and usability.

Sincerely, A Frustrated User

Unfortunately non-corporate/business sales are an afterthought to Microsoft so you can expect less then expected customer service. The reason they still have individual sales is so to prevent employees from purchasing (for personal use) some alterative (say from Apple) that wit h enough doing that and bragging about how better a product it is at work it could result in companies cancelling office365 for some competitor. MS will feign care for individual sales but it's just drama. The reason they are getting away with this New OL **** is because the decision makers at companies, the ones who decide if they renew/purchase Office 365, often have secretaries/others handle the email so they don't experience the pain the rest of the employees do and as long as Microsoft keeps those decision makers happy they couldn't care less about the rest of the users.

I contacted Microsoft's Store Chat room.

Since i bought Microsoft Home and Student version, Outlook standalone is not included. I got the "new outlook" which is missing many of the features we took for granted in the prior versions.

Per the chat discussion, I was able to toggle into the classic version. I still would require to subscribe to Microsoft annual services to gain access to the old functionality of Outlook.

Optionally, I can go back to Costco and buy Microsoft Home and Office which includes stand alone Outlook.

I spent $150 on Home and Student which I am not complaining about. Now I am told to buy Home and Office which is $250.

Wish I could just get the Home and Student version upgraded.