Classic Outlook loads and does not allow me to switch back to New Outlook

Jared Dubiel 20 Reputation points
2026-08-12T16:45:04.6+00:00

Hello,

I am having an issue where Classic Outlook loads automatically in the app and does not seem to have an option for me to switch back to New Outlook (the normal switch tab in the upper right hand corner I have seen in the past is gone). I have used New before and prefer it over classic. When I open Outlook in the web browser, it appears as New Outlook, so it only seems to be an issue in the app. I have also looked for updates both in the app and in windows in general, and the issue was not resolved after updating from both of these places.

Is there a manual way to switch to New Outlook that I am not seeing?

Thanks!

Outlook | Windows | New Outlook for Windows | For business
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Answer accepted by question author
Ivory 1,245 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-08-12T17:12:45.14+00:00

Hi Jared,

Normally, you can find New Outlook installed independently in Windows menu.

  1. Open the Windows Start menu.
  2. Search for Outlook.
  3. You may see two entries:
    • Outlook > New Outlook
    • Outlook (classic) > Classic Outlook
  4. Select Outlook (the one without “classic”).
  5. If New Outlook is installed, it should open directly. Microsoft specifically recommends launching the two apps separately from the Start menu when running them side-by-side.

If you don't see New Outlook in the Start menu, you can install it separately from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft confirms that New Outlook can be installed independently rather than relying on the toggle inside Classic Outlook

For more information, please consult: Start using new Outlook for Windows | Microsoft Support

However, if you're under management of your organization, you should confirm with your IT admin if that option is blocked by your organization policy.

For reference: Control Installing and Using New Outlook | Microsoft Learn

I hope this provides enough clarity and helps you stay inform with your current situation.

Thank you for your patience and your understanding. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to share them in the comments on this post so I can continue to support you.  

If the answer is helpful, please click 'Yes' and kindly upvote it.

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-12T16:45:20.15+00:00

    Yes. The supported manual ways are:

    1. In classic Outlook, look for Try the new Outlook in the upper-right corner.
      • Selecting it downloads and installs the new Outlook for Windows app, then opens it.
    2. If classic Outlook is opening because the app is set to stay on classic, check this registry value:
      • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences
      • UseNewOutlook
      • Set UseNewOutlook to 1 to automatically switch users to new Outlook when they launch classic Outlook.
      • Set UseNewOutlook to 0 to disable that automatic switch.
      • Warning: editing the Windows registry can affect Outlook behavior if done incorrectly.
    3. If the toggle is missing in classic Outlook, check the common causes:
      • Windows must be Windows 10, Build 1809 (17763) or higher.
      • Supported update channels are Current Channel, Monthly Enterprise Channel, and Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel (preview).
      • Nonsubscription Outlook versions such as Outlook 2021 or Outlook 2019 are not supported.
      • A POP or on-premises Exchange account in the classic Outlook profile can prevent the toggle from appearing.
      • On devices that are or were part of a sovereign network, the switch option is unavailable.
    4. Check whether the toggle is being hidden by registry or policy:
      • Registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General
      • If HideNewOutlookToggle is 1, the toggle is hidden.
      • Change it to 0, then restart classic Outlook.
      • In the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center, check the policy Hide the "Try the new Outlook" toggle in Outlook. If enabled, disable it.
    5. If the new Outlook app is already installed and classic Outlook still opens, selecting the toggle in classic Outlook should start the switch. Users can also switch back and forth afterward.

    If the toggle still does not appear after these checks, collect the .etl files from %Temp%\Outlook Logging and include them when contacting Microsoft Support.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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