Outlook eliminated ability to set recurring meeting using a pattern

Carol Betts-SFL 25 Reputation points
2026-09-16T02:10:11.27+00:00

I used to be able to set recurring meetings in Outlook on "the 3rd Thursday" of each month, or "The 1st and 4th Friday" of a month. That is no longer possible. It isn't in new Outlook and was apparently removed from Classic Outlook. This is unbelievably annoying. Why did removing this feature seem like a good idea to anybody?!?

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Outlook | Windows | New Outlook for Windows | For business
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Dora-T 1,050 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-09-16T03:08:36.87+00:00

Hi @Carol Betts-SFL

Based on my testing in my environment (New Outlook Version 1.2026.630.300 and Classic Outlook Version 2608, Build 20326.20144, Current Channel), if you would like to schedule a recurring meeting for “the 3rd Thursday of each month,” the option is available in both New Outlook and Classic Outlook:

-New Outlook: Select Recurring > Month > On the third Thursday.

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-Classic Outlook: Select Make Recurring > Monthly > The third Thursday.

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With either option, the meeting will occur on the third Thursday of each month until the specified end date.

However, the recurrence pattern only allows you to select one relative occurrence within the month. For example, you cannot select both the 1st and 4th Friday within the same monthly recurrence. You would need to create separate recurring meeting series for each pattern.

Could you please select Recurring > Month in New Outlook and check if the “On the third [weekday]” option is available?

If you still don't see this option, could you please provide a screenshot of the recurrence options in your environment, along with your Outlook version/build? Before sharing the screenshot, please make sure to remove or cover any personal or sensitive information.

I hope this information helps clarify the available recurrence options.

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  1. Carol Betts-SFL 25 Reputation points
    2026-09-16T17:18:28.76+00:00

    Thank you. Yes, I discovered the "on the third weekday" option when I selected Month. I'm sorry that wasn't intuitive. It used to be in the main screen for setting a recurring appointment. Also, the Help article on setting recurring appointments was not informative. Now, if they just add the "2nd and 4th Friday" option that would be great.

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