New Outlook vs. Classic Outlook: What's the Difference?

As Microsoft continues evolving its productivity tool suite, Outlook has undergone a significant transformation. The *New* Outlook is a streamlined, web-first experience designed to align closely with the Outlook web app (OWA), while classic Outlook—the familiar desktop version many have used for years—remains a powerful, feature-rich application for Windows. The new version focuses on simplicity, cross-platform consistency, and cloud integration, while the classic version offers deep customization and a more traditional interface.

One of the key differences between the two is the user interface and functionality. The new Outlook has a cleaner, more modern UI with tighter integration into Microsoft 365 and tools like Loop Components, To Do, and Viva. It's optimized for speed and ease of use, and syncs more efficiently across devices. On the other hand, Classic Outlook supports advanced features like COM add-ins, PST files, and extensive rules management—features that power users and enterprises still heavily rely on.

So, the shift isn’t without trade-offs. The new Outlook lacks legacy capabilities, such as offline access to PST files or full support for third-party add-ins, which can be a dealbreaker for users with complex workflows. Microsoft is gradually adding features to close the gap, but choosing between New and Classic Outlook largely depends on your specific needs: streamlined simplicity versus powerful depth. Either way, Outlook's evolution is clearly leaning toward a more integrated, cloud-centric future.