Discover When will Outlook Classic Be Retired?

For years, Microsoft’s Classic Outlook Client has served its users’ needs as the go-to desktop-based email management solution. So, when users find out that Microsoft will only support the Outlook Classic edition until Q2 of 2029, it sets off alarm bells. A major indication is that yes, Outlook Classic End of Life will happen before the end of this decade.

Ever since Microsoft broke the news of Outlook Classic End of Life, declaring a phase-out of the manual Outlook Software Application, it has become a gigantic concern for plenty of users who are completely dependent on Outlook Classic for their day-to-day life about when is classic outlook going away. The big change in Microsoft aims for a wider initiative to merge the mailing system and users’ experience under the roof of the new Microsoft for Windows to provide a more blended, safe, and advanced platform.

Not to worry as we have created this guide to address all the queries users might have. Here you’ll find the why, plus all the key dates of what’s happening when. After reading the guide till the end, users will have a clear idea about the meaning of “end of life” and what they have to do to prepare for this inevitable change.

When is Classic Outlook Going Away and Why?

It may seem confusing, as there were no major user complaints about the classic client. On the contrary, it is widely seen as a more capable desktop email manager than the new Outlook.

Then why does Microsoft want to cause such disruption?

For years, Microsoft maintained multiple, separate versions of Outlook at the same time. There was a web version (two if you count the Exchange Server app as separate), a desktop client (with multiple editions: 2013, 2016, 2019, and so on), two different mobile applications (Android and iOS), and, not to forget, until very recently, there was also the Windows Mail and Calendar app.

Having so many closely related yet separate code bases is costly. You have to keep many teams, regularly patch bugs, release updates, and whatnot. To overcome this, Microsoft introduced the “One Outlook Vision,” where all the different email and calendar management applications will combine into a more cohesive unit.

Here’s a look after Outlook Classic end of life happens the app on various platforms will be more similar than different, plus you get:

• A Consistent Experience: The Outlook app will look, feel, and work the same whether you’re on a Windows PC, a Mac, or the web. So users need no extra training.
• New Features Faster: After Outlook Classic’s end of life. Microsoft can make the core code base the same; new features (like AI integration) only need to be developed once.
• Improved Security: Unlike the classic, which will expire soon, the new Outlook is built on modern web technology, making it safer and easier to protect against today’s security threats.

Multi-Year Plan for Classic Outlook End of Life

Below is an infographic that paints a clear picture of what has already happened, what is occurring right now, and what users should expect in the coming time.

Current Opt-In Phase (2025 – early 2026): When you open the classic Outlook, you might have noticed the “Try the new Outlook” toggle in the top right corner. Although we are years away from Outlook Classic’s end of life, this change is a strong hint that it’s closer than ever before.

Use this time to evaluate the features and visit the official Microsoft 365 Roadmap for the New Outlook. See if the feature that you love on the classic version will ever come to the New Outlook. If not, you can use the official feedback channel, support pages, and social media portals to request for inclusion of a feature.

Upcoming “Opt-Out” Phase (2026 – 2027): In less than a year from now, New Outlook will become the default. When you search for and launch Outlook on your PC, it will be the new Outlook app. If you want the classic edition back, you will have to manually switch back. In a way, you are opting out.

Scheduled Cutover Phase (from 2028 Onwards): Final usable stage before the Outlook Classic end of life hits. For anyone who uses an Outlook Classic Office 365 account, this is the point of no return. The classic client will be blocked from connecting to Microsoft’s cloud services. It will stop sending and receiving emails. Other email accounts that you configure, like Gmail and Exchange Server, may still work.

End of Life Phase (Q2 2029): This is the final date. All support from Microsoft stops. Most importantly, this means no more security updates, which makes using the old app a serious risk.

Has Microsoft Fastened the Classic Outlook’s End of Life?

Although the official script states that the date of expiry is in 2029, many users feel Microsoft is in a hurry. You, too, might have noticed that the push towards the new Outlook is more aggressive than what is claimed. I have put together some of my observations; see if they align with what you experience.

• New PCs Don’t Have Classic Outlook: If you buy a new Windows 11 PC today, it comes with the new Outlook (now renamed to just Outlook) already installed as the default email app. The classic version is nowhere to be found.
• Getting Classic is Becoming a Chore: Microsoft has made it intentionally difficult to install Classic Outlook on a new machine. Just as you would expect when we are in the final stages of Outlook Classic end of life. There’s no simple download button. You have to go through complex installers or use admin tools (which, let’s be honest, is beyond what most of us want to do).
• A “Bug” Revealed Microsoft’s Hand: Recently, many users of the test program found that their Classic Outlook would no longer open. The culprit was a registry key with the name NewOutlookAutoMigrationType. This proves that the code to automatically migrate users is already on our computers and is being actively tested.

Who Will Be Affected by Outlook Classic End of Life?

The old Outlook end of life will strike down a diverse range of user classes of users who are still heavily relying on the old interface, including:

• Any individual users taking assistance of the classic desktop for their personal communication and scheduling management.
• Business and Corporate Employees using older versions of Outlook, like 2013, 2016, 2019, or those utilizing Exchange Server associated with the old interface of Outlook.
• Universities, educational institutions, and schools that are still using the dated version of Outlook are to be updated to sustain access to the old data, documents, and security compliance.
• IT teams and administrators handling Outlook deployments on a large scale across businesses will require a managed plan to migrate essential files before Outlook Classic EOL takes place.

Anyone who relies on PST files a lot. This includes both Personal users as well as Businesses. As the New Outlook has very limited capabilities when it comes to handling PST. Additionally, users regularly complain about their Outlook mailbox being full.

Organizations are especially set to be vulnerable to Outlook Classic end of life, as they often maintain large archives of historical PST data. That is why, till the New Outlook gets a fully formed import feature, you can use SysTools’ specialized solution designed to manage and import PST files into Office 365 in bulk.

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Key Milestones from Now Until Outlook Classic EOL

All software has an end of life; Outlook Classic is no exception. However, unlike any other random software, Outlook Classic is a Microsoft product and therefore has a predefined, step-by-step end-of-life rollout. Refer to the table below to build a more in-depth understanding of what happens when.

Milestone	Timeline	What It Means for Users
Opt-In Phase	2025 – Early 2026	A toggle to “Try the new Outlook” is available in the classic version. Users can switch to the new Outlook and back to the classic version at any time.
New Outlook Becomes Default (Opt-Out)	Starting April 2026	For Microsoft 365 Enterprise and Business users, the new Outlook will become the default email client. However, the option to switch back to classic Outlook will still be available.
Cutover to New Outlook	Early 2028	The new Outlook will become mandatory for Microsoft 365 users, and classic Outlook will no longer be included in standard Microsoft 365 installations. Standalone versions may still be available for download.
Outlook Classic End of Life	Approximately April 2029	Microsoft will officially completes the Outlook Classic end of life. This means no further security updates, non-security updates, or assisted support will be provided.

Benefits of Outlook End of Life

While Outlook Classic End of Life may look like an adverse effect ever seen in Outlook, in reality, the classic Outlook end of life has driven its center of attention on advancement, more safety and security, and integration.

• The new Outlook concentrates on a simplified and more intuitive interface that aligns perfectly with Outlook web.
• Aims to eliminate any possibility of malware, phishing, and infected viruses with the purpose of providing more security.
• With better Microsoft integration, it can easily connect with other services using M365 such as OneDrive and Teams.
• Outlook Classic end-of-life scopes for a faster load time for seamless operation, suitable for users handling numerous accounts.
• The new version of Outlook heavily relies on features powered by AI, like a centered inbox, optimum scheduling, modern search, and daily productivity.

Precautions to Take Before Outlook Classic EOL Occurs

Before the deadline of “When will Classic Outlook be Discontinued”, it is essential for users to keep certain measures in mind for better preparation.

• Backup Crucial Data: Users are advised to export all important information like emails, contacts, and calendars, backed up in a PST file, since the new Outlook present local support consists of restrictions.
• Add-in Compatibility: Cross-check if any crucial extensions, plugins, or connectors are compatible with the new interface of Outlook.
• Update Systems: It is essential to verify that your operating device supports the new version of Outlook and that all the other requirements are seamlessly met.
• Plan Export Timelines: Administrators from the IT department are required to schedule new updates in terms of separate phases to minimize any chances of downtime and email disruptions.

Conclusion to Classic Outlook End of Life

Here we find that Microsoft’s Outlook Classic for Desktop (PC) will expire in Q2 of 2029, i.e., before the end of this decade. Many reasons, like bringing in AI features, reducing the code maintenance costs, and transitioning to a more secure platform, are cited as the official reasons for the change. So users and businesses that rely on the product should make plans on how to transition ASAP.

One of the most pressing concerns about the Outlook Classic end of life is the handling of legacy PST files. Although the new Outlook can process the “.pst” extension, it is fairly limited by being a strict read-only feature. We have seen that the official Microsoft 365 Roadmap for the new Outlook has plans for adding more capabilities, but it’s still in development.

Therefore, until it becomes available, users can use the automated import tool to bring any old PST files into the Office 365 account they have on the new client.

Have Further Questions on Outlook Classic Expiry?

Q. What does “End of Life” really mean for me?
A. In one phrase: no more security updates. Even if you are able to get the app to work after 2029, there will be no new updates, plus any unpatched zero-day exploits won’t be fixed. So using it will be akin to willingly putting your data at risk.

Q. When the End of Life for Classic Outlook happens, will the app just disappear from my computer?
A. No. It won’t be uninstalled automatically. However, if you are on any of the Office 365 subscription plans, your account will be blocked from the Microsoft server. Making it impossible to send or receive email.

Q. Will I be able to use Classic Outlook after EOL?
A. Yes, you will be able to utilize it after Outlook Classic EOL happens. However, it is to be kept in mind that you will no longer be able to receive new updates, technical support, or security patches. Continuing to use the old Outlook can unveil the risk of data loss and compatibility complications.

Q. I have a permanent license (Office 2019/2021). Does Outlook Classic end of life impacts me?
A. You’re in a unique spot. The app will still launch after 2029, but because of security risks, you should plan to move away from it.

Q. Can I stop Outlook from trying to switch?
A. Technically, yes, but it’s not for the faint of heart. It involves editing the Windows Registry. This is a temporary fix at best, as future updates could easily undo your changes.