The recent release of Microsoft’s updated Outlook app has sparked considerable backlash, with many users feeling it falls short compared to the original version. Complicating matters, this new app is pre-installed on recently purchased PCs. Thankfully, for those who prefer the classic experience, Microsoft currently offers a download link for the older Outlook app.
Over the years, Microsoft has introduced several email applications. Personally, I’ve found the Windows Mail app quite useful, but it comes with a cautionary note about transitioning to Outlook by 2024. Notably, there are two distinct versions of Outlook available: the older “classic” version and the newer “modern” iteration. We’ve previously covered how to navigate the new Outlook app, so if you’re curious, feel free to check that out.
If you’re not keen on using the new Outlook, there’s an alternative: you can download the classic Outlook app through this https://www.pcworld.com/article/2469158/how-to-download-the-old-classic-outlook-app.html(insert-link-here) or refer to Microsoft’s support page in case the link changes over time. Those who have looked up “how to download the old Outlook app” will likely encounter numerous complaints from users, but locating the actual download links is much more challenging.
This download link is particularly valuable because, according to Microsoft, users with new PCs may encounter error messages, even if the old Outlook icon appears in their Start menu. The error notification indicates: “We couldn’t verify and install this because it is not available in the Microsoft Store. To install, download it from the publisher’s website.”
Provided the download link remains operational, installing the classic Outlook app is a straightforward process. Simply download the setup file, following which you will input your email credentials to allow Microsoft to synchronize your folders and contacts.
If you already have the new Outlook app installed, you won’t lose access to it when installing the classic version. However, you will need to pin the older app to your taskbar or another spot on the Start menu manually.
It’s important to highlight that Microsoft has not committed to keeping the classic Outlook version (or Windows Mail) for the long term. There’s a chance that with the release of Windows 11 24H2 in October, the older Outlook could quietly disappear. For the moment, however, the link remains functional, serving as the best way to acquire the classic Outlook app for your PC.