New Outlook for Windows 10

Microsoft has been forcing all sorts of functionality and new programs on a seemingly regular basis wherever an update is scheduled.
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Well, now they are set to automatically install its new Outlook email client on Windows 10 systems, starting with next month's security updates. This announcement, made via the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, affects users of Microsoft 365 apps.

According to Microsoft, the new Outlook app will be installed for users who install the optional January 28th update. More significantly, it will be force installed for everyone who installs the February 11th security update. This means that even if you haven't chosen to install it, the new Outlook will appear on your system.

The good news is that the new Outlook will run alongside the classic Outlook app. It won't replace your existing email setup or change any of your preferences. You'll essentially have two Outlook programs on your computer. Yeah great, just what we need.

There's no way to prevent the new Outlook from being installed through the updates. Microsoft has confirmed that there's no setting to block the installation. If you don't want it, you'll have to remove it yourself after the update.
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Microsoft has provided instructions on how to remove the new Outlook using Windows PowerShell commands and registry edits. This involves using a specific command in PowerShell and then adding a registry value to prevent Windows Update from reinstalling it.

The new Outlook for Windows was initially previewed in May 2022. It became generally available for personal accounts in September 2023 and for business users in August 2024. Now, Microsoft is taking the next step by making it a standard part of the Windows 10 experience, whether users want it or not.

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