Microsoft Outlook: New versus Classic - A Comparison

Microsoft currently supports 2 desktop versions of Outlook: New and Classic. There are important differences between the two. It is encouraged to explore both versions to decide which works best for you.

New (Microsoft) Outlook

• Microsoft’s latest version of Outlook

• Brings new design and features

• Currently missing some functionality from Classic Outlook*

Classic (Microsoft) Outlook

• New features are not being added to classic Outlook

• Supports some functionality that is not yet available in New Outlook*

• (Will eventually be phased out, though there is currently no timeline set for that to happen.)

*Functionality not yet supported in New Outlook (at time of this article):

• Shared mailbox functionality (including Shared mailboxes as accounts, Shared mailbox – Archive and some Shared mailbox - Delegate access functionality)

• Mail merge

• Message recall

• Offline support

• COM add-ins

• SharePoint calendar sync

• Delay send

• Some calendar invite and RSVP settings

• .pst support

• .ics support

New Outlook Highlights

Inbox pins

• The New Outlook includes a handy pinning feature that allows you to pin important email messages to the top of your inbox. This makes it easier to keep track of crucial emails without them getting lost in the shuffle. Here’s how you can use it: 

Pinning an Email:

• Quick Action Icon: Click on the pin icon next to the email message.
  Right-Click Menu: Right-click on the email and select "Pin" from the context menu.
  Ribbon Button: Select the email and click the "Pin/Unpin" button on the ribbon

Unpinning an Email:

• Quick Action Icon: Click on the unpin icon next to the pinned email.
  Right-Click Menu: Right-click on the pinned email and select "Unpin" from the context menu.
  Ribbon Button: Select the pinned email and click the "Pin/Unpin" button on the ribbon

For a full list of available features in new Outlook vs classic Outlook, please check Microsoft’s comparison between new Outlook and classic Outlook: Feature comparison between new Outlook and classic Outlook - Microsoft Support

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