Classic Outlook to New Outlook: SharePoint Connect to Outlook – How to replace SharePoint list sync

If you used the Connect to Outlook button in SharePoint to sync a list or library into the classic version of Outlook, you may have noticed that the new Outlook does not support this feature. The Connect to Outlook function created a copy of SharePoint data as an Outlook folder that updated periodically. In the new Outlook, this sync method is replaced by a different approach using the OneDrive sync app and web links. This article explains why the classic sync stopped working in new Outlook and provides step-by-step instructions to replace SharePoint list sync with the current supported method.

Why SharePoint Connect to Outlook Does Not Work in New Outlook

The classic Outlook client allowed you to click Connect to Outlook on a SharePoint list or library and create a local copy that synced periodically. This feature relied on the Outlook SharePoint sync engine, which was part of the classic Outlook architecture. The new Outlook for Windows is a web-based app that uses a different sync framework. Microsoft has removed the SharePoint list sync engine from the new Outlook because the underlying technology is not compatible with the new platform.

Instead of syncing SharePoint content into Outlook folders, Microsoft recommends using the OneDrive sync app for files and exporting lists to Excel for data. For calendars, you can subscribe to a SharePoint calendar using an ICS link. These methods give you offline access and the ability to share data through Outlook without requiring the classic sync engine.

Steps to Replace SharePoint List Sync in New Outlook

The replacement process depends on the type of SharePoint content you need to access. Below are three methods for files, lists, and calendars.

Method 1: Sync SharePoint Files Using OneDrive and Share Links in Outlook

1. Open SharePoint document library in a browser
   Go to your SharePoint site and navigate to the document library you want to access.
2. Click the Sync button
   In the command bar at the top of the library, click the Sync button. If you do not see it, click the ellipsis (…) and select Sync.
3. Follow OneDrive sync setup
   Your browser will prompt you to open the OneDrive sync app. Click Open Microsoft OneDrive. The files will sync to a folder in File Explorer under your organization name.
4. Copy the SharePoint file link
   In the browser, right-click any file in the library and select Copy link. This creates a direct web link.
5. Paste the link into an Outlook email
   In new Outlook, compose a new email. Press Ctrl+V to paste the link. Recipients with permission can open the file from SharePoint.
6. Open synced files from File Explorer
   If you need to attach the actual file, open the OneDrive folder in File Explorer, locate the file, and drag it into the Outlook email body.

Method 2: Export a SharePoint List to Excel and Attach to Outlook

1. Open the SharePoint list in a browser
   Go to your SharePoint site and open the list you want to export.
2. Click Export to Excel
   In the command bar, click Export. If you do not see it, click the ellipsis (…) and select Export to Excel.
3. Save the .iqy file
   Your browser will download an .iqy file. This is a query file that connects to the SharePoint list. Save it to your computer.
4. Open the .iqy file in Excel
   Double-click the .iqy file. Excel will open and prompt you to connect. Click Enable to load the list data into an Excel table.
5. Save the Excel file
   Press Ctrl+S to save the Excel workbook to your local drive.
6. Attach the Excel file to an Outlook email
   In new Outlook, compose a new email and click Attach. Select the saved Excel file. Recipients can open the file to see the list data.

Method 3: Subscribe to a SharePoint Calendar Using ICS Link

1. Open the SharePoint calendar in a browser
   Go to your SharePoint site and open the calendar list.
2. Copy the ICS link
   Click the Calendar tab. In the toolbar, click Connect to Outlook. This generates an ICS link. Right-click the link and select Copy link address.
3. Open new Outlook calendar settings
   In new Outlook, click the Calendar icon on the left navigation bar. Click the gear icon to open Calendar settings.
4. Add the ICS subscription
   In the Calendar settings panel, click Add calendar. Select Subscribe from web. Paste the ICS link into the URL field. Click Import.
5. Verify the calendar appears
   The SharePoint calendar events will appear in new Outlook under the Other calendars section. They update periodically.

Common Issues After Replacing SharePoint Sync

OneDrive sync does not start

If clicking Sync in SharePoint does not open OneDrive, check that the OneDrive sync app is installed and running. Download it from the Microsoft 365 portal if needed. Also verify that you are signed in with your work or school account in OneDrive.

Exported Excel file shows old data

The .iqy file connects to the live SharePoint list, so the data in Excel refreshes when you open it. If you send the Excel file as an attachment, recipients see the data as of the last time you saved the file. To share live data, use the Copy link option in SharePoint instead.

Calendar events do not update

ICS subscriptions in new Outlook refresh at intervals set by the server, usually every 24 hours. If you need more frequent updates, ask your SharePoint admin to configure the calendar list for shorter refresh intervals. You can also manually refresh by right-clicking the calendar in Outlook and selecting Refresh.

Classic Outlook Connect to Outlook vs New Outlook Replacement Methods

Item	Classic Outlook Connect to Outlook	New Outlook Replacement Method
File library sync	Creates an Outlook folder with synced files	OneDrive sync app + web link in email
List data access	Synced list as an Outlook folder	Export to Excel and attach file
Calendar subscription	Connect to Outlook button	ICS link subscription in calendar settings
Offline access	Full offline copy in Outlook	OneDrive offline files or Excel file saved locally
Update frequency	Periodic sync every few minutes	On-demand for files; 24-hour refresh for calendars

You can now replace the classic Connect to Outlook sync with OneDrive for files, Excel export for lists, and ICS subscription for calendars. Try setting up a OneDrive sync for your most-used document library first. For advanced needs, ask your SharePoint administrator about Power Automate flows that can email list updates directly to your Outlook inbox.