New Outlook vs Classic Outlook Go Back to Classic Outlook: Where to Find It

Microsoft is gradually replacing the classic Outlook desktop app with the new Outlook for Windows. Many users find the new version lacks features they rely on, such as offline access, COM add-ins, or specific search options. This article explains the differences between the two versions and shows exactly where to find the toggle to switch back to classic Outlook.

The new Outlook is a web-based app that syncs your email, calendar, and contacts through Exchange Online. Classic Outlook is the full desktop client that supports offline folders, PST files, and third-party integrations. If you have been moved to the new Outlook and want to return to the classic version, the switch is controlled by a single toggle in the top-right corner of the window.

This guide covers the key differences between new and classic Outlook, the exact steps to go back, and what happens when you switch. It also explains why the toggle might be missing and how to handle common problems after reverting.

What Is the Difference Between New Outlook and Classic Outlook?

The new Outlook for Windows is a web-based application built on the same technology as Outlook on the web (OWA). It syncs all your data through Exchange Online and requires an internet connection for most operations. Classic Outlook is the traditional Win32 desktop application that has been part of Microsoft Office for decades.

Core Features of Classic Outlook

Classic Outlook supports the following capabilities that the new Outlook does not:

• Offline access to emails, calendar, and contacts stored in an OST file
• PST file support for archiving and importing data
• COM add-ins for integration with CRM, accounting, and other business applications
• Custom search folders and advanced rules
• Shared mailboxes and public folders with full offline sync
• Support for multiple Exchange accounts in one profile

Core Features of New Outlook

The new Outlook offers a modern interface with the following benefits:

• Faster startup time because it does not download a local copy of your mailbox
• Built-in integration with Microsoft To Do, Loop, and other Microsoft 365 apps
• Simplified account setup for IMAP and POP accounts
• Updated calendar sharing and scheduling features
• Pin emails for quick access
• Support for third-party email accounts like Gmail and Yahoo through OAuth

Where Is the Toggle to Go Back to Classic Outlook?

The toggle to switch between new and classic Outlook is located in the same place in both versions. Follow these steps to revert from new Outlook to classic Outlook.

1. Open the new Outlook
   Launch the new Outlook for Windows on your computer. If you are already in classic Outlook, you can toggle to new Outlook first by turning on the toggle in the top-right corner.
2. Find the toggle in the top-right corner
   Look at the top-right corner of the Outlook window. You will see a toggle switch labeled “Try the new Outlook.” When this toggle is on (blue), you are using the new Outlook. When it is off (gray), you are using classic Outlook.
3. Turn off the toggle
   Click the toggle to turn it off. A confirmation dialog appears asking if you want to go back to classic Outlook. Click Yes to confirm.
4. Wait for Outlook to restart
   Outlook closes and reopens in classic mode. This process takes a few seconds. Your email accounts, folders, and settings remain intact.
5. Verify the version
   After restarting, open File > Office Account. Under Product Information, you will see the version number. Classic Outlook displays a full version string like Version 2402 Build 16.0.17328.20158. The new Outlook shows only a build number.

How to Switch Back to New Outlook Later

If you want to try the new Outlook again after reverting to classic, the toggle is available in classic Outlook as well.

1. Open classic Outlook
   Launch the classic Outlook desktop application.
2. Locate the toggle
   In the top-right corner of the classic Outlook window, you will see the same toggle labeled “Try the new Outlook.” It is off by default.
3. Turn on the toggle
   Click the toggle to turn it on. A dialog explains that switching will restart Outlook. Click Yes.
4. Complete the switch
   Outlook closes and reopens in the new Outlook. Your accounts are converted to the online-only format. This process may take a few minutes on the first switch.

What Happens When You Switch Between Versions

Switching between new and classic Outlook is not a simple UI change. The two versions use different data storage methods. Here is what happens during each transition.

Switching from Classic to New Outlook

When you turn on the new Outlook toggle, Outlook converts your classic profile to a new Outlook profile. This process:

• Creates a new OST file in the new Outlook format
• Removes your old classic OST file
• Disables all COM add-ins
• Converts local rules to server-side rules where possible
• Moves any PST files you have open to the new Outlook as separate accounts

Switching from New to Classic Outlook

When you turn off the new Outlook toggle, Outlook reverts to your classic profile. This process:

• Recreates a classic OST file from your online mailbox
• Restores your previous classic Outlook settings and add-ins
• Removes the new Outlook OST file
• Re-enables COM add-ins that were disabled
• Reconnects any PST files that were previously attached

If the Toggle Is Missing or Grayed Out

Some users find that the toggle to switch back to classic Outlook is missing or cannot be clicked. This happens for a few reasons.

Your Organization Disabled the Toggle

IT administrators can use Group Policy or Cloud Policy to force the new Outlook and hide the toggle. If the toggle is completely absent, your organization has enforced this setting. Contact your IT support team to request access to classic Outlook.

You Are Using a Work or School Account with Conditional Access

Some Microsoft 365 tenants block the use of classic Outlook through conditional access policies. In this case, even if you find the toggle, switching may fail with an error message. Your IT administrator must update the policy to allow classic Outlook.

The Toggle Is Grayed Out

If the toggle appears but is grayed out, Outlook is in the middle of a sync or update process. Close Outlook and reopen it after 15 minutes. If the toggle remains grayed out, restart your computer.

New Outlook vs Classic Outlook: Key Differences

Item	New Outlook	Classic Outlook
Data storage	Online-only, no local OST file	Local OST file with offline access
PST file support	Limited, opens as separate account	Full support for import, export, and archive
COM add-ins	Not supported	Full support
Offline mode	No offline access	Full offline access
Shared mailboxes	Auto-mapped, always online	Supports auto-mapped and manual
Public folders	Not supported	Full support
Search folders	Not supported	Custom search folders
Rules	Server-side rules only	Server-side and client-side rules
Account types	Exchange, IMAP, POP, Gmail, Yahoo	Exchange, IMAP, POP, plus additional

The toggle to switch between new and classic Outlook is a simple control, but the underlying data conversion is significant. Before switching, ensure you have a backup of any PST files or custom settings you rely on. Classic Outlook remains the recommended choice for users who need offline access, COM add-ins, or advanced rule customization.