When you switch from Classic Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows, many familiar buttons and settings change location or behavior. One common point of confusion is finding the toggle or switch that controls the new Outlook experience itself. This article explains where the toggle is located after you have already left Classic Outlook and entered the new Outlook interface. You will learn how to access the toggle to switch back to Classic Outlook or manage your new Outlook settings.
Key Takeaways: Locating the Outlook New Toggle
- File > Options > General > Try the new Outlook: This is the main toggle to switch between new Outlook and Classic Outlook while in new Outlook.
- Top-right corner of the Outlook window: A small toggle icon labeled “Try the new Outlook” appears only when you are in Classic Outlook; it disappears once you switch to new Outlook.
- Search bar in Outlook: Typing “new Outlook” or “toggle” in the search bar at the top of the window can directly open the toggle settings.
Why the Toggle Disappears After Switching to New Outlook
The new Outlook for Windows is designed to replace Classic Outlook over time. When you first install or update Outlook, you see a toggle in the top-right corner of the Classic Outlook window labeled “Try the new Outlook.” This toggle is a one-way switch that activates the new experience. Once you click it and the new Outlook loads, that toggle disappears because Microsoft assumes you intend to stay in the new interface. The toggle is not a permanent setting; it is a transition control. After you enter new Outlook, the toggle moves to a different location inside the application settings. Understanding this behavior prevents confusion when you cannot find the toggle in its original spot.
Steps to Find and Use the New Outlook Toggle in New Outlook
Follow these steps to locate the toggle that lets you switch back to Classic Outlook or manage your new Outlook preferences.
- Open Outlook and go to File
Launch the new Outlook for Windows. Click the File tab in the top-left corner of the ribbon. This opens the Backstage view. - Select Options
In the Backstage view, click Options at the bottom of the left pane. The Outlook Options dialog box opens. - Go to the General tab
In the Options dialog, click General in the left sidebar. This section contains basic Outlook settings. - Locate the “Try the new Outlook” toggle
Scroll down the General page until you see the heading Try the new Outlook. Below this heading is a toggle switch that is currently set to On (blue). - Toggle Off to return to Classic Outlook
Click the toggle switch to turn it Off (gray). A confirmation dialog may appear asking if you want to switch back to Classic Outlook. Click Yes or Restart Now. Outlook will close and reopen in Classic mode.
Alternative Method: Using the Search Bar
If you prefer keyboard navigation, you can search for the toggle directly.
- Press Ctrl+E or click the search bar
The search bar is at the top of the Outlook window. Press Ctrl+E to jump to it. - Type “new Outlook”
Enter the phrase new Outlook in the search bar. A list of suggestions appears. - Select “Try the new Outlook” from the results
Click the suggestion that says Try the new Outlook. This opens the General options page with the toggle visible. - Toggle Off
Click the toggle to turn it off and restart Outlook as described in the main steps.
Common Issues When Using the New Outlook Toggle
The toggle is missing from Options
If you do not see the “Try the new Outlook” toggle under File > Options > General, your organization may have disabled the ability to switch back. This is common in enterprise environments where IT administrators enforce the new Outlook. Contact your IT support team to request access to Classic Outlook. Alternatively, check if your Outlook version is up to date; older builds might not show the toggle correctly.
Switching back does not work or crashes Outlook
If Outlook crashes when you try to toggle back, close Outlook completely and restart your computer. Then open Outlook in Safe Mode by holding the Ctrl key while clicking the Outlook icon. In Safe Mode, navigate to File > Options > General and toggle off the new Outlook. If the problem persists, repair your Office installation via Settings > Apps > Microsoft 365 > Modify > Quick Repair.
The toggle is grayed out or unclickable
A grayed-out toggle means your account is managed by a group policy. You cannot change this setting without administrator permission. Check with your IT department. In some cases, the toggle may be unavailable because you are using a preview version of Outlook that does not support switching back.
Classic Outlook Toggle vs New Outlook Toggle: Key Differences
| Item | Classic Outlook Toggle | New Outlook Toggle |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Top-right corner of the window, labeled “Try the new Outlook” | File > Options > General, labeled “Try the new Outlook” |
| Visibility | Visible only while using Classic Outlook | Visible only while using new Outlook |
| Function | Switches from Classic to new Outlook | Switches from new Outlook back to Classic |
| Persistence | Disappears after clicking it once | Remains in Options until you toggle it off |
| Administrator Control | Can be hidden by group policy | Can be grayed out by group policy |
Now you know exactly where to find the new Outlook toggle after leaving Classic Outlook. Use the File > Options > General path to switch back to Classic Outlook at any time. If you plan to stay in new Outlook, explore its integrated calendar and improved search features. For advanced control, check your organization’s group policy settings to see if the toggle is restricted.