You are moving from Classic Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows and need to bring your existing settings, accounts, and rules with you. The new Outlook does not automatically import settings from the classic version during installation, which leaves many users searching for the import option. This article explains where the settings import feature is located in the new Outlook, what it transfers, and what it leaves behind. You will learn the exact steps to complete the import and understand the differences between the two Outlook versions regarding settings migration.
Key Takeaways: Locating and Using the Classic Settings Import in New Outlook
- File > Account > Import Settings: The main path to start importing settings from Classic Outlook into the new Outlook.
- Accounts, signatures, and rules: The three categories of data that the import wizard transfers automatically.
- Quick Steps, custom views, and add-ins are not imported: You must recreate these items manually after the import completes.
What the Classic Settings Import Does in New Outlook
The Classic Settings Import feature in the new Outlook for Windows is a one-time migration tool that copies your existing configuration from Classic Outlook. It is not an automatic sync; you must trigger it manually. The feature reads data from your current Classic Outlook profile, which includes your email accounts, server settings, and personalization items like signatures and message rules.
The import process does not modify or delete your Classic Outlook profile. It creates a copy of the selected settings inside the new Outlook application. After the import, you can continue using Classic Outlook if needed, though Microsoft recommends fully switching to the new Outlook to receive future updates.
Before you begin, ensure that Classic Outlook is installed and configured on the same computer. The new Outlook detects the classic profile during the import. If Classic Outlook is not installed, the import option will not appear. You also need a Microsoft 365 work or school account or a personal Microsoft account signed into the new Outlook.
Steps to Import Classic Outlook Settings into New Outlook
- Open the new Outlook for Windows
Launch the new Outlook application. If you are not already signed in, enter your Microsoft 365 or personal Microsoft account credentials to proceed. - Navigate to File > Account
Click the File tab in the top-left corner. In the left sidebar, select Account. This opens the account management panel where the import option is located. - Click Import Settings
Under the Account panel, look for the Import Settings button. It is labeled with a gear icon and the text “Import settings from Classic Outlook.” Click this button to start the wizard. - Select the items to import
A dialog box appears listing three checkboxes: Accounts, Signatures, and Rules. By default, all three are checked. Uncheck any items you do not want to transfer. Then click Import. - Wait for the import to complete
The import process runs in the background. A progress bar shows the status. Depending on the number of accounts and rules, this may take a few minutes. Do not close the new Outlook during this step. - Review the imported settings
After the import finishes, check your accounts under File > Account > Email accounts. Verify that your signatures appear when composing a new message. Confirm that your rules are listed under File > Manage Rules & Alerts.
What the Import Does Not Transfer
The Classic Settings Import in the new Outlook transfers only three categories: accounts, signatures, and rules. Many other customizations from Classic Outlook are not included. You will need to recreate these items manually after the import.
Quick Steps
Quick Steps are automated multi-step actions you created in Classic Outlook, such as “Move to Folder and Mark Read.” The import does not copy any Quick Steps. To recreate them, go to Home > Quick Steps in the new Outlook and build each action from scratch.
Custom Views
If you customized column layouts, sorting, or filtering in Classic Outlook folders, those custom views are not imported. The new Outlook uses a simplified view system. You can adjust column widths and sorting within each folder, but complex custom views are not supported.
Add-ins and COM Add-ins
Third-party add-ins installed in Classic Outlook are not transferred. You must reinstall them from the Microsoft AppSource or the vendor’s website. COM add-ins, such as those for CRM or document management systems, are not compatible with the new Outlook at all.
Account Server Settings for Non-Microsoft Accounts
For IMAP and POP accounts, the import copies the server addresses and ports. However, it does not import advanced settings like folder mapping, send limits, or custom port configurations. After import, verify these settings under File > Account > Email accounts > Manage and adjust them if needed.
If the Import Option Is Missing or Grayed Out
Classic Outlook Is Not Installed
The import option appears only when Classic Outlook is installed on the same computer. If you uninstalled Classic Outlook before opening the new Outlook, the button will be missing. Reinstall Classic Outlook from your Microsoft 365 installer, then restart the new Outlook to see the import option.
New Outlook Is Not Signed In
The import button is disabled until you sign into the new Outlook with a supported account. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 work or school account or your personal Microsoft account. After signing in, the import button becomes active.
Both Versions Are Not Running the Same Build
The import feature requires that both Outlook versions are updated to the latest builds. Open Classic Outlook and go to File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now. Do the same in the new Outlook under File > Account > Update Options > Update Now. After updating, restart both applications and try the import again.
New Outlook vs Classic Outlook: Settings Import Comparison
| Item | New Outlook | Classic Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Settings import method | File > Account > Import Settings | File > Open & Export > Import/Export |
| Accounts transferred | Exchange, IMAP, POP, Outlook.com | All account types including Exchange, IMAP, POP, and Outlook.com |
| Signatures imported | Yes, all signatures are copied | Not applicable (import from another profile) |
| Rules imported | Yes, server-side and client-only rules | Yes, via import/export wizard |
| Quick Steps imported | No | Yes, via export/import of .OQPS files |
| Custom views imported | No | Yes, via export/import of views |
| Add-ins transferred | No | No (must be reinstalled) |
| Requires Classic Outlook installed | Yes | No (uses .PST or profile) |
You can now import your Classic Outlook settings into the new Outlook using the File > Account > Import Settings path. After the import, verify your accounts, signatures, and rules are present. For items not transferred such as Quick Steps and custom views, recreate them manually in the new Outlook. An advanced tip: before importing, export your Classic Outlook rules as a .RWZ file by going to File > Manage Rules & Alerts > Options > Export Rules as a backup in case the import does not copy them correctly.