New Outlook for Windows includes a hidden panel where Microsoft tests upcoming features before they become permanent. These feature toggles, labeled Coming Soon, let you turn experimental switches on or off to see what is being developed. This article explains where to find the Coming Soon panel, how to browse available preview switches, and what to expect when you enable a toggle.
Microsoft adds and removes toggles with each update, so the list changes over time. You can enable a toggle to try a feature early, but some switches may not work correctly or may disappear without notice. This guide covers the exact steps to open the panel, read each switch description, and manage your preview settings.
Key Takeaways: Navigating New Outlook’s Coming Soon Feature Toggles
- New Outlook > Settings > General > Coming Soon: Opens the panel where all preview feature toggles are listed and can be enabled or disabled.
- Toggle switch next to each feature name: Turns the experimental feature on or off immediately without requiring a restart.
- Feature description text under each toggle: Explains what the preview switch does, its current status, and any known limitations.
What Are Coming Soon Feature Toggles in New Outlook
Coming Soon is a settings panel inside New Outlook that lists experimental features Microsoft is testing. Each item in the panel has a toggle switch and a short description. When you turn a toggle on, the feature activates in your Outlook session. When you turn it off, the feature deactivates.
These toggles let you preview functionality before it rolls out to all users. Microsoft uses this panel to collect feedback and measure usage. Features in the Coming Soon panel are not guaranteed to become permanent. Some toggles may be removed or changed after testing.
You need the latest version of New Outlook for Windows to see the Coming Soon panel. If you use Outlook for Mac, Outlook on the web, or classic Outlook, this panel does not appear. The toggle list is identical for all users running the same build of New Outlook.
Steps to Open and Browse the Coming Soon Panel
Follow these steps to access the Coming Soon panel and browse the available preview switches.
- Open New Outlook
Launch New Outlook for Windows. If you use classic Outlook, switch to New Outlook by toggling Try the new Outlook at the top right of the window. - Go to Settings
Click the gear icon in the top right corner of the window. The Settings pane opens on the right side of the screen. - Select General
In the Settings pane, click General. This section contains basic preferences for the application. - Click Coming Soon
In the General list, click Coming Soon. The Coming Soon panel displays all available preview feature toggles. - Browse the toggle list
Scroll through the list to see each feature name, its toggle switch, and a description. Toggle descriptions explain what the feature does and may include a note about its test status. - Enable or disable a toggle
Click any toggle switch to turn it on or off. The change takes effect immediately. You do not need to restart Outlook.
After enabling a toggle, test the feature to see if it works as described. If the feature causes problems, return to the Coming Soon panel and turn the toggle off.
Common Issues When Using Preview Feature Toggles
The Coming Soon panel is missing from Settings
If you do not see Coming Soon under General in Settings, your version of New Outlook does not include the panel yet. Microsoft rolls out the Coming Soon feature gradually. Update New Outlook to the latest version through Microsoft Store updates. If the panel still does not appear, wait for a future update.
A toggle does not turn on or off
Some toggles may be grayed out or unresponsive. This happens when Microsoft has disabled that specific preview switch for all users. The toggle may also be locked if your organization uses group policies to control experimental features. Contact your IT administrator if you cannot change a toggle at work.
A feature enabled by a toggle does not work
Preview features are experimental. They may contain bugs, incomplete functionality, or performance issues. If a feature does not work, turn the toggle off and wait for a future update that may fix the problem. You can also submit feedback through the Help menu in Outlook.
Toggles disappear after an update
Microsoft removes toggles when testing ends. A feature may graduate to general availability, be canceled, or be replaced by a different toggle. If a toggle you used disappears, the feature may now be permanently enabled or removed. Check the Coming Soon panel after each update to see the current list.
Coming Soon Panel vs Classic Outlook Options: Key Differences
| Item | Coming Soon Panel (New Outlook) | Classic Outlook Options |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Preview experimental features before public release | Configure stable, released settings for the application |
| Access path | Settings > General > Coming Soon | File > Options (opens a separate dialog window) |
| Toggle behavior | On/off switch with immediate effect | Checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns that require OK to apply |
| Feature stability | May contain bugs or incomplete functionality | Stable and tested for production use |
| Availability | New Outlook for Windows only | Classic Outlook for Windows and Mac |
| Persistence | Toggles may appear or disappear with updates | Settings remain until manually changed |
The Coming Soon panel is designed for early testing. Classic Outlook Options handle permanent configuration. Use the Coming Soon panel to try upcoming features, but rely on classic options for settings you need to keep stable.
To report a bug with a preview feature, use the Help menu in New Outlook and select Feedback. Include the name of the toggle and a description of the problem. Microsoft reviews feedback from the Coming Soon panel to decide whether to release a feature broadly.