When you switch from Classic Outlook to New Outlook, you may notice that your old color scheme and background image are gone. The new Outlook uses a different theming engine that supports Copilot Themes, which are AI-generated backgrounds and accent colors. This article explains how to access and apply Copilot Themes in New Outlook after migrating from Classic Outlook. You will learn the exact steps to set up a custom theme and how to restore your previous appearance if needed.
Key Takeaways: Applying Copilot Themes in New Outlook
- Settings > General > Appearance: Opens the theme picker where you can select or create a Copilot Theme.
- Copilot Theme button in the theme picker: Generates a unique background image and color palette based on your prompt.
- Classic Outlook theme import: Not supported; you must manually recreate your preferred look using New Outlook theme options.
What Changes When You Switch to New Outlook
New Outlook is a completely rebuilt application that runs on a web-based architecture. This means it does not read the same configuration files that Classic Outlook used for themes. When you switch, your old background image, accent color, and custom color scheme are not carried over.
Copilot Themes are a feature exclusive to New Outlook. They use Microsoft Copilot to generate a background image and a matching accent color based on a short text description you provide. For example, you can type “calm ocean at sunset” and Copilot creates a unique theme for you.
To use Copilot Themes, you must have an active Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Copilot. Without a Copilot license, the Copilot Theme button will be grayed out or missing. You can still choose from the preset themes in the theme picker.
Steps to Apply a Copilot Theme in New Outlook
- Open Outlook Settings
Click the gear icon in the top-right corner of the Outlook window. A sidebar will open. At the bottom of the sidebar, click View all Outlook settings. - Navigate to Appearance Settings
In the Settings window, click General on the left panel, then click Appearance. This section controls the theme, background, and accent color. - Open the Theme Picker
Under the Appearance section, locate the Theme area. Click the Change theme button. A gallery of preset themes appears. - Select the Copilot Theme Option
In the theme gallery, look for the Copilot Theme button. It is usually located at the top of the gallery or in a separate row. Click this button to start the Copilot theme creation process. - Describe Your Desired Theme
A text box appears. Type a description of the theme you want, such as “forest with morning light” or “abstract blue waves.” Be specific but keep it under 50 characters for best results. Press Enter or click the Generate button. - Preview and Apply the Theme
Copilot generates a background image and an accent color. A preview of the theme is shown. If you like it, click Apply. If not, click Regenerate to get a new version based on the same prompt or edit your prompt and try again. - Confirm the Change
Outlook applies the new theme immediately. Close the Settings window. Your inbox, calendar, and other modules now display the Copilot Theme background and accent color.
If the Copilot Theme Button Is Missing or Disabled
Copilot Theme button is grayed out
This means your Microsoft 365 account does not have a Copilot license assigned. Contact your IT administrator to request a Copilot for Microsoft 365 license. Without a license, you cannot generate new Copilot Themes, but you can still use the preset themes in the gallery.
Copilot Theme button does not appear at all
You may be running an older version of New Outlook that does not support Copilot Themes. Update Outlook by going to Settings > General > About Outlook and clicking Check for updates. Install any pending updates and restart Outlook.
Theme does not apply after clicking Apply
Close the Settings window completely and reopen Outlook. If the theme still does not apply, clear the Outlook cache by going to Settings > General > Storage and clicking Clear cache. Restart Outlook and try again.
How to Restore a Classic Outlook Look
New Outlook cannot import Classic Outlook themes directly. To recreate a similar appearance, follow these steps:
- Choose a solid background
In the theme picker, select a preset theme that uses a solid color or a simple pattern. Avoid image-heavy themes if you prefer a clean look. - Set the accent color manually
In the Appearance settings, scroll to Accent color. Click the color swatch and pick a color that matches your Classic Outlook theme. You can also enter a hex color code if you remember it. - Adjust the reading pane layout
Go to Settings > Mail > Layout. Set the reading pane to the right or bottom, matching your Classic Outlook arrangement. This helps the interface feel familiar even with a different theme.
Copilot Themes vs Preset Themes: Key Differences
| Item | Copilot Themes | Preset Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Creation method | AI-generated from your text prompt | Pre-designed by Microsoft |
| License requirement | Copilot for Microsoft 365 license | No additional license |
| Uniqueness | Each theme is unique to your prompt | Identical for all users |
| Regeneration | You can regenerate unlimited times | Cannot modify |
| Accent color | Automatically matched | Fixed per theme |
You can switch between Copilot Themes and preset themes at any time without losing your previous choices. Your last used Copilot Theme prompt is saved in the theme picker for quick reuse.
Copilot Themes are now available in your New Outlook. You can generate a custom background and accent color in seconds using a text description. If you miss your Classic Outlook look, use the manual accent color picker and layout settings to recreate it. For a quick refresh, try typing a different prompt each week to keep your interface feeling new.