How To Install Old Outlook In Windows 11

Ever since the release of the new Outlook for Windows app, Microsoft has been pushing it aggressively. The new Outlook for Windows app already replaced the Mail and Calendar app.

Several users report that the new Windows 11 PCs are preinstalled with the new Outlook for Windows app instead of the old Outlook or Outlook classic software. The same might happen when you download and install Microsoft Office 365 suite on your Windows 11 PC.

If you are someone who has been using the old/classic Outlook for years, the new Outlook for Windows app will surely fail to impress you. Luckily, there are ways to install the old/classic Outlook on Windows 11.

Why is the classic/old Outlook better than the new Outlook app?

There are several reasons why users prefer the old Outlook app over the new one. To begin with, most users are familiar with the old Outlook app, its features, and its interface.

The new Outlook app does not support the offline mode, you cannot export and import PST files, and several of the advanced features of the old Outlook are yet to be added to the new Outlook app. It might take years before all these features are made available in the new Outlook app. Besides, most users feel that the old Outlook is more stable than the new Outlook app, which is regularly updated to add new features.

Although Microsoft is trying its best to convince users to install and use the new Outlook app, most users are not happy with the new Outlook app and want to install the old or classic Outlook.

Luckily, installing the old or classic Outlook on Windows 11 is pretty much possible. Microsoft offers two ways to install the old/classic Outlook on Windows 11.

NOTE 1: Please note that although you can install Outlook classic using these methods, you need a valid Microsoft 365 subscription or license to use it, as the Outlook classic is a free app (the new Outlook for Windows app is free).

NOTE 2: Installing the old Outlook app will not remove the new Outlook app. If you wish to uninstall it, refer to our how to uninstall Outlook new from Windows 11 guide.

Method 1 of 2

Install the old or classic Outlook in Windows 11 via Microsoft Store

Step 1: Save your work and close all Microsoft Office apps such as Word and Excel.

Step 2: On your Windows 11 PC, visit this Microsoft Store page in a web browser of your choice.

Step 3: Click the View in Store or View in Store app button.

Step 4: Clicking the View in Store button opens up the Outlook for Windows (classic) page in the Store app. If you do not know, Microsoft has rebranded the old Outlook app to Outlook for Windows (classic).

Step 5: Click the Download or Install button to download and install the old/classic Outlook app.

Step 6: When you see the User Account Prompt, click the Yes button. If asked for the admin password, please type the same.

Step 7: Windows 11 might take several minutes to download and install Outlook classic. Once installed, the setup file will display a “You’re all set!” message. That’s it!

Step 8: You may launch the old Outlook app using search and add your email accounts.

Method 2 of 2

Install old or classic Outlook in Windows 11 by manually running the installer

If you encounter any issues with the Microsoft Store, you can use this manual way to install the Outlook classic program on your Windows 11 PC. Needless to say, this method only installs Outlook classic and does not install other Office applications.

Step 1: Close all Office applications, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, if they are open.

Step 2: Visit this page to download the Office setup file.

Step 3: Once downloaded, visit the Downloads folder, right-click the OfficeSetup file, and then click the Run as administrator option.

Step 4: Click the Yes button when you get the User Account Control prompt.

Step 5: The Office installer will now download the Outlook files and install them. Once again, it might take several minutes to complete the installation.

Once installed, you will see a dialog with a “You’re all set!” message.

Step 6: You may open it via search and then add your email accounts to it.