
We are now recommending the New Outlook for most clients, as Microsoft continues to move email, collaboration, and AI features to a modern, cloud‑based platform. Microsoft have now introduced support for shared mailboxes which removes the major impediment to moving to the new system.
Below is a clear summary of why we recommend it, what benefits you get, when it may not be suitable, and what your alternatives are.
New Outlook uses Microsoft’s cloud‑based search, rather than searching local mail files.
This results in:
New Outlook is required for the full Microsoft Copilot email experience when using the desktop app, including:
✅ Important note:
If you wish to keep Classic Outlook, you can still access Copilot summaries and the latest search experience by using Outlook on the web at:
👉 https://outlook.office.com/mail/
This allows users to retain Classic Outlook for day‑to‑day work while still benefiting from Microsoft’s newest AI features in the browser.
New Outlook now fully supports:
This enables easier access to multiple inboxes in a single, modern interface.
Signatures are stored in the cloud rather than on an individual computer, meaning:
New Outlook provides a consistent user experience across:
This reduces confusion and improves ease of use.
Classic Outlook relies on large local mail files, which can occasionally:
New Outlook reduces reliance on local mail files, helping to:
✅ Files can be dragged and dropped from your computer into an email.
⚠️ Attachments cannot be dragged:
To reuse an attachment, it must be saved first.
.eml, .msg, and .oft files (online), via Open with → Outlook (new), double‑click, or drag‑and‑drop onto the reading pane (size limits apply for .msg/.oft).New Outlook is not suitable for all users. We do not recommend it in the following scenarios:
If your email provider only supports POP (not IMAP or Microsoft 365):
If you send emails from:
Classic Outlook is required to:
If you rely on:
Some of these features are not yet fully available in New Outlook.
New Outlook is recommended for users who want:
Classic Outlook can still be retained for:
✅ Even when using Classic Outlook, users can still access:
👉 https://outlook.office.com/mail/
We assess your specific set up and will guide you to the most suitable option.