Microsoft to end support for classic Mail and Calendar apps, set to replace them with new Outlook app

Microsoft has announced that support for its Windows Mail, Calendar, and People applications will officially end on December 31, 2024. After this date, users will no longer be able to send or receive emails or manage calendar events using these programs. However, Microsoft is rolling out a new version of Outlook for Windows, offering a modern and more user-friendly experience for email, calendar, and contacts management.
For those currently using Windows Mail, Calendar, and People, Microsoft is gradually transitioning users to the new Outlook for Windows. This new version will be fully integrated into Windows 11, offering a fresh, simplified design that includes a range of new features to enhance productivity. The updated Outlook can be tailored to suit individual preferences, making it easier to manage emails, schedules, and contacts all in one place.
What’s changing?
Starting January 1, 2025, users will no longer be able to access Windows Mail, Calendar, and People, and any local data such as emails, contacts, and calendar events stored in those apps will need to be exported and transferred to the new Outlook. Microsoft has provided clear instructions on how users can export their data before the deadline, ensuring that important information is not lost. Once the transition is complete, all users will have access to the new Outlook for Windows, which will support emails from a variety of services, including Gmail and Yahoo, as well as Outlook accounts.
Why switch to the New Outlook?
The new Outlook for Windows offers several advantages over its predecessors. It features powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to improve email composition, helping users write more impactful and mistake-free messages. Additionally, the app makes it easier to stay organized with integrated email and calendar management. Users can now access all their accounts in one unified inbox, regardless of the service provider, and stay on top of their appointments with easy-to-use tools for scheduling and event sharing.
Security is also a key feature of the new Outlook. Microsoft promises that users will benefit from its robust security measures, which help protect against phishing attacks and scams. The app also supports Microsoft 365 on the web, allowing users to access Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly from within Outlook.
For those worried about the transition, Microsoft has made it simple to try out the new Outlook for Windows. Users can opt into a preview version of the app through the Mail and Calendar applications, with the option to switch back to the classic version at any time.
Overall, the new Outlook for Windows is designed to be a comprehensive solution for managing emails, appointments, and contacts, streamlining the user experience with enhanced features and better integration across devices.