Outlook guide | Windows | new to classic
How to go back to classic Outlook from new Outlook
To go back to classic Outlook from the new Outlook, turn off the New Outlook toggle in the top-right corner of the window — it switches you straight back to the classic version and asks a quick reason why. Classic Outlook is still installed on your PC and still fully supported, so you're not losing anything. If the toggle isn't there, you can use the Help tab, open classic Outlook from the Start menu, or set one registry value. Here's exactly how, plus what to do if it keeps flipping back. Rated 4.9 on Google.
- ● Windows only
- ● New Outlook
- ● Toggle top-right
Answer first
The quick way: flip the toggle
The new Outlook has a switch built right in. In the top-right corner of the new Outlook window you'll see a New Outlook toggle. Turn it off and you'll get two choices:
- Switch back to classic Outlook — this takes you back permanently (it asks for a quick reason first; you can skip the feedback).
- Use classic Outlook this time — this opens classic Outlook just for now, without permanently switching.
Choose Switch back to classic Outlook, let it close and reopen, and you're back in the classic version you know. Nothing is deleted — classic Outlook was there the whole time.
If the toggle is missing
No toggle? Three reliable alternatives
Sometimes the toggle isn't shown — often because your IT administrator has hidden it, or the layout has changed. You have three dependable fallbacks:
1. Use the Help tab in new Outlook. Open the Help tab on the ribbon and look for the Go to classic Outlook button. This is Microsoft's own built-in alternative when the top-right slider isn't visible, and it switches you straight back.
2. Open classic Outlook straight from the Start menu. Click Start, type Outlook, and look carefully at the results. You may see two entries: Outlook (new) and Outlook (classic) (the classic one usually has the familiar blue/gold envelope icon). Open the classic one and pin it to your taskbar so it's easy to find next time.
3. Use the registry value (for confident users). This is the surest way to force classic Outlook. Editing the registry is safe if you follow the steps exactly, but back up first if you're unsure — or let us do it.
- Close Outlook completely.
- Press Windows key + R, type
regeditand press Enter. - Go to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences. - Find the value UseNewOutlook. Double-click it and set the value data to 0.
- If UseNewOutlook isn't there, right-click in the empty space on the right, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it
UseNewOutlook, and set it to 0. - Close the registry editor and open Outlook — it should launch in classic.
Making it stick
Stop new Outlook nudging you back across
Once you're back in classic Outlook, you can hide the Try the new Outlook slider so it can't quietly switch you across again. In the registry, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General and create or set a DWORD value named HideNewOutlookToggle to 1. Close and reopen classic Outlook and the toggle is gone, so you won't be nudged over to new Outlook. (This setting applies to the current Windows user only.)
Is classic Outlook going away? Microsoft is gradually moving everyone to the new Outlook, but existing classic Outlook installations are officially supported until at least 2029 for Microsoft 365 (and for perpetual licences like Office LTSC). So you have plenty of time — switching back to classic now is completely fine and doesn't leave you unsupported.
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// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
How do I go back to classic Outlook from the new Outlook?
Turn off the New Outlook toggle in the top-right corner of the window and choose 'Switch back to classic Outlook'. It asks a quick reason why (you can skip it), then reopens in the classic version. Classic Outlook is still installed, so nothing is lost.
The toggle to switch back is missing — what now?
First try the Help tab in new Outlook and click 'Go to classic Outlook'. If that isn't there, open classic Outlook from the Start menu: click Start, type Outlook, and pick 'Outlook (classic)'. As a last resort, set the registry value UseNewOutlook to 0 under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences.
Will I lose my emails, calendar or settings when I switch back?
No. Classic Outlook remains installed alongside new Outlook, and your Microsoft 365, Exchange and IMAP mail, calendar and contacts all live on the server, so they're all still there. You're simply switching which app you use to view them.
How do I stop new Outlook turning itself back on?
Once back in classic Outlook, set a DWORD value named HideNewOutlookToggle to 1 under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\General. This hides the 'Try the new Outlook' slider in classic Outlook so it can't nudge you across.
Is classic Outlook being retired soon?
Microsoft is gradually moving users to the new Outlook, but existing classic Outlook installations are supported until at least 2029 for Microsoft 365 and perpetual licences. Switching back to classic now is fine and leaves you fully supported.
Can 365 Techies switch me back for me?
Yes. We can flip you back to classic Outlook and stop it reverting, remotely while you watch, usually in minutes. We phone you first and access ends when it's done. Call 01202 775566.
Toggle missing or classic Outlook won't stay put?
Call 365 Techies on 01202 775566. We'll switch you back and stop it flipping, remotely while you watch, usually in minutes. Same-day help across Bournemouth and Dorset.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM