Disabling New Outlook Auto-Installation: Tech Support Guide
Microsoft has recently announced the replacement of the old Outlook email application with a new and improved version called "New Outlook."
However, many users prefer to keep their old mail and calendar applications active. This guide will help tech support professionals and users alike to disable the automatic installation of the New Outlook and keep the old version running smoothly.
Understanding the New Outlook Auto-Installation
The New Outlook is a part of Microsoft’s efforts to modernize its email and calendar applications, offering improved features and a more intuitive user interface.
By default, the New Outlook is set to automatically install as soon as it becomes available. However, this can cause compatibility issues with existing applications and configurations, making it crucial to understand how to disable this feature.
Disabling the New Outlook Auto-Installation
To disable the New Outlook auto-installation, follow these steps:
- Open the Microsoft 365 Apps admin center.
- Click on "Settings" and then select "Organization settings."
- Select "Services" and then click on "Outlook" from the list of services.
- Scroll down to the "Updates" section and uncheck the "Automatically keep Outlook up-to-date" option.
- Click "Save" to apply the changes.
The code block above shows the registry keys that can be used to disable the automatic updates. Setting the OfficeMajorVersion value to 0 will prevent the New Outlook from being installed.
Benefits of Keeping the Old Outlook
While the New Outlook offers numerous improvements, the old version still has some advantages:
- Familiarity: The old Outlook interface is well-known and comfortable for many users, making it easier for them to continue using it without having to learn a new system.
- Compatibility: Existing configurations, add-ons, and integrations may not be compatible with the New Outlook, making it necessary to keep the old version for compatibility purposes.
- Customization: The old Outlook offers more customization options, allowing users to tailor the application to their specific needs and workflows.
References
- Delay or block Office updates
- What's new in Outlook for Microsoft 365
- Overview of deployment options for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise
By following the steps outlined in this guide, users can easily disable the New Outlook auto-installation and continue using their preferred version of Outlook.