How to Switch Between Classic Outlook and New Outlook on Windows and macOS

Questions

  • How do I switch from New Outlook to Classic Outlook on my Mac?
  • How do I go back to the old version of Outlook on Windows?
  • How do I turn off New Outlook and use Legacy Outlook instead?
  • Where is the toggle to switch between Classic and New Outlook?
  • My Outlook looks different — how do I change it back to the way it was?
  • How do I switch to New Outlook from Classic Outlook on Windows 11?
  • Can I switch back to the old Outlook interface on a Bowdoin-issued Mac?
  • How do I enable or disable the New Outlook toggle in Microsoft Outlook?
  • What is the difference between Classic Outlook and New Outlook?
  • Why did my Outlook interface change, and how do I switch it back?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin College students, faculty, and staff using Microsoft Outlook on Bowdoin-issued devices. Both Windows and macOS platforms are covered.

  • Windows: Windows 11 on Bowdoin-issued Dell Laptop or Dell Desktop
  • macOS: macOS Sequoia (15.x), Tahoe (26.x), or newer on Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac Mini
  • Application: Microsoft Outlook (Microsoft 365 subscription version)
  • Not in scope: Outlook on iOS, Android, or the Outlook Web App (browser-based email). For web access, see Accessing Bowdoin Email in a Browser in the Related Articles section.

Resolution

Switch Between Classic and New Outlook on Windows 11

New Outlook includes a toggle in the title bar that lets you switch between the New Outlook experience and Classic (Legacy) Outlook. Both versions connect to your Bowdoin Microsoft 365 account.

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your Windows 11 device.
  2. Look at the top right area of the Outlook window for a toggle labeled New Outlook.
  3. To switch from New Outlook to Classic Outlook, click the New Outlook toggle so it moves to the off position. Outlook will close and reopen in Classic (Legacy) mode.
  4. To switch from Classic Outlook back to New Outlook, look for the Try the New Outlook toggle in the upper-right corner of the Classic Outlook window and click it so it moves to the on position. Outlook will switch to the New Outlook interface.
Note: After toggling, Outlook may close and reopen automatically. Any emails you had open will need to be reopened after the switch.

Switch Between Classic and New Outlook on macOS

On macOS, Microsoft Outlook also provides a toggle to switch between the Classic and New Outlook experiences. The toggle location differs slightly from Windows.

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your Bowdoin-issued Mac.
  2. If you are currently in New Outlook, click the Help menu in the macOS menu bar at the top of your screen.
  3. Select Revert to Legacy Outlook from the dropdown menu. Outlook will relaunch in Classic (Legacy) mode.
  4. If you are currently in Classic (Legacy) Outlook and want to switch to New Outlook, click the New Outlook toggle in the upper-right corner of the Outlook window. Outlook will switch to the New Outlook interface.
Important: Some features available in Classic Outlook may not yet be available in New Outlook, and vice versa. If you rely on a specific feature such as add-ins, certain calendar views, or advanced rules, check that it is available in the version you switch to before making a permanent change.

Which Version Should You Use?

Both Classic and New Outlook connect to your Bowdoin Microsoft 365 email, calendar, and contacts. The choice between them is mostly a matter of personal preference and workflow. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • New Outlook has a modernized interface and is the direction Microsoft is heading for future updates. It may not yet support all add-ins or advanced features.
  • Classic (Legacy) Outlook has a more familiar interface for long-time Outlook users and supports a broader range of add-ins and legacy features.
  • Microsoft has not yet set a firm end-of-life date for Classic Outlook, but New Outlook is expected to eventually replace it.
Note: If you are experiencing issues specific to one version of Outlook, switching to the other version can sometimes resolve those issues. If problems persist in both versions, contact the Bowdoin Service Desk for further assistance.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

 

 

AI-assisted content: This article was created with AI. It was verified and edited by a human.
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