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 Classic (Legacy) Outlook instead?
  • Where is the toggle to switch between Classic and New Outlook?
  • My Outlook looks different, so 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 the Microsoft Outlook desktop app on Bowdoin-issued devices. Both Windows and macOS are covered.

  • Windows: Windows 11 on a Bowdoin-issued Dell laptop or Dell desktop.
  • macOS: macOS Sequoia (15.x) or Tahoe (26.x) on a Bowdoin-issued MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac Mini.
  • Application: Microsoft Outlook (the Microsoft 365 subscription version).
  • Not in scope: Outlook on iOS, Android, or Outlook on the web (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 switches between the New Outlook experience and Classic (Legacy) Outlook. Both versions connect to a Bowdoin Microsoft 365 account.

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook on the 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 closes and reopens 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 switches to the New Outlook interface.
Note: After toggling, Outlook may close and reopen automatically. Any emails that were open must be reopened after the switch.

Switch Between Classic and New Outlook on macOS

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

  1. Open Microsoft Outlook on the Bowdoin-issued Mac.
  2. If Outlook is currently in New Outlook, click the Help menu in the macOS menu bar at the top of the screen.
  3. Select Revert to Legacy Outlook from the dropdown menu. Outlook relaunches in Classic (Legacy) mode.
  4. If Outlook is currently in Classic (Legacy) Outlook and you want to switch to New Outlook, click the New Outlook toggle in the upper-right corner of the Outlook window. Outlook switches 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, confirm the feature 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 Bowdoin Microsoft 365 email, calendar, and contacts. The choice is mostly a matter of personal preference and workflow. 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 experience an issue specific to one version of Outlook, switching to the other version can sometimes resolve it. If the problem persists 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

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