Microsoft Rolls Out Classic Outlook Theme
The new theme aims to provide a more familiar experience for users transitioning from classic Outlook, with a rollout expected to complete by late October
Microsoft has started rolling out a Classic Outlook theme for users of Outlook on the web and the New Outlook for Windows. The rollout began in mid-August and is expected to complete by the end of September, with the theme becoming generally available worldwide between late September and late October.
The Classic Outlook theme applies coordinated changes across the Outlook experience, including visual styling, layout, typography, icons, and selected interactions. This update is designed to help users who are transitioning from classic Outlook by providing a more familiar experience while maintaining the capabilities of the new Outlook.
The new user interface style will be enabled by default for some users, but they can toggle it off to switch to the standard theme from Settings > General > Appearance. The setting will be available to all users and can be turned on or off at any time, with it being off by default for most users.
## What's Behind the Update The New Outlook client, which replaced Windows Mail as a pre-installed app on Windows 11 and Windows starting in October 2023 and January 2025, respectively, still lacks some Classic Outlook features. Microsoft introduced the first preview version of the New Outlook client in May 2022, and it reached general availability for personal accounts in September 2023 and for commercial customers in August 2024.
## Why it Matters The rollout of the Classic Outlook theme is significant as it aims to provide a more seamless transition for users who are accustomed to the classic Outlook experience. By offering a familiar interface, Microsoft hopes to reduce the learning curve for users and improve their overall experience with the New Outlook.
The update is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to improve the New Outlook client and make it more appealing to users. With the theme becoming generally available worldwide between late September and late October, users can expect a more consistent and familiar experience across the Outlook platform.
