Short Version
A new optional setting in Outlook on the web and the new Outlook for Windows adjusts the visual styling, layout, typography, and icons to more closely resemble classic Outlook, helping anyone transitioning from the old version feel more at home. Due mid-August to late October 2026.
Details
The new setting applies a coordinated set of changes across your Outlook experience, covering visual styling, layout, typography, icons, and some interactions, to make things feel closer to classic Outlook for Windows. You still get all the capabilities of the new Outlook, just with a more familiar look and feel layered on top.
You can turn this on or off at any time under Settings > General > Appearance. It’s off by default for most people, though as part of a phased rollout, Microsoft will switch it on by default for some users who are moving from classic Outlook to the new Outlook, to smooth that transition. Even if it’s enabled for you automatically, you can change it whenever you like.
This only affects Outlook on the web and the new Outlook for Windows, it has no effect on classic Outlook for Windows itself. It also doesn’t migrate anyone from classic to new Outlook, or override any admin configuration already in place for managing that migration.
Availability
Due mid-August to late October 2026.
Source, related links and references
MC1458476.
Images: Microsoft.
See what else is new for Outlook.
Page originally published
28th August 2026.
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