New Outlook: Microsoft spares companies another year
Microsoft wants to switch all customers to the web app "new Outlook". The start date for companies is now set for March 2027.
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Microsoft wants to get rid of the classic Outlook with its local data processing and redirect customers to the cloud with the “new Outlook.” Data from other accounts from other providers will also end up there. Microsoft transfers the login data to its servers for this purpose. This allows AI functions to help with mail processing. Business customers also face the switch, for which Microsoft had initially announced April 2026. Now the company is postponing the date by almost a year again.
In the Microsoft 365 Admin Center, the company has updated entry MC949965 (copy at mc.merill.net). It originally dates from December 2024 and announced that the user base for customers with enterprise licenses will also be automatically switched from classic Outlook to the new Outlook – “with the option to revert.” Microsoft had chosen April 1, 2026, as the start date.
“New Outlook”: Updated Schedule
Microsoft has now set the start date to March 1, 2027. The manufacturer states as the reason: “Microsoft has postponed the opt-out phase for the new Outlook in Enterprise from April 2026 to March 2027, giving companies 12 months to prepare. Administrators can use policies for a phased migration, users can temporarily switch back, and resources will be provided for a smooth transition and rollout.” The developers thus see strong and increasing usage of the new Outlook “but are investing heavily in expanding capabilities and incorporating feedback from customers who want to use the new Outlook even more extensively”.
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Users should not be automatically switched if admins have opted them out of the automatic migration policy, the “new Outlook” switch has been hidden via policy, an indefinite license is in use, or on-premise accounts are used. The latter is an indication that Microsoft apparently knows that the automatic transfer of login data to its servers is problematic. If necessary, affected users can help themselves with some recommendations.
In the admin center entry, Microsoft links useful resources for IT managers to help them prepare their environments for the Outlook transition.
(dmk)
