TECH Signal 370
Microsoft adds Classic Outlook visual theme to New Outlook without restoring missing functionality
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Microsoft is rolling out a setting that applies Classic Outlook's visual styling, layout, typography, and icons to New Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the Web, but the change is cosmetic only and does not restore missing features.
The theme may reduce friction for users transitioning off Classic Outlook, but it does nothing for the functional gaps that complicate enterprise migration. COM add-ins will never appear in New Outlook, and offline capabilities remain weaker than the predecessor, so organizations relying on those features still need migration plans that go beyond a UI toggle.
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The setting applies coordinated changes to visual styling, layout, typography, icons, and selected interactions, but adds no missing functionality back to New Outlook.
Targeted release is expected to complete by the end of September, with worldwide general availability planned between late September and the end of October.
Classic Outlook support continues through perpetual and subscription licensing until at least 2029, and the opt-out phase for New Outlook has been pushed to 2027.
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