Dates to Remember: You Can’t Download Outlook after 31 December 2024 May 24, 2024 – Posted in: Dates to Remember, IT Support, News – Tags: ITSupport, SoftwareSupport, WindowsITSupport, WindowsSupport

You might have noticed a program on your computer called New Outlook recently, this app replaces the Mail and Calendar apps on Windows 11 and will eventually replace Outlook. Since the beginning of this year all new computers ship with New Outlook and at the end of the year you won’t be able to download new copies of the original Outlook.

What are the differences?

The New Outlook looks more like Outlook on the web than the version you are probably familiar with. It will still have many of the same features like email, calendar, and contacts. What is different is how it works.

1. It will not work with POP email protocols – an out of date way of accessing your emails on a computer that deletes them from the mail server after you’ve taken a copy making viewing emails on different devices difficult.
2. It will not work with PST files – an older way of storing email on your computer which is often used when archiving out emails, the newer version of the file is called an OST and is encrypted. Ask your IT team if you’re concerned about your email archives.
3. It will allow you to send encrypted emails without needing to pay for specialist software. This means sensitive data can be sent more securely.
4. It will not support COM add ins – these are used by a lot of software that plugs into Outlook and inserts buttons or lets you save emails and attachments directly to a database or send emails from inside the software and have them go into your sent items in your mailbox. Whilst useful COM add ins are not very secure and present a risk which is why they won’t be supported any more. Many software vendors have already created a Web add in – the replacement for COM add ins, talk to your software vendor or your IT team if you use software that plugs into Outlook.

What’s the Timeline?

• • Jan 2024 – New Outlook starts to be shipped on new computers.
  • Dec 2024 – You can no longer download new copies of old Outlook.
  • 2029 – old Outlook goes out of support.

Can’t I just keep using the old version?

If a program is still supported that means that the software vendor is still providing security updates. Our patching infographic has more information about why security updates are important. Essentially, once software goes out of support it will no longer get security updates, leaving your system open to attack. Aside from the issue of support – every new computer you buy and need to put Outlook on will only be able to download New Outlook from next year. It is easier to move everyone over than have half your staff on each system leaving you having to train people differently or even use different software for compatibility.

If you’d like advice on whether your software will work with the New Outlook and how it could affect your processes, or would like to discuss any other IT Support needs you might have please give us a call on 01245 265100 or email us at .