Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of support for its built-in Mail and Calendar applications in Windows 11, effective December 31, 2024. Following this date, users will be required to transition to the web-based Outlook app for their email and calendar management needs. This decision aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to consolidate its email and calendar functionalities into a single platform accessible across all Windows devices.
While the Mail and Calendar apps will still allow users to view emails and calendar events in a read-only mode, the ability to send or receive messages will be disabled. Users will be redirected to the Outlook web app for any email interactions. Reports indicate that the current iteration of the web app does not support offline access, a feature that many users consider essential for a desktop email client. Microsoft is reportedly working on implementing offline capabilities in the coming weeks, addressing a significant concern among its user base.
What this means for Mail and Calendar app users
Beginning January 1, 2025, users will need to adapt to the new Outlook platform or explore third-party alternatives. In the interim, users have the option to dismiss the persistent reminder pop-ups urging them to switch, although these notifications will reappear upon subsequent use of the Mail and Calendar apps. Another temporary solution involves reverting to earlier versions of the applications, which may eliminate the reminders, but this workaround will also cease to function after the support deadline.
For those with emails, calendar events, and contacts stored locally, it is advisable to utilize the ‘Export’ feature within the Mail and Calendar apps. This will facilitate the transfer of important information to the Outlook web app or any preferred third-party application.
Feedback regarding the new Outlook web app has been mixed, with users expressing dissatisfaction over its design and functionality. Many feel that it does not integrate seamlessly with the overall Windows 11 experience, often resembling a website rather than a cohesive application. This disconnect, coupled with the absence of offline access, has left some users feeling underwhelmed, particularly in light of recent challenges associated with the Windows 11 24H2 update.
As Microsoft seeks to unify its services, the success of the Outlook web app will be pivotal. Users who have relied on the built-in Mail and Calendar applications may find the transition challenging, especially if the new platform fails to deliver the expected level of functionality and user experience. The stakes are high for Microsoft as it aims to encourage more users to embrace its latest operating system amidst these changes.
