Windows 10 users are currently facing a shift in their email experience, particularly for those who have a fondness for the classic Mail & Calendar app. The recent update to the operating system not only addresses security vulnerabilities but also introduces the new Outlook for Windows app. This transition means that users who prefer the traditional email client must either adapt to the new Outlook or seek alternatives.
The new Outlook has stirred considerable debate among users, with many expressing dissatisfaction. Central to the criticism is the fact that the new Outlook operates as a web app, which has led to performance issues compared to the native Mail & Calendar app. Additionally, the design of the new Outlook has sparked discussions, with opinions varying on whether it is an improvement or a step back from its predecessor.
This week marked the beginning of a mandatory rollout of the new Outlook, coinciding with the release of the Windows 10 KB5051974 update on Patch Tuesday. Users running Windows 11 version 22H2 will see this update automatically installed on their systems. Bleeping Computer has reported on this rollout, highlighting key features from Microsoft’s release notes:
- [Mail] New! The new Outlook for Windows app is now available, featuring a new app icon in the Start menu alongside classic Outlook. There are no alterations to settings or defaults. IT administrators can find guidance on managing this update in the Control the installation and use of new Outlook section.
- [Screen capture] Fixed: The Capture Service and Snipping Tool may become unresponsive when the Windows logo key+Shift+S is pressed multiple times while the Narrator is active.
- [Chinese Pinyin input method editor (IME)] Bing will cease providing automatic suggestions in the search box for sites like Baidu. Users can access manual suggestions using Ctrl+Tab or the chevron button (>).
- [Digital/Analog converter (DAC) (known issue)] Fixed: Issues with USB audio devices, particularly those using a USB 1.0 DAC audio driver, may occur, leading to playback interruptions.
- [USB audio device drivers] Fixed: The code 10 error message, indicating “This device cannot start,” may appear when connecting certain external audio management devices.
- [USB cameras] Fixed: Devices may fail to recognize that the camera is active following the installation of the January 2025 security update.
- [Virtual memory] Fixed: An issue that depletes virtual memory, potentially causing some applications to fail, has been resolved.
What’s happening to Windows 10?
It seems unlikely that Microsoft views the new Outlook as a regression. The company has provided a guide for IT administrators on how to prevent users from transitioning to the new Outlook. For those on Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, the new Outlook comes preinstalled, necessitating removal if desired.
To block the installation of the new Outlook on Windows 10, administrators must adjust a registry value. They also have the option to uninstall the new Outlook if it has already been installed. As the same update that enforces the new Outlook also includes various bug fixes, it is worth noting that Windows 10 users can expect fewer updates moving forward, as the operating system is set to reach its end of support in October of this year. Microsoft has consistently communicated this impending cutoff, and while extended support will be available, it will come at a significant cost.
