Microsoft has officially announced that its Windows Mail, Calendar, and People applications will cease to function after December 31, 2024. This decision is part of a strategic initiative to encourage users to transition to the new Outlook for Windows. Following this deadline, the longstanding Mail and Calendar apps will no longer support email communication, marking the end of an era for many users.
Transitioning to Outlook
In a recent update to its support documentation, Microsoft confirmed the discontinuation of support for the Windows Mail apps, effectively rendering them obsolete for email purposes. The company is actively promoting the new Outlook for Windows, although the response from users has been mixed. Many have expressed concerns over the web-based version’s performance, describing it as sluggish and challenging to navigate.
For those who have relied on the Windows Mail and Calendar apps, Microsoft is providing a migration pathway. Users will have the opportunity to export their emails, contacts, and calendar events to Outlook before the impending deadline. However, once December 31 arrives, email functionality will be exclusively available through the new Outlook, prompting some users to explore alternative third-party email clients.
As the transition period unfolds, Windows Mail users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Outlook, which Microsoft touts as the “best of Outlook” available for free. While this shift is mandatory for the Windows 11 Mail and Calendar apps, some users may choose to seek out different email solutions to circumvent the perceived complexities and performance issues associated with the new Outlook interface.
This significant change is poised to affect millions who have depended on the Mail and Calendar apps for their daily operations, compelling them to adapt to Microsoft’s evolving vision for email management.
