- The new Outlook app for Windows 11 (and 10) is now available as a preview.
- The email client replaces the classic Mail and Outlook apps with a new unified design.
- Anyone can try the new Outlook app with or without a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- This preview includes new features and support for third-party email services like Gmail.
The new Outlook program for Windows 11 (and Windows 10) that replaces the Mail and Calendar apps and the older desktop version of Outlook with a unified design based on the web experience is now being made available to the public.
There has long been a sneak peek at the new email client. It was only available to Office Insider Program members who have a Microsoft 365 subscription, though. Everyone has access to the most recent preview of the Outlook app, including those who use the traditional desktop version with a Microsoft 365 subscription and those who use the Mail and Calendar app without a subscription.
The statement states that the app only supports Microsoft accounts for business, education, and personal use at this time. It is, nevertheless, attempting to introduce third-party email providers, such as IMAP, iCloud, and Yahoo.Although Google’s Gmail is currently accessible, it is being rolled out gradually, so it might take some time before everyone can use it.
Microsoft is describing several changes to enhance email writing and management for this initial public release of the new design, which is essentially the web version of Outlook but customized for the desktop with offline support (support is still being developed) and the ability to add multiple accounts.
The ability to send emails with polls to speed up decision-making is one of these modifications, as is the incorporation of the Microsoft Editor for rich editing, spelling, and auto-complete suggestions. Only work and school accounts can use this final function.
The undo sending feature in the new Outlook for Windows 11 allows you to postpone sending an email for 10 seconds, allowing you to make adjustments or delete the message completely. Important emails can also be pinned to the top of the inbox, and you can initiate a Skype or Teams call straight from the email client.
Some intriguing enhancements to the Calendar experience include the ability to create numerous shared calendars, multiple time zones, daily weather, and support for Google Calendar when adding a Gmail account.
The company also points out that some of the old features of Outlook are still available in the new version, such as the ability to customize your email density and views, search folders, reminders for important messages that need to be replied to, and the ability to track packages and check in to flights straight from your inbox.
The development team is also working on new customization options, native ICS file format compatibility, and a number of visual changes as part of the plan. More significantly, the team is working on offline capability, which will allow users to use the email client without an internet connection, as well as a new style with stronger colors and improved readability for the Calendar experience.
A Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, a Microsoft work or school account, a personal Microsoft account (MSA), or a Gmail account, as well as an internet connection are required in order to install the new Outlook app.
It’s crucial to remember that the software is still being developed. Since the new Outlook preview is still limited and you can’t add third-party services other than Gmail (limited availability) at this time, it is not advised to switch versions if you rely on the current version of the email client for work or education and you use multiple email services.