Microsoft has announced that support for its Windows Mail, Calendar, and People applications will officially end on December 31, 2024. After this date, users will not be able to send or receive email or manage calendar events using these programs. However, Microsoft is introducing a new version of Outlook for Windows, which offers a modern and more user-friendly experience for email, calendar, and contact management.

For those currently using Windows Mail, Calendar, and People, Microsoft is slowly transitioning users to the new Outlook for Windows. This new version will be fully integrated into Windows 11, offering a refreshed, simplified design that includes a range of new features to enhance productivity. The updated Outlook can be tailored to individual preferences, making it easier to manage email, schedules and contacts in one place.

What is changing?

Starting January 1, 2025, users will no longer be able to access Windows Mail, Calendar, and People, and any local data stored in those apps, such as emails, contacts, and calendar events, will need to be exported and transferred to the new Outlook. , Microsoft has provided clear instructions on how users can export their data before the deadline, ensuring that important information is not lost. Once the transition is complete, all users will have access to the new Outlook for Windows, which will support email from a variety of services, including Gmail and Yahoo, as well as Outlook accounts.

Why Switch to New Outlook?

The new Outlook for Windows offers several benefits over its predecessors. It has powerful artificial intelligence (AI) tools designed to improve email structure, helping users write more impactful and mistake-free messages. Additionally, the app makes it easy to stay organized with integrated email and calendar management. Users can now access all of their accounts in one unified inbox, regardless of service provider, and stay on top of their appointments with easy-to-use tools for scheduling and event sharing.

Security is also a key feature of the new Outlook. Microsoft promises that users will benefit from its robust security measures, which help protect against phishing attacks and scams. The app also supports Microsoft 365 on the web, allowing users to access Office apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint directly from within Outlook.

For those worried about the change, Microsoft has made it easy to try out the new Outlook for Windows. Users can opt for a preview version of the app through the Mail and Calendar applications, with the option to switch back to the classic version at any time.

Overall, the new Outlook for Windows is designed as a comprehensive solution for managing email, appointments and contacts, streamlining the user experience with advanced features, and better integration across devices.