Microsoft to End Support for Windows Mail, Calendar and People Apps This Year to Prioritise Outlook

Microsoft says most email accounts, including Outlook, Hotmail, work, and school, will be supported by the new Outlook app.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 13 November 2024 13:04 IST

Microsoft to End Support for Windows Mail, Calendar and People Apps This Year to Prioritise Outlook

Photo Credit: Microsoft

Microsoft launched its new Outlook for Windows app globally in August

Highlights

Mail, Calendar, and People apps will no longer be supported next year
Microsoft says it wants users to migrate to new Outlook for Windows app
It also comes with support for third-party email accounts

Microsoft has announced that it will end support for Mail, Calendar, and People apps for Windows by the end of the year. It is migrating users to the new Outlook for Windows app, where they will be able to access their local emails, calendar events, and stored contacts on a single platform — services previously available on three separate apps. The Redmond-based technology giant is also planning to replace the desktop version of Outlook with the web-based version.

Microsoft Ends Support for Apps

In a blog post, Microsoft highlighted that it wants users to use its Outlook app, which comes with a simplified design and expansive list of features. Thus, the tech giant will no longer support apps such as Mail, Calendar, and People from December 31 onwards. It says users who don't move to the new platform “will no longer be able to send and receive email using Windows Mail and Calendar.”

However, local emails, calendar events, and contacts stored in Mail, Calendar, and People will remain exportable. Additionally, users who do not wish to use the new app will have a choice of going back to the Windows Mail and Calendar platforms. The company adds that most email accounts, including Outlook, Hotmail, work, and school, will be supported by the new app. Furthermore, it also includes support for third-party accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo, and iCloud via the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP).

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Notably, Outlook for Windows was available in the preview stage until August, when Microsoft launched it globally for users. It comes pre-installed on Windows devices running Windows 11, version 23H2 or higher. Once signed in, Outlook will launch into the account users have set as their default send account.

The app allows users to see their various accounts and calendars in one view. They can also toggle between accounts to see their emails and contacts. It also bundles artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, such as intelligent spelling and grammar checks, AI writing tools, and Copilot features.

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Further reading: Microsoft, Microsoft Outlook, Outlook App

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More