
Microsoft has announced a significant change in its email client deployment strategy. Starting February 2024, the company will automatically install the new Outlook email client on Windows 10 systems through its security updates.
Timeline and Implementation:
– Optional installation: January 28, 2024 update
– Mandatory installation: February 11, 2024 security update
– Applies to: Microsoft 365 apps users
Key Points:
– The new Outlook will coexist with the classic version
– No changes to existing configurations or user defaults
– Cannot prevent initial installation
– Users can remove the application post-installation
Removal Process:
Users can uninstall the new Outlook using PowerShell command:
Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName
Additional Prevention:
Add registry value:
Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe\OutlookUpdate
Type: REG_SZ
Name: BlockedOobeUpdaters
Value: [“MS_Outlook”]
Background:
– Preview version launched: May 2022
– Personal account availability: September 2023
– Commercial release: August 2024
This update represents Microsoft’s continued effort to modernize its email client platform while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.