Microsoft has begun automatically installing its new Outlook email client alongside the classic version for Windows 10 users who install the KB5050081 non-security preview update. This mandatory installation, announced on January 9, will extend to all Windows 10 users receiving February’s security updates.

The new implementation maintains existing user settings and defaults, with the new Outlook appearing as a separate icon in the Start menu’s Apps section. Microsoft states this transition will help users prepare for Windows 11, as Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025.

For Microsoft 365 users, new desktop client installations will include both Outlook versions by default. Administrators can manage this deployment through configuration settings, with the option to exclude the new Outlook if desired.

Removal and Blocking Options:
– Users can remove the new Outlook using PowerShell command:
Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName

– Administrators can block installation by adding a registry setting:
Location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe
Setting: BlockedOobeUpdaters (REG_SZ)
Value: [“MS_Outlook”]

Additional configuration options for managing user access and personal account connections are available through Microsoft’s support documentation.