Old-School Outlook: Wheres the Classic Version?

I'm having trouble with the latest Outlook version and urgently need to revert back to the previous one.

Hey there

I totally get it. Sometimes newer isn’t always better, especially when you’re used to a certain way of doing things.

Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t officially support downgrading Outlook versions, but there are a few possible workarounds you can try:

Option 1: Use a Virtual Machine

You can install an older version of Windows on a virtual machine like VirtualBox, and then install the classic Outlook version you’re comfortable with. This way, you can still use the newer Outlook for your main work, but have the old one running in a separate environment.

Option 2: Use the Office Deployment Tool

If you have a license for the older Outlook version, you can use the Office Deployment Tool to install it alongside the latest Outlook. Here’s how:

  1. Download the Office Deployment Tool from Microsoft’s official site.
  2. Create a configuration file that specifies the older Outlook version you want to install. You can find examples of config files online.
  3. Run the tool with the config file to install the older Outlook version.

Option 3: Look for Alternative Clients

If you’re not tied to the Outlook ecosystem, you can explore alternative email clients that might offer a similar experience to the classic Outlook. Some popular options include Mozilla Thunderbird, eM Client, and Claws Mail.

Keep in mind that these alternatives might not have all the features you’re used to in Outlook, so it’s essential to check their feature sets before making the switch.

Important Note: Before attempting any of these workarounds, make sure you have a valid license for the older Outlook version and that it’s compatible with your current operating system.

Hope this helps you get back to your comfort zone