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Microsoft Forces Migration to New Outlook: What It Means for Your Business

Adam Eaton



Starting in early January 2025, Microsoft will begin forcing users of Outlook (Classic) to migrate to the new Outlook for Windows. This change will affect Microsoft 365 for Business Standard and Premium license holders.


The new Outlook, while still in development, is set to replace the classic version that many businesses rely on.


Why the Change?


Microsoft claims that the new Outlook will provide a better email and calendar experience, but many users have expressed concerns about its readiness. The new version lacks some features that businesses depend on, such as comprehensive offline support and certain privacy protections.

 

How to Prevent the Forced Migration


If your business is not ready to switch to the new Outlook, there is a way to prevent the automatic migration. This can be done by modifying the Windows Registry. However, please proceed with caution, as incorrect changes to the registry can cause serious issues.


To stop the migration, you can add the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\outlook\preferences

"NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting" dword:00000000


Warning: Editing the registry can be risky. It is recommended to back up the registry before making any changes. If you are unsure, please contact us for assistance.


IT Desk’s Commitment


At IT Desk, we understand the importance of a smooth transition. We will be rolling out a fix to all our customers to prevent the forced migration to the new Outlook. Our team is here to support you through this change and ensure your business operations remain uninterrupted.


For more information or assistance, please reach out to our support team.

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