Key insights

• New Outlook Deployment: Microsoft is rolling out a new Outlook application for Windows, starting January 2025, targeting users with Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium licenses.


• Hiding the Toggle: To prevent premature switching to the new Outlook, use Intune's Settings Catalog. Navigate to Devices > Windows > Configuration Profiles, create a profile, and enable the policy to hide the "Try the New Outlook" toggle.


• Blocking Installation: For Windows 11 version 23H2 and later, remove the preinstalled new Outlook app using PowerShell commands. This includes removing specific registry values to ensure it doesn't reinstall during updates.


• Controlling Migration: Prevent automatic migration to the new Outlook by setting a registry key under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\outlook\preferences with "NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting"=dword:00000000.


• Deploying New Outlook: If adopting the new Outlook is preferred, deploy it via Intune by integrating with Microsoft Store apps. Configure app information in Intune and assign it to user groups for controlled deployment.

Managing the Transition to Microsoft's New Outlook: An Intune Guide

As Microsoft rolls out its new Outlook application for Windows in January 2025, businesses are faced with the challenge of adapting to this change. While some users may welcome the new features, others might prefer the familiarity of the classic Outlook interface. Jonathan Edwards, in his recent YouTube video, provides a comprehensive guide on how to use Microsoft Intune to manage this transition effectively. This article explores the strategies discussed in the video, offering insights into how organizations can balance the new changes with their existing workflows.

Understanding the Problem with the New Outlook

The introduction of the new Outlook application is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and productivity. However, this automatic deployment to users with Microsoft 365 Business Standard and Premium licenses has raised concerns among organizations. The primary issue lies in the sudden shift from the classic Outlook interface, which many businesses rely on for their daily operations. Consequently, there is a need for solutions that allow businesses to control or delay this transition, ensuring minimal disruption to their workflows.

Jonathan Edwards highlights the importance of having a plan in place to manage this change. Using Microsoft Intune, businesses can implement several strategies to maintain control over the deployment of the new Outlook, allowing them to align the transition with their organizational needs and user readiness.

Hiding the "Try the New Outlook" Toggle

One of the first steps organizations can take is to hide the "Try the New Outlook" toggle in the classic Outlook interface. This prevents users from switching to the new version prematurely, giving businesses more time to prepare for the transition. To achieve this, Jonathan Edwards suggests using the Intune Settings Catalog:

• Navigate to Devices > Windows > Configuration Profiles in the Intune portal.
• Create a new profile with the platform set to Windows 10 and later and the profile type as Settings Catalog.
• In the settings picker, search for "New Outlook" and select Hide the 'Try the new Outlook' toggle in Outlook (User).
• Set this policy to Enabled, assign it to the appropriate user groups, and deploy.

This configuration ensures that users do not see the option to switch to the new Outlook, allowing organizations to manage the transition timeline effectively.

Blocking the Installation of the New Outlook

For organizations using Windows 11 version 23H2 and later, the new Outlook app comes preinstalled. This presents a challenge for those who wish to retain the classic version. Jonathan Edwards outlines a method to remove the new Outlook app using PowerShell:

• Execute the following command to remove the app package:
• Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName
• Additionally, remove the Windows orchestrator registry value:
• Remove-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe" -Name "OutlookUpdate"

This approach ensures that the new Outlook app is uninstalled and prevents it from being reinstalled during future updates, giving businesses control over their software environment.

Controlling Automatic Migration to the New Outlook

To manage or prevent automatic migration to the new Outlook, Jonathan Edwards recommends using registry keys. By setting specific registry keys, organizations can disable automatic migration, ensuring that users are not forced into the new interface:

• Set the following registry key:
• [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\outlook\preferences] "NewOutlookMigrationUserSetting"=dword:00000000

This setting ensures that users are not automatically migrated to the new Outlook and cannot change this setting themselves, providing organizations with the flexibility to manage the transition according to their own timeline.

Deploying the New Outlook via Intune

If an organization decides to adopt the new Outlook, Jonathan Edwards explains how it can be deployed using Intune. This controlled deployment ensures that the transition is smooth and aligns with the organization's deployment strategies:

• In the Intune portal, navigate to Apps > Windows > Add.
• Select Microsoft Store app (new) and search for Outlook for Windows.
• Configure the app information and assign it to the desired user groups.

This method allows businesses to introduce the new Outlook in a structured manner, ensuring that users are prepared and trained for the new interface.

Balancing Change and Stability

The transition to the new Outlook presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. On one hand, the new features and improvements can enhance productivity and user experience. On the other hand, the sudden change can disrupt established workflows and cause confusion among users. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to find a balance between embracing new technology and maintaining stability in their operations.

By utilizing the strategies outlined by Jonathan Edwards, businesses can effectively manage the transition to the new Outlook. Whether they choose to delay the change or adopt it immediately, the key is to ensure that the transition aligns with their organizational goals and user readiness. This approach not only minimizes disruption but also maximizes the benefits of the new Outlook, ultimately leading to a more productive and efficient work environment.

In conclusion, the introduction of Microsoft's new Outlook application is a significant change that requires careful planning and management. By leveraging the capabilities of Microsoft Intune, organizations can navigate this transition smoothly, ensuring that they remain in control of their software environment and continue to meet the needs of their users.

Keywords

Intune fix Outlook change Microsoft strange update stop quick solution troubleshoot guide