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As of today, Microsofts new Outlook for Windows app isgenerally availableto the masses.
Its now just Outlook, the definitive article.
Windows Mail has automatically been replaced with Outlook on at least two of my PCs already.
Confusingly, this doesnt mean the new Outlook is replacing the old Outlook just yet.
So what does general availability even mean for Outlook… the new one, that is?
It appears general availability for Outlook means its ready to replace the built-in Windows Mail & Calendar apps.
Windows Mail has automatically been replaced with Outlook on at least two of my PCs already.
Starting withWindows 11 version 24H2, the older Mail & Calendar apps are no longer installed by default.
To begin, the app is still slow, much slower than Mail & Calendar.
Those apps open instantly and show me new email notifications as soon as they arrive in my inbox.
Support for offline viewing is still “rolling out."
For a default OS emailing experience, the design and UX are abysmal.
Outlook stands out like a sore thumb and doesnt even look like a Windows app.
Thats probably because its not a Windows app, its a web app.
The window controls aren’t even aligned with the rest of the buttons on the top row. Like, come on!
Those apps are easier to use, smoother to navigate, and faster too.
And if you’re using Windows with touch, you’re in even bigger trouble.
The new Outlook does nothing to ensure a good experience when using a touchscreen or pen.
Apple Mail on iPadOS destroys the new Outlook when it comes to navigating the app with a finger.
Even Mail & Calendar had this basic functionality.
I guess thats too much to ask.
Microsoft doesn’t intend to kill classic Outlook for at least five years.
So, what can Microsoft do to improve Outlook for Windows?
Second, it needs to support basic touch functionality at the very least.
It’s just shocking.
Third, it needs to be faster and lighter.
If it’s not as fast as the old Mail & Calendar apps, I don’t want it.
Those are so lightweight and easy to use, the only problem they have is Microsoft abandoned them.
In short, I think Microsoft needs to go back to the drawing board.
The default Windows mail client should be a native Windows app, not a web app.
