System Plus News

Microsoft’s redesigned Outlook is here — but not everyone’s convinced it’s an upgrade.

At first glance, the new version of Microsoft Outlook looks clean, modern, and consistent across devices. But spend a few minutes using it, and the cracks start to show — especially for long-time users and business environments where Outlook is a daily essential.

So, is the new Outlook a step forward… or a step back? Here at System Plus, we’ve taken a deep dive into what’s changed, what’s missing, and what this all means for the future of Microsoft’s email platform.

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🔄 What Is the New Outlook?

The new Outlook experience is Microsoft’s attempt to unify the interface across desktop, web, and mobile. It mirrors the look and feel of the Outlook web app (Outlook on the web or Outlook.com), and it’s already rolling out to users on Windows 11 and within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

It’s part of a bigger shift: moving towards a cloud-first approach, where Microsoft’s apps live primarily online, with your data stored in OneDrive or Exchange Online.

But in the rush to streamline everything, many users feel something has been lost.

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❌ Features That Have Been Removed

Here’s where things start to frustrate users — especially those used to the customisation and power of classic Outlook.

Key features no longer available in the new Outlook:

• No exporting or importing of data
  You can’t back up your mailboxes manually or move files between profiles easily anymore.
• Limited offline access
  While some cached data is available, full offline use is no longer reliable or robust.
• Reduced support for multiple accounts
  Not all account types are supported yet (such as some IMAP/POP3 setups or shared mailboxes).
• No toolbar/ribbon customisation
  In the classic version, users could tailor the ribbon to suit their workflow. Not anymore.
• Limited third-party add-ins
  Many productivity tools and CRMs that previously integrated with Outlook no longer work in the new version.
• Weaker advanced search
  Power users relied on complex search filters and folders — many of which are simplified or missing here.
• Removed status bar
  One of Microsoft Outlook was its status bar. The key feature allowed users and admins to see the current state of Outlook. From being offline to sync status and account issues

These aren’t just minor inconveniences — they’re fundamental changes that impact how people use Outlook in serious business settings.

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🐛 Known Issues and User Complaints

Even beyond the removed features, early adopters are reporting genuine usability problems:

• Performance lags and higher CPU usage
  Some users report the app freezes, stutters, or becomes unresponsive — especially with large mailboxes.
• UI glitches and layout bugs
  Vanishing folders, double spacing in emails, misaligned panes… it’s not fully polished yet.
• Password prompt loops
  An old Microsoft annoyance that has returned with a vengeance in the new Outlook.
• Calendar sync issues and mailbox delays
  Shared calendars don’t always display correctly, and mail synchronisation is slower in some cases.
• Missing accessibility options
  Screen reader support and keyboard navigation aren’t yet at the standard of the old desktop version.

All of this adds up to a rough experience for users who were expecting a refined upgrade.

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☁️ A Glimpse at Microsoft’s Cloud-First Future

What’s happening here isn’t just about email — it’s about how Microsoft sees the future of Office.

With this Outlook redesign, Microsoft is clearly signalling a move away from installed, offline-capable software and towards an always-online, cloud-based workspace. This fits their wider push for:

• Microsoft 365 subscriptions
• Windows 365 (Cloud PCs)
• SharePoint and OneDrive-powered document sharing
• Cloud-based data storage and collaboration

The question is — are users and businesses ready for that future?

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🧭 Should You Switch to the New Outlook?

At the time of writing, most users still have a toggle to switch back to Classic Outlook. If your business relies on the features mentioned above, we recommend holding off for now.

Microsoft is likely to add back some features over time, but for now:

• The new Outlook feels like a web app in a desktop wrapper
• It’s not ready for power users, admins, or teams with complex email setups
• Offline-first businesses or those with compliance needs may struggle

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💬 Final Thoughts from System Plus

This isn’t about resisting change — it’s about making sure the tools you rely on actually help you get work done.

At System Plus, we support businesses across East Yorkshire in navigating changes like this. Whether it’s planning a gradual rollout, training your team on the new interface, or making sure your Microsoft 365 environment is optimised, we’re here to help.

📩 Still on the old Outlook and wondering what to do next? Drop us a message. No pushy sales, just real advice from a local team who’ve tested this stuff inside and out.

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