Prevent Automatic Installation of New Outlook App on Windows 10

Preventing Automatic Installation of the New Outlook App on Windows 10

Microsoft has recently begun rolling out the new Outlook app as part of the KB5051974 update, also referred to as the February 2025 update. If you want to avoid the automatic installation of this new email client on your Windows 10 device, you have several options. While the process involves modifying the Windows Registry, it’s attainable even for users with minimal technical knowledge. If the new Outlook app is already on your computer, we’ll guide you on how to uninstall it as well.

Many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the new Outlook app due to its feature limitations, bugs, and redesigned interface. Despite these concerns, it’s noteworthy that this app may become essential, especially considering the discontinuation of the Mail and Calendar app on Windows 10 and 11, which are now technically unsupported. The classic version of Outlook, while still usable, is also slated for retirement by 2029.

Steps to Block Automatic Installation of the New Outlook App

To prevent Windows 10 from automatically installing the new Outlook app, follow these detailed instructions:

Launch the Start menu.
Type regedit in the search bar, and select the Registry Editor from the results.
Navigate to the following Registry path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\Orchestrator\UScheduler_Oobe
Locate the UScheduler_Oobe folder, right-click it, go to the New submenu, and select String Value.
Name the new string BlockedOobeUpdaters and hit Enter.
Right-click on the newly created key and select the Modify option.
Set the value to [“MS_Outlook” ].
Click OK to save changes.
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

By completing these steps, your system will refrain from automatically installing the new Outlook app.

Uninstalling the New Outlook App

If you’ve already installed the new Outlook app, you can remove it through the following method:

Open Settings.
Select Apps.
Go to Apps & features.
Find and select “Outlook (new)” from the list.
Click the Uninstall button.
Confirm by clicking Uninstall again.

If the uninstall option doesn’t appear, you can try removing it with PowerShell:

Open Start.
Search for PowerShell, then right-click the result and choose Run as administrator.
Input the following command and hit Enter:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft. OutlookForWindows | Remove-AppxPackage

Following these instructions will completely remove the new Outlook app from your system. If you later decide you want it back, you can reinstall the new Outlook app via the Microsoft Store.

Remember, uninstalling this new version allows you to revert to the classic version of Outlook, but the unsupported Mail and Calendar apps will no longer be available.

Additional Insights

1. Can I revert to the new Outlook app after uninstalling it?

Yes, if you change your mind, you can easily reinstall the new Outlook app from the Microsoft Store whenever you want.

2. Will changing the Registry affect other applications on my computer?

Altering the Registry can potentially impact system behavior; hence, it is crucial to follow the steps accurately and back up your system beforehand.

3. Are there alternatives to the new Outlook app?

While the classic Outlook app is an option, keep in mind that the Mail and Calendar apps are no longer supported. You may also explore other email clients available in the market compatible with Windows 10.

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