How to temporarily or permanently uninstall the new Outlook in Windows 11

Do you use the paid version of Outlook and do not want the new Outlook app on your Windows 11 computer? You are not alone. Plenty of people are getting confused trying to find the correct version of Outlook. In this article, I am going to show you how to temporarily or permanently uninstall the new Outlook in Windows 11.

If you are a Windows 11 user who appreciates the full functionality of the paid version of Outlook, you might have encountered the new free version that Microsoft recently released. While this new version offers some appealing features, it may not meet everyone's needs, especially if you're accustomed to the more robust capabilities of the paid version. Fortunately, you can temporarily or permanently uninstall this new version. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring you can manage your Outlook experience as you see fit.

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand the differences between the paid and free versions of Outlook. The paid version offers a plethora of features not found in the free version, such as enhanced calendaring, advanced email organization tools, and better integration with other Microsoft Office applications. Recognizing this, if the new free version is impacting your productivity or causing confusion, uninstalling it might be the best course of action.

Temporarily uninstall the new Outlook

Microsoft started including the new Outlook app, also known as Outlook for Windows, in Windows 11 23H2, and there is currently no way to block its installation. You can uninstall it, but there is no guarantee it won't get reinstalled in a future update. If you're unsure about permanently removing the new Outlook, consider temporarily uninstalling it. This allows you to re-evaluate whether you want it back without a significant commitment. Here's how to do it:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Apps.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Installed apps.
5. In the right-hand column, scroll down until you find Outlook (new).
6. Left-click on the three (3) horizontal dots (...) on the right, and select Uninstall.
7. A pop-up window will ask for confirmation. Select Uninstall to proceed.

This process removes the new Outlook version, allowing you to use your paid version without any interference. You can always reinstall the new version later if you change your mind. It is available for download from the Microsoft Store.

Permanently uninstall the new Outlook

The new Outlook is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app. The only way to permanently remove it and prevent reinstallation is to uninstall the app package in Windows 11. You will need to use an Administrative PowerShell to do it. You can run PowerShell inside of Windows Terminal (PowerShell is the default command-line tool) or by itself.

To start an Administrative PowerShell via Windows Terminal:

1. Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Left-click on Terminal (Admin). If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

To start an Administrative PowerShell:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
4. Right-click on Windows PowerShell.
5. On the context menu that appears, left-click on Run as administrator. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Once you have an Admin PowerShell window open, type or copy and paste the following into the command line, then press Enter.

Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName

After you uninstall the new Outlook, you might want to consider pinning the paid Outlook version to your taskbar for easy access. Managing your software and ensuring that you are using the tools that best suit your needs is crucial, especially when it comes to productivity applications like Outlook. Whether you choose to temporarily or permanently uninstall the new Outlook in Windows 11, the steps provided above will guide you through the process seamlessly.