How to Revert to the Classic Outlook Experience- A Step-by-Step Guide to Switching Back

How to Switch Back to Old Outlook

In today’s fast-paced digital world, Microsoft Outlook has evolved significantly over the years, introducing new features and functionalities. However, some users may find the latest version of Outlook to be overwhelming or less efficient than the older versions they are accustomed to. If you’re one of those users who wish to switch back to the old Outlook, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it.

1. Backup Your Data

Before making any changes to your Outlook profile, it’s crucial to backup your data. This ensures that you don’t lose any important emails, contacts, or calendar events during the transition. To backup your data, follow these steps:

a. Open the older version of Outlook you wish to switch back to.
b. Go to the “File” menu and select “Open & Export.”
c. Click on “Import/Export” and choose “Export to a file.”
d. Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
e. Choose the folders you want to backup and click “Next.”
f. Specify the location to save the .pst file and click “Finish.”

2. Uninstall the Latest Version of Outlook

To switch back to the old Outlook, you need to uninstall the latest version of Outlook from your computer. Here’s how to do it:

a. Go to the “Control Panel” on your Windows computer.
b. Click on “Programs” and then “Programs and Features.”
c. Scroll through the list of installed programs and find Microsoft Outlook.
d. Select it and click “Uninstall.”
e. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

3. Install the Older Version of Outlook

Now that the latest version of Outlook is uninstalled, it’s time to install the older version. Here’s how to do it:

a. Download the installer for the older version of Outlook from a trusted source.
b. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
c. Once the installation is complete, launch the older version of Outlook.

4. Restore Your Data

With the older version of Outlook installed, it’s time to restore your data from the .pst file you created earlier. Follow these steps:

a. Open the older version of Outlook.
b. Go to the “File” menu and select “Open & Export.”
c. Click on “Import/Export” and choose “Import from another program or file.”
d. Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
e. Browse for the .pst file you created earlier and click “Next.”
f. Choose the folders you want to import and click “Next.”
g. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the import process.

5. Customize Your Settings

After restoring your data, you may want to customize the settings of the older version of Outlook to suit your preferences. This includes changing the theme, modifying the interface, and adjusting the email, contacts, and calendar settings.

By following these steps, you can successfully switch back to the old Outlook version and continue using it as you were before. Remember to backup your data regularly to prevent any potential loss in the future.