Free Download and Install Outlook for Windows 11 (3 Ways)
With 3 effective methodsyou can download and install New or Classic Outlook on Windows 11along with step by step instructions. Data security is also worth considering.
Microsoft now offers both new Outlook for Windows and Classic Outlook for Windows. While they share the same namethey are fundamentally different products designed for different user needs. It’s essential to learn them before installing Outlook for Windows 11 and select the one that best suits you. Scroll down to learn more!
Outlook for Windows Overview and Key Differences
Compared with the classic Outlook for Windowsthe new version adopts a moremoderncloud-first philosophy. It’sideal for most Windows 11 userswithout sacrificing core productivity. Key features include:
- Modern User Interface: Minimalist design that matches Windows 11’s aesthetics.
- Cloud-First Architecture: Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and OneDrive for automatic syncing.
- Cross-Device Synchronization: Access your emailscalendarand tasks on desktoplaptopand mobile devices.
- Simplified Setup: Faster installation and lighter system resource usage compared to the classic version.
Here’s a clear comparison between Classic Outlook (traditional desktop app) and New Outlook for Windows:
|
Classic Outlook vs New Outlook - Key Differences |
||
|
Feature |
New Outlook for Windows |
Classic Outlook for Windows |
|
Interface |
Modernweb- UI |
Traditional desktop UI |
|
Architecture |
Cloud-firstweb-based |
Full desktop (Win32) app |
|
Offline Mode |
Limited(already synced) |
✅ |
|
COM & web add-ins |
Web add-ins only |
✅ |
|
PST File |
❌ |
✅ |
|
AutomationRules |
Limited |
Extensive |
|
Resource Usage |
Lightweight |
Heavier but more powerful |
Which version is best for Windows 11 ?
- 👉 New Outlook for Windows: Best for casual userslight productivityand cloud-based workflows. Fastmodernand fully integrated with Microsoft 365.
- 👉 Classic Outlook for Windows: Best for enterpriseheavy email workloadsoffline accessand advanced customization. Recommended for users requiring more control.
How to Install Outlook on Windows 11
You can install Outlook on Windows 11 in multiple methods depending on whether you want the modern New Outlookor the feature-rich Classic Outlook. Below are detailedstep-by-step instructions for each method.
Method 1: Turn On Try the New Outlook to Switch
If your Windows 11 system already has Outlook installedusually the Classic Outlook from Microsoft 365you can toggle on Try the New Outlook to switch without uninstalling anything and enjoy fastmoderncloud-first experience.
Step 1. Search for Outlook in the Start menu and open it. You should see a toggle labeled “Try the New Outlook” at the top-right corner of the Outlook window.
Step 2. Click the toggle to turn it on and download New Outlook.
Step 3. On the success windowclick Switch. It will automatically sign you in new Outlook.
Step 4. Be sure to accept the privacy settings and click Continue.
Step 5. Click Import Settings to sync your settings from Classic Outlook.
Method 2: Install New Outlook from Microsoft Store
On Windows 11all users can install New Outlook directly from Microsoft Storeeven without a Microsoft 365 subscription. Updates for the app are automatically handledensuring you always have the latest features. This is a quick and convenient for personal users or casual setups.
Step 1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 11.
Step 2. Search Outlook for Windows and click Get. The app will download and install automatically.
Step 3. After installingclick Open to access Outlook and sign in with your Microsoft account. The app will automatically sync your emailscalendarand contacts.
Method 3: Install Classic Outlook using Office 365
This method installs Classic Outlook for Windowswhich is included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It provides the full desktop Outlook experience with offline supportPST file managementand advanced add-ins.
Step 1. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 account.
Step 2. On the home pageclick Install Office > Office 365 apps. The system will automatically download the full Office suiteincluding the Classic Outlook.
Step 3. Open Outlook and sign in with your Microsoft account.
If you are currently using Windows 10try to upgrade to Windows 11 and the new Outlook for Windows will be pre-installed on your devices.
How to Add Email Account onOutlook for Windows
Usuallywhen you sign in to the new Outlook for Windows using a Microsoft account associated with an active email mailboxyour emails will also be synced. But still some cases require a manual intervention.
- The account type is GmailIMAPPOPor another provider.
- Sign in Microsoft account for activation onlyinbox is empty.
- You want to add additional mailboxes.
- You install the classic Outlook from Microsoft 365. You may be asked to “Add your first account”. Or you find the Outlook inbox is emptyor no emails after installation.
👉 Add Email Accounts on New Outlook:
Step 1. Open new Outlook for Windows. Click Settings on the upper-right sidethen Add Account.
Step 3. Enter your email address and click Continue. Wait until you see a Success windowsaying your emails are now synced.
👉 Add Email Accounts on Classic Outlook:
Step 1. On the Classic Outlook appclick File > Add Account.
Step 2. Enter your email address and click Connect.
Step 3. Enter your password when prompted. Click OK > Finish.
👉 Practical Strategies for Boosting Outlook’s Productivity:
- Set up rules to automatically moveflagor categorize incoming emails based on sendersubjector keywords. This reduces clutter and saves time.
- Enable focused Inbox to separate important emails from newsletters and notifications. Use Outlook’s powerful search filters to quickly locate messagesattachmentsand conversations.
- Schedule meetings directly from emailsconvert messages into tasksand set reminders to maintain a smooth daily workflow.
How to Protect Outlook Data on Windows 11
After setting up Outlookdata security becomes the top priority and key concern. Microsoft has recognized this and allows users to save attachments and documents in OneDrive. The New Outlook for Windows even makes it automatic. Regularly back up your PST filesif you are using Classic Outlook.
Save Attachments to OneDrive from Outlook
Both New Outlook and Classic Outlookallows you to save attachments to OneDrive from Outlook to protect your data safely. The new version even enables auto-saving.
👉 For New and Classic Outlook:
Step 1. In Outlookopen the email containing the attachment. Right-click it and select Save to OneDrive.
Step 2. Choose a folder in your OneDrive and click Save.
👉 For New Outlook only:
Step 1. Open New Outlook on your Windows 11. Click the Settings icon (⚙️) in the upper-right corner.
Step 2. Select Mail >Attachments.
Step 3. Find Save attachments to OneDrive and turn it On. You can also enable Open cloud attachments in Outlook instead of downloading them.
Create a Full Outlook Backup for Extra Security
Instead of saving Outlook attachments to OneDrivecreate a complete Outlook backup to protect more Outlook dataincluding emailsattachmentscalendarscontactsPST filesetc. AOMEI Backupper Professional is a powerful backup software for Windows 11 that integrates with Outlook Backup to backup any Outlook data and offers a full suite of backup features.
Step 1. Open your Microsoft Outlook andlog in with the accountyou want to backup. Open AOMEI Backupper after installingclick Backup > Outlook Backup.
Step 2. Click Add Outlook data. Select theaccount containing Outlook data and click OK.
Step 3. Click the PC icon > Local Drive/Network Share/NAS to add a new destination. Or select the current location (if it exists).
Step 3. Enable DailyWeeklyMonthly (By date)Event triggers, etc.to schedule backup, and click Start Backup to backup Outlook data automatically. Optionallyclick Options or Backup Scheme to review or change what you want.
📍📍📍Notes:
✅Options: Include compressionsplittingbackup only used sectors of the file systemVSSetc.to minimize the image file size automatically and avoid any interruption.
✅Backup Scheme: Incremental backup is enabled by default. You can also change it to differential backup and enable automatic backup cleanup to delete old backups automatically.
Conclusion
Microsoft offers users both New and Classic Outlook for Windows 11you can choose to install Outlook on Windows 11depending on how you workwhat features you rely onand how much control you need over your data and workflow.
In additionit’s necessary to boost your productivity and data safety. Microsoft Outlook allows you to save attachments to OneDrivewhile AOMEI Backupper can backup more Outlook dataincluding emailsattachmentscontactsetcwith a full suite of backup features.