Microsoft has taken a significant step towards pushing its new Outlook version to all users by including it in the February 2025 patch for Windows 10. This move is part of the company’s plan to ensure that all users transition to the new version of Outlook, making it impossible for them to ignore. Initially, it seemed like there was no way to prevent the installation of the new Outlook, but a guide has been discovered that allows users to avoid the compulsory installation.
To prevent the automatic installation of Outlook, users need to edit the Windows Registry. This involves opening the Windows registration editor, navigating to a specific location, creating a new Reg_SZ entry, and adding a new value. The steps are as follows:
1. Open the Windows registration editor via start/search.
2. Navigate to the location HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windowsupdate \ Orchestrator \ Uscheduler_OooBe.
3. Create a new Reg_SZ entry at the new location and call it Blockedoobeupdaters.
4. Create a new value within Blockedoobeupdaters, named Ms_outlook.
5. Close the editor.
6. Windows will no longer install the new Outlook.
However, it’s essential to note that making changes to the Windows registry can be risky, and users should only attempt this if they are familiar with the process. Additionally, this step needs to be repeated for every new Windows update, as Outlook will be included in future patches. For example, the March 2025 patch will likely include Outlook again, and users will need to repeat the process to prevent its installation.
If the new Outlook has already been installed, users can uninstall it by making changes in the Windows PowerShell. The steps are:
1. Open Windows PowerShell as an administrator via search or start.
2. Enter the command Remove -appxprovisionedpackage -Allusers -online -Packagen name (get -appxpackage microsoft.outlookForwindows) .packagefullname and press the input key to remove the application.
This method not only removes the new Outlook but also ensures that it will not be reinstalled in the future, unless the user explicitly chooses to do so or accidentally clicks on the Mail and Calendar applications that Microsoft no longer supports. To prevent this, Microsoft recommends uninstalling the Mail and Calendar via PowerShell using a specific command.
Ultimately, whether or not to install the new Outlook is up to individual users. The new Outlook is a new version of the mail program that doesn’t take up much space and doesn’t bother users. However, having both the old and new Outlooks on the same PC may seem unnecessary to some users. Microsoft’s decision to force the installation of the new Outlook may be seen as questionable, but it’s not surprising given the company’s history of pushing updates and new software. Users can choose to deal with this information as they see fit, and those interested in learning more about the new Outlook can explore available guides and resources.