Am I Using the New Outlook for Windows?
In recent years, Microsoft has been making significant updates to its email client, Outlook. The latest version, Outlook 2019, has introduced a whole new look and feel, aimed at providing a more modern and efficient user experience. So, you might be wondering, "Am I using the new Outlook for Windows?" In this article, we’ll help you determine if you’re using the latest version of Outlook and its key features.
What’s the difference between the old and new Outlook?
Before we dive into the new features, let’s take a step back and highlight the differences between the old and new outlook. The old Outlook (2013 and earlier) was known for its cluttered interface, poorly organized toolbars, and limited features. The new Outlook (2016 and later) has major updates and improvements, such as:
- Simplified Navigation: A new navigation pane allows for easy access to emails, contacts, and calendar.
- Modern Design: A clean, minimalist aesthetic with bold fonts, bright colors, and a refreshed layout.
- Enhanced Search: Improved search functionality,including the ability to search within emails and filter by file types.
- Integrations: Tighter integration with other Microsoft applications, such as Microsoft Teams and OneDrive.
Check if you’re using the new Outlook
To determine if you’re using the new Outlook, follow these simple steps:
- Check your Outlook version: Go to File > Office Account in the top navigation bar. If your version is 2016 or later, you’re using the new Outlook.
What are the new features in the new Outlook?
Now that you know if you’re using the new Outlook, let’s explore its key features:
Attach Files Directly to Emails
In the new Outlook, you can attach files directly to emails. This eliminates the need to send attachments as links or via OneDrive. Simply drag and drop files into the compose window.
Turn writes into Books
Typing Assistance is a new feature that helps you write more efficiently. As you type, Outlook will suggest phrases and sentences, making it easier to compose complex emails.
Focus on the Focused Inbox
The Focused Inbox separates important emails from non-essential ones, putting your priority emails at the top of the inbox.
*Snooze and Defer Email**
The Snooze and Defer features allow you to temporarily silence or schedule emails, ensuring they don’t interrupt your workflow.
*Integrations with Other Microsoft Apps
The new Outlook tightly integrates with other Microsoft apps, such as Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Sway. This enables seamless sharing and collaboration across platforms.
In conclusion
To recap, the new Outlook for Windows introduces a sleeker design, simplified navigation, and advanced features like Attach Files Directly to Emails, Typing Assistance, Focused Inbox, Snooze and Defer, and Integrations with Other Microsoft Apps. To check if you’re using the new Outlook, simply head to File > Office Account and check your version. If it’s 2016 or later, you’re already enjoying the latest and greatest version of Outlook.
Additional Resources
- Microsoft Support: Update to the new Outlook for Windows
- Microsoft 365: What’s new in Outlook for Windows
Acknowledgments
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation. The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge and should not be considered official guidance.