Windows 10 Update Forces Unpopular Outlook Change

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For Windows 10 users, the recent update may bring some necessary security enhancements; however, it comes with an integrated new Outlook for Windows application, which replaces the traditional Mail & Calendar app. This change has left many long-time users of the classic app feeling less satisfied and seeking alternative email clients, as they have to either adapt to the new Outlook or switch platforms.

The recently introduced Outlook application has been met with a fair share of controversy, receiving quite a bit of negative feedback. A significant portion of these criticisms revolves around the fact that this new version is a web-based app, which has led to decreased performance compared to the original Mail & Calendar app. Additionally, there have been debates over the design of the revamped Outlook. However, whether the new app is more visually appealing or less so than its predecessor is largely a matter of personal opinion.

It’s been made clear that the updated version of Outlook was going to be installed on Windows 10 computers automatically. The recent announcement is that this compulsory installation process has started. Any user who updates their Windows 10 system to the latest security patch will simultaneously receive the new Outlook.

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This week, the KB5051974 update for Windows 10 was released on Patch Tuesday. As it is a compulsory update, if you are using Windows 11 version 22H2, it will appear automatically on your system. Notably, Bleeping Computer pointed out the launch of this new Outlook and Microsoft’s documentation about the build.

  • [Mail] New! You now have the new Outlook for Windows app. A new app icon appears in the Apps section on the Start menu, near classic Outlook. There are no changes to any settings or defaults. If you are an IT admin, learn how to manage this update at Control the installation and use of new Outlook.
  • [Screen capture] Fixed: The Capture Service and Snipping Tool stop responding. This occurs when you press the Windows logo key+Shift+S several times while the Narrator is on.
  • [Chinese Pinyin input method editor (IME)] Bing will stop giving automatic suggestions in the search box for search engine sites like Baidu. To get manual suggestions, use Ctrl+Tab or the chevron button (>). 
  • [Digital/Analog converter (DAC) (known issue)] Fixed: You might experience issues with USB audio devices. This is more likely when you use a DAC audio driver based on USB 1.0. USB audio devices might stop working, which stops playback.
  • [USB audio device drivers] Fixed: The code 10 error message, “This device cannot start,” appears. This occurs when you connect to certain external audio management devices.
  • [USB cameras] Fixed: Your device does not recognize the camera is on. This issue occurs after you install the January 2025 security update.
  • [Virtual memory] Fixed: An issue depletes virtual memory, which might cause some apps to fail.

What’s happening to Windows 10?

It seems highly improbable that Microsoft’s management and engineers view the latest version of Outlook as a step down. In fact, they have provided instructions for preventing users from migrating to the new Outlook. If you are using Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, the new Outemail application comes pre-installed, so you may need to uninstall it if you don’t wish to use it.

To prevent the latest version of Outlook from being installed on Windows 10, administrators need to manipulate a registry value. Furthermore, administrators are given the flexibility to uninstall the newly installed Outlook if needed.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve noticed that the update forcing the new Outlook onto Windows 10 comes with several bug fixes, which is great! However, you might not see many more updates like this, as Windows 10 is approaching its end of support in October this year. Microsoft has been warning us about this for quite some time now, through alerts and blog posts. Once Windows 10 reaches its end of life, it won’t receive any more security updates. While extended support will be available from Microsoft, it will come at a significant cost.

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