How to Switch Back to the Classic Outlook View on Mac and Windows OS?

Many long-time users of the desktop edition of Microsoft Outlook have grown accustomed to its familiar layout and features, so it’s no surprise that changes, especially major ones, can be frustrating. This is exactly the case with the redesigned Outlook for Mac. But the good news is, you don’t have to stick with the new look if it’s not working for you. You can switch back to the classic Outlook view, and this blog walks you through how to do it lets dive in!

Why Switch Back to the Classic Outlook View?

MS Outlook has been around since the 1990s as part of the Microsoft Office Suite, and over the years, it’s become a go-to tool for managing emails, calendars, and tasks especially in the corporate world. That said, it’s also widely used for personal productivity.

To keep up with the evolving needs of professionals, Microsoft packed Outlook with a range of powerful features. However, this complexity can be overwhelming, particularly for newer users. To simplify things, Microsoft recently rolled out a redesigned Outlook experience that offers a cleaner, more modern interface similar to what users see on Outlook.com.

But the updated look comes with some downsides. Many users immediately notice that the layout has changed, and some familiar features like the ability to create new contact lists are missing or harder to find.

As a result, a growing number of users are looking for ways to return to the classic Outlook view they know and prefer. If you’re among them, don’t worry, we’ve put together step-by-step instructions to help you switch back on both Mac and Windows.

Important Note: In some cases, switching to the classic view may not be possible due to organizational settings, lack of toggle options, or account restrictions imposed by administrators.

How to Switch Back to the Classic Outlook View on Mac OS?

If you value functionality and familiar features over the new design, reverting to the classic version of Outlook for Mac might be the right move for you. Here’s how you can do it quickly:

Method 1: From the Outlook Menu

• Open Microsoft Outlook on your Mac.
• Tap Outlook menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
• Uncheck the option labeled “New Outlook.”
• When prompted, click Revert to confirm your choice.
• Give it a few seconds Outlook will switch back to the classic interface.

Method 2: From the Help Menu

Alternatively, you can also use this approach:

• Launch Microsoft Outlook.
• Click the Help menu at the top.
• Choose Revert to Legacy Outlook from the dropdown list.
• Confirm that you want to switch back.
• Outlook will restart and return to the classic view.

Tip: If the option to revert isn’t available, it could be due to account restrictions or policies set by your organization.

How to Switch Back to the Classic Outlook View on Windows OS?

The Outlook experience on Windows differs from the Mac version, so the steps to revert to the classic view are also a bit different. If you prefer the traditional layout, follow these instructions to bring back the familiar look:

Step 1: Disable the New Outlook Preview

• Launch Microsoft Outlook on your Windows PC.
• Look toward the top-right corner of the window.
• If you see a toggle labeled “Try the new Outlook,” switch it off.
• Outlook will prompt you to restart click to confirm.
• Once restarted, the classic Outlook interface should return.

Step 2: Adjust the View Settings (if needed)

If things still don’t look quite right, customize the layout manually:

• Open Microsoft Outlook.
• Click the View tab in the top menu.
• Select Change View and ensure Compact is selected.
• Next, go to the Layout section (not Change View).
• Click Folder Pane and choose Normal.
• Click the Reading Pane and set it to Right.

These steps should restore the familiar Outlook interface you’re used to.

Important: If you’re using Outlook on a Mac, always backup your Outlook database before making major changes to prevent any data loss.

How to Back Up Your Outlook Database on Mac & Windows?

Backing up your Outlook data is essential before making any major changes or migrations. Whether you’re using Outlook on Mac or Windows, having a secure copy of your emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, journal, notes, and attachments ensures nothing gets lost.

One of the most effective and user-friendly ways to back up your Outlook for Mac or Windows data is by using the BitData Migration OLM Converter for Mac and Win OS Tool. This powerful tool allows you to export your .olm file into over 15 different formats, including: PDF, EML, MSG, PST, DOC vCard, XPS, MBOX, HTML, MHT, RTF, Thunderbird, IMAP, Zimbra, Windows Live Mail, Lotus Notes, Gmail, G Suite, Office 365, Exchange Server, Rediffmail, Amazon WorkMail, and more options.

A free trial version is available, allowing users to check the backup process and test out features before upgrading to the pro version.

How to Back Up Your Mac Outlook Data before Enabling Classic View? – Steps

1. Install the Mac Outlook Converter on your device and open the application.
2. Choose either Select File(s) to import individual OLM files or Select Folder to add a folder containing multiple OLM files for batch processing, then hit Next to proceed.
3. The tool will display all the uploaded OLM data in a structured view. Tick the checkboxes next to the folders or items you want to back up (for selective backup), then click Next.
4. Hit on Select Saving Option and choose your preferred format like Gmail, IMAP, Office 365, PST, MBOX, PDF, EML, and more.
5. Set any additional options based on your chosen format (such as destination path, file naming option, change language, etc.), then click the Convert tab.
6. The tool will display a Live Conversion Report showing real-time progress of the backup process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I switch back to the classic Outlook view anytime on Mac and Windows?

Yes, you can toggle back to the classic view on both Mac and Windows, provided your account or organization’s policies don’t restrict this option.

2. Will switching between new and classic Outlook views affect my emails or data?

No, switching views changes only the interface, not your emails or data. But, it’s always a wonderful idea to backup your databae before making changes.

3. Is it necessary to back up Outlook data before switching views?

While not mandatory, backing up your Outlook database is highly recommended to prevent accidental data loss during interface changes or updates.

4. Which formats can I export my Outlook data to when backing up?

Using the best and professional Mac OLM File Converter, you can export your data into formats such as Gmail, Office 365, IMAP, G Suite, AWS WorkMail, Hosted Exchange Server, PST, PDF, MSG, EML, DOC, HTML, VCF, MHT, etc.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we’ve covered multiple methods to help you enable the classic Outlook view on both Mac and Windows operating systems. Since switching back to the classic interface can sometimes be tricky, we’ve also included a powerful and effective solution to back up your Mac Outlook mailbox data. This ensures your important data stays safe and protected from any accidental loss. If you need any further help, don’t hesitate to reach out to BitData Migration Support.