Outlook Classic End of Life Date, Meaning, and Full Guide
Published: June 9th, 2025 • 5 Min Read
If you are reading this blog post, then you might need to know about the Outlook Classic end of life date, meaning, impact, and many more. If yes, then this digital column will guide you through the complete information about the end date, till when the support is available for Outlook Classic, and when Outlook Classic is removed from the Microsoft 365 apps for enterprise subscription. Let us start by having a quick overview.
When is Outlook Classic Going Away? Quick Explanation
Microsoft has outlined a timeline for the phased for Outlook Classic (EOL). Here is the key milestone included in the timeline.
- Q1 2025: Release of 15-month opt-out notice to inform the Outlook Classic user of the upcoming transition to the New Outlook.
- Q2 2026: Commencement of opt-out, IT admins and other users can now start migration to New Outlook.
- Q4 2026: Release of 15-month cut-out notice redirecting users to transit from Outlook Classic
- Q1-Q2 2028: Official retirement of Outlook Classic with its removal from Microsoft 365 subscriptions and individual downloads.
- Q2 2029: End of Life date for Outlook Classic marking the stoppage of all support including security, bugs, and patches updates.
What is the Outlook Classic Retirement Timeline?
Microsoft has announced a phase-wise Outlook Classic discontinuation. Here is a detailed tabular representation for everything you need to know regarding the end-of-life date.
| Milestone | Timeline | What it Means |
| Microsoft released the 15-month opt-out notice for Outlook Classic | Quarter 1 of 2025 | Microsoft releases a 15-month cut-off notice for users who are using Outlook Classic. |
| Opt-out transition begins | Quarter 2 of 2026 | By this timeline, the admins and users can start transmitting to New Outlook. |
| Outlook Classic Cutover 15 months’ Notice release | Quarter 4 2026 | At this timeline, Microsoft will release a notice to users about the mandatory cut away from Outlook Classic to New Outlook. |
| Outlook Classic Retirement | Quarter 1 or 2 of 2028 | Classic Outlook will be removed from the Microsoft 365 apps packages and from individual purchases. January to June 2028 can be the official retirement date of Outlook Classic. |
| Outlook Classic End of Life | Quarter 2 of 2029 | Microsoft ends all support for security and patch updates for Outlook Classic by April 2029. Hence, the start of Q2 2029 will be the official date for Outlook Classic end of life. |
What does Outlook Classic End of Life Mean?
Outlook Classic End of Life refers to the context that by a particular timeline the Microsoft will stop support, security, patches, and bug updates. Additionally, from that timeline the Outlook Classic will no longer be available to download and purchase from the official Microsoft Website. However, as per Microsoft roadmaps, the Outlook Classic end-of-life date is Q2 2029, possibly by April 2029.
Who is Affected by Outlook Classic End of Life?
- Enterprise and Business Users: The enterprise and business users will be highly affected because of Outlook Classic retirement. IT departments managing Outlook Classic deployments and updates need to be updated about any news related to Outlook Classic. Moreover, the Organizations that rely completely on Outlook Classic need to look for an alternative.
- Small Business & Individual Users: Small businesses using Outlook calendars and events for management will suffer. Additionally, the individuals who rely on Classic Outlook for their daily communication and productivity will also be affected.
- Third-Party Integrations and Add-ins: Software vendors who are providing plugins and third-party add-ins for Outlook Classic need to update them. Otherwise, these add-ins or integrations will no longer be supported in New Outlook after the retirement of Outlook Classic.
What Should You Do Next When Outlook Classic is Going Away?
- Early Transition Planning: If you are someone whose workflow is highly dependent on Classic Outlook. These users need to plan for an early transition to maintain their workflow and integrations.
- Backup Important Data Regularly: Another important thing that users can do is backuping their Classic Outlook data using some PST Converter in accessible format. It will help them to access and transit their data to new Outlook after the Outlook Classic end of support.
- Inform and Train Users: One another that an organization can do is to keep updated and create training sessions to train the users about the New Outlook functionalities and workings. Secondly, keep updated about every new related to Outlook Classic end of life.
Will Outlook Classic Still Be Available Separately?
By April 2026, Microsoft is planning to cut off Outlook Classic and add New Outlook as the default in Microsoft 365 subscription for enterprise packages. However, users can separately download the Outlook Classic from the official Microsoft site. Moreover, in the new packed Windows devices, Outlook Classic is already replaced by the New Outlook.
Final Thoughts
The Outlook Classic End of Life is a significant change for individuals and organizations alike, with Quarter 2 of 2029. Early planning of the Outlook Classic to New Outlook transition can be a proactive measure. Additionally, ensure to regularly back up your Classic Outlook data to avoid any last-minute disaster with your crucial data.
