Processes in Microsoft 365 for setting up Office apps, redeeming product keys, and activating licenses.
Install classic Outlook from Microsoft’s official download page, then activate it by signing in with the account that owns your Microsoft 365 subscription.
Install and activate classic Outlook
- Open Install or reinstall classic Outlook on a Windows PC.
- Under Select a language and download classic Outlook, choose your language and select Download.
- Run the downloaded installer and follow its prompts. Many Windows devices supplied since 2024 include only new Outlook, so classic Outlook may need to be installed separately.^1^
- Open Start, search for Outlook (classic), and launch it.
- When prompted, sign in with the same Microsoft account—or work or school account—used to purchase or subscribe to Microsoft 365. Complete any Activation Wizard prompts.^2^
- Add your email account when Outlook requests it. Installing Outlook does not automatically create its mail profile.
Your subscription must include the Microsoft 365 desktop applications. If activation says that the account cannot activate Outlook, verify that you selected the account that owns the subscription rather than another personal or work account. For an organization-managed subscription, contact the Microsoft 365 administrator if installation is blocked.^1^
If classic Outlook is already installed
In new Outlook, use either of these supported options:
- Turn off the New Outlook toggle and choose to switch back.
- Select Help > Go to classic Outlook.
You can also choose to open classic Outlook without permanently switching; both applications can remain available.^3^
After classic Outlook opens, optionally prevent another automatic switch through:
File > Options > General > New Outlook options
Clear Automatically switch me to new Outlook.
That setting appears only for accounts currently eligible for automatic switching.^3^
References