Outlook 2024 Is Formally Released

On October 1, 2024, Microsoft launched the new Office 2024 package, which includes Outlook 2024 making its debut. With this and other updated Outlook versions coming out simultaneously, now is a good time to clarify the key differences, and to better articulate which Outlook versions I write about in my various communications and video courses.

For example, in my recently released MYN To Do video course, I focus on a version of Outlook called the new Outlook, and I list reasons to consider it. Elsewhere, I write about a version essentially the same as Outlook 2024 called classic Outlook. And finally, I often refer to outlook.com, Outlook online, and more.

So, in case you are in the market for Outlook, let’s explore some of the key versions and determine which one might suit your needs.

Perpetual License Version

The newly released Office 2024 Outlook is Microsoft’s latest perpetual license version. This means you buy the software once and can use it indefinitely without a subscription. This version is often referred to as the consumer version, and it is available as a boxed set from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy. Some large companies also purchase this version in bulk through an LTSC license. You can identify perpetual Office by having a year in its name. The last perpetual version was Office 2021.

Subscription Version

Most users and companies, however, now prefer using the Microsoft 365 subscription program for Office and Outlook. That’s because subscription-based Office apps are continuously updated with new features and security enhancements, unlike the perpetual license products, which do not receive feature updates. Additionally, the subscription license includes access to a range of other Microsoft 365 apps and integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 ecosystem of cloud-based services, including Microsoft’s new Copilot AI tools. So there are a lot of reasons to favor the subscription version.

MYN To Do Video Course Focus

I just recently released my new MYN To Do video course, and in that course, I also favor the subscription version of Outlook, mainly because it integrates so well with To Do. You also should know this, however: the subscription Microsoft 365 Outlook currently includes two versions of Outlook: classic Outlook and the new Outlook.

• Classic Outlook: This is the traditional Desktop Outlook with abundant, mature features and a long, reliable, bug-free history. It includes the older Task module and the traditional To-Do Bar. But it has little integration with To Do.
• New Outlook: This version, currently accessible via a toggle switch in the upper right corner of classic Outlook, offers tight integration with To Do and other cloud apps. However, it is still in development and suffers from bugs and missing features. With time, though, those will be worked out and this will become Microsoft’s flagship version of Outlook.

Which Should You Get?

If you are in the market for Outlook, you have multiple license choices and three stand out.

• Outlook 2024: This is classic Outlook with a perpetual license. So, if you prefer the stability and traditional features of classic Outlook and want to avoid ongoing subscription costs, choose this just-released Office 2024 product, and use the Outlook 2024 inside. No cloud apps or services are included—this is purely an on-computer product with options for the Mac and Windows.
• Microsoft 365 Subscription (New Outlook Toggle On): This is the new Outlook. So, if you want the latest features, and you want integration into a wide range of Microsoft apps including To Do, opt for the Microsoft 365 subscription and activate the new Outlook using the toggle in the upper right corner. Despite its bugs, it offers cutting-edge, work-place productivity tools. Outlook is available either online or as a desktop app download.
• Microsoft 365 Subscription (New Outlook Toggle Off): Alternatively, you can opt for the Microsoft 365 subscription but leave the toggle off and use classic Outlook. As of today, that version is essentially the same as Outlook 2024 and with a ton of Microsoft ecosystem apps thrown in. Outlook is available either online or as a desktop app download.
• Outlook.com: A third possible choice is good for those who are on a tight budget or who simply want to experiment with the new Outlook. That is to opt for the free Outlook.com product. If you don’t mind using an email address with the outlook.com domain name (like johnsmith343@outlook.com), you will get access to a remarkably long list of Microsoft cloud-based apps, including the online versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and much, much more, all at no charge. The Outlook version you reach in outlook.com is purely online, and its feature set matches the new Outlook. So you get full integration with To Do and other cloud apps. Outlook.com really is a remarkable deal if you can live with the outlook.com email address. It’s also a great way to try out the new Outlook cloud products without committing to upgrading your main account.

My Choice

Personally, I prefer the 365 subscription with the new Outlook toggled on. I use that version daily for nearly all my email—mainly due to its strong To Do integration. That allows me to manage tasks directly within Outlook and convert emails into To Do tasks easily. And recently I’ve been toying with Microsoft Copilot and other new cloud tools Microsoft offers, and those are only available in this subscription product. There really are some incredibly useful apps coming online in the Microsoft 365 subscription, and I encourage you to consider exploring them.

I hope this article has clarified the differences between the new Office 2024 release and the various other Outlook versions—and helps you decide which one to choose.