Is Microsoft Outlook Being Discontinued?

If you've heard chatter about Microsoft making changes to its email apps, you might be wondering: Is Microsoft Outlook being discontinued? It’s a fair question, but the answer is clear: No, Outlook is not being discontinued. Instead, it's being enhanced and unified across platforms. In this article, we’ll break down what’s changing, what’s staying, and how you can adapt your workflow accordingly.

1. Understanding Microsoft’s Outlook Updates

In recent years, Microsoft has begun consolidating its email solutions. The Windows Mail and Calendar apps are being phased out and replaced with the new Outlook for Windows: a modern, web-powered app that mirrors the Outlook experience across web and desktop.

This move has sparked confusion, leading some to assume that Outlook itself is on the way out. But rest assured, Microsoft Outlook is not being discontinued.

2. What’s Actually Happening

Here’s what’s changing:

• The new Outlook for Windows is rolling out to replace Mail and Calendar.

• Microsoft is focusing on a unified Outlook experience across web, desktop, and mobile.

• Older standalone desktop versions (like Outlook 2013) may eventually lose support, but this is standard practice and not part of a shutdown.

3. Why the Confusion?

Many users see the message that Mail and Calendar are being replaced and think Outlook is next. However, Microsoft is simply encouraging users to switch to a more capable version of Outlook that’s better integrated with Microsoft 365.

In other words, Outlook is being modernized, not eliminated.

4. Enhancing Your Workflow

While Outlook remains your go-to for email, if you need to create forms, quizzes, or collect structured input, Outlook doesn't offer a native tool like Google Forms.

That’s where Formswrite.com comes in. It lets you turn a Google Doc into a fully functional form: great for collecting feedback, conducting internal surveys, or onboarding new hires. Even if you use Outlook to communicate, you can share your Formswrite links just as easily.

Final Thoughts

Outlook is not being discontinued. Microsoft is investing in it. If you're using Outlook for professional communication, you're in a solid place. But consider pairing it with modern tools like Formswrite to extend your document and collaboration capabilities beyond email.

FAQ

Q: Is Microsoft Outlook being shut down? A: No. Outlook is being unified across devices and updated to provide a better user experience.

Q: What’s replacing Outlook? A: Nothing is replacing Outlook. It’s being refreshed. Microsoft is retiring separate Mail and Calendar apps and directing users to the new Outlook for Windows.

Q: Do I need to switch to a new app? A: If you’re using the Mail app on Windows, yes. If you’re already using Outlook, updates will come automatically with Microsoft 365.

Q: Can I still use Outlook with tools like Formswrite? A: Yes! You can create forms using Formswrite.com and share them with anyone via Outlook.