Free Download and Install Outlook for Windows 11 (3 Ways)

Microsoft now offers both new Outlook for Windows and Classic Outlook for Windows. While they share the same name, they are fundamentally different products designed for different user needs. It’s essential to learn them before installing Outlook for Windows 11 and select the one that best suits you. Scroll down to learn more!

Outlook for Windows Overview and Key Differences

Compared with the classic Outlook for Windows, the new version adopts a moremodern, cloud-first philosophy. It’sideal for most Windows 11 users, without sacrificing core productivity. Key features include:

Here’s a clear comparison between Classic Outlook (traditional desktop app) and New Outlook for Windows:

Classic Outlook vs New Outlook - Key Differences
Feature	New Outlook for Windows	Classic Outlook for Windows
Interface	Modern, web-style UI	Traditional desktop UI
Architecture	Cloud-first, web-based	Full desktop (Win32) app
Offline Mode	Limited(already synced)	✅
COM & web add-ins	Web add-ins only	✅
PST File	❌	✅
AutomationRules	Limited	Extensive
Resource Usage	Lightweight	Heavier but more powerful

Which version is best for Windows 11 ?

• 👉 New Outlook for Windows: Best for casual users, light productivity, and cloud-based workflows. Fast, modern, and fully integrated with Microsoft 365.
• 👉 Classic Outlook for Windows: Best for enterprise, heavy email workloads, offline access, and advanced customization. Recommended for users requiring more control.

How to Install Outlook on Windows 11

You can install Outlook on Windows 11 in multiple methods depending on whether you want the modern New Outlook, or the feature-rich Classic Outlook. Below are detailed, step-by-step instructions for each method.

Method 1: Turn On Try the New Outlook to Switch

If your Windows 11 system already has Outlook installed, usually the Classic Outlook from Microsoft 365, you can toggle on Try the New Outlook to switch without uninstalling anything and enjoy fast, modern, cloud-first experience.

Step 1. Search for Outlook in the Start menu and open it. You should see a toggle labeled “Try the New Outlook” at the top-right corner of the Outlook window.

Step 2. Click the toggle to turn it on and download New Outlook.

Step 3. On the success window, click Switch. It will automatically sign you in new Outlook.

Step 4. Be sure to accept the privacy settings and click Continue.

Step 5. Click Import Settings to sync your settings from Classic Outlook.

Method 2: Install New Outlook from Microsoft Store

On Windows 11, all users can install New Outlook directly from Microsoft Store, even without a Microsoft 365 subscription. Updates for the app are automatically handled, ensuring you always have the latest features. This is a quick and convenient for personal users or casual setups.

Step 1. Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows 11.

Step 2. Search Outlook for Windows and click Get. The app will download and install automatically.

Step 3. After installing, click Open to access Outlook and sign in with your Microsoft account. The app will automatically sync your emails, calendar, and contacts.

Method 3: Install Classic Outlook using Office 365

This method installs Classic Outlook for Windows, which is included in Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It provides the full desktop Outlook experience with offline support, PST file management, and advanced add-ins.

Step 1. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 account.

Step 2. On the home page, click Install Office > Office 365 apps. The system will automatically download the full Office suite, including the Classic Outlook.

Step 3. Open Outlook and sign in with your Microsoft account.

If you are currently using Windows 10, try to upgrade to Windows 11 and the new Outlook for Windows will be pre-installed on your devices.

How to Add Email Account onOutlook for Windows

Usually, when you sign in to the new Outlook for Windows using a Microsoft account associated with an active email mailbox, your emails will also be synced. But still some cases require a manual intervention.

👉 Add Email Accounts on New Outlook:

Step 1. Open new Outlook for Windows. Click Settings on the upper-right side, then Add Account.

Step 3. Enter your email address and click Continue. Wait until you see a Success window, saying your emails are now synced.

👉 Add Email Accounts on Classic Outlook:

Step 1. On the Classic Outlook app, click File > Add Account.

Step 2. Enter your email address and click Connect.

Step 3. Enter your password when prompted. Click OK > Finish.

👉 Practical Strategies for Boosting Outlook’s Productivity:

How to Protect Outlook Data on Windows 11

After setting up Outlook, data security becomes the top priority and key concern. Microsoft has recognized this and allows users to save attachments and documents in OneDrive. The New Outlook for Windows even makes it automatic. Regularly back up your PST filesif you are using Classic Outlook.

Save Attachments to OneDrive from Outlook

Both New Outlook and Classic Outlookallows you to save attachments to OneDrive from Outlook to protect your data safely. The new version even enables auto-saving.

👉 For New and Classic Outlook:

Step 1. In Outlook, open the email containing the attachment. Right-click it and select Save to OneDrive.

Step 2. Choose a folder in your OneDrive and click Save.

👉 For New Outlook only:

Step 1. Open New Outlook on your Windows 11. Click the Settings icon (⚙️) in the upper-right corner.

Step 2. Select Mail >Attachments.

Step 3. Find Save attachments to OneDrive and turn it On. You can also enable Open cloud attachments in Outlook instead of downloading them.

Create a Full Outlook Backup for Extra Security

Instead of saving Outlook attachments to OneDrive, create a complete Outlook backup to protect more Outlook data, including emails, attachments, calendars, contacts, PST files, etc. AOMEI Backupper Professional is a powerful backup software for Windows 11 that integrates with Outlook Backup to backup any Outlook data and offers a full suite of backup features.

Step 1. Open your Microsoft Outlook andlog in with the accountyou want to backup. Open AOMEI Backupper after installing, click Backup > Outlook Backup.

Step 2. Click Add Outlook data. Select theaccount containing Outlook data and click OK.

Step 3. Click the PC icon > Local Drive/Network Share/NAS to add a new destination. Or select the current location (if it exists).

Step 3. Enable Daily, Weekly, Monthly (By date), Event triggers, etc., to schedule backup, and click Start Backup to backup Outlook data automatically. Optionally, click Options or Backup Scheme to review or change what you want.

📍📍📍Notes:
✅Options: Include compression, splitting, backup only used sectors of the file system, VSS, etc., to minimize the image file size automatically and avoid any interruption.
✅Backup Scheme: Incremental backup is enabled by default. You can also change it to differential backup and enable automatic backup cleanup to delete old backups automatically.

Conclusion

Microsoft offers users both New and Classic Outlook for Windows 11, you can choose to install Outlook on Windows 11, depending on how you work, what features you rely on, and how much control you need over your data and workflow.

In addition, it’s necessary to boost your productivity and data safety. Microsoft Outlook allows you to save attachments to OneDrive, while AOMEI Backupper can backup more Outlook data, including emails, attachments, contacts, etc, with a full suite of backup features.