Microsoft will retire the Windows Mail and Calendar apps on Windows 10 and Windows 11 at the end of the year, with early adopters automatically migrating to the new Outlook app for Windows in August.

Originally developed for Windows 10, Windows Mail and Calendar are built-in Windows apps that provide an easy-to-use application for fetching your emails and scheduling events, tasks, and appointments.

With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft continued to bundle the Mail and Calendar apps with the exploit, even though it’s not considered a modern mail app.

However, that is about to change, with Microsoft confirming that they are moving forward with plans to retire both apps and transition users to one. new Outlook app for Windows already available for testing.

Mail and calendar removed at the end of the year

Microsoft began to alert consumers and business customers to retire Windows Mail and Calendar apps in 2024, recommending that they start testing the new Outlook app.

Windows users can test out the new app by enabling a toggle in the upper right corner of Windows Mail to automatically install the new Outlook app and import your settings from the Mail app.

At the same time, Microsoft issued a Microsoft 365 advisory MC590123 warning customers that they will automatically begin replacing mail and calendar with the Outlook app in September 2024.

Microsoft also said users will start seeing “tips” alerting them to the change and inviting them to try the new Outlook app.

A day later, after an outcry from users, Microsoft said it was reassessing the timing of this change.

“We are reassessing the timing and implementation of this change and will provide updated information shortly. Thank you for your patience,” Microsoft said in an update to the advisory.

In a new Microsoft 365 advisory MC650424, Microsoft is now warning customers that they are moving forward with the migration.

“Mail and Calendar apps for Windows are being replaced by the new Outlook for Windows,” reads the notice seen by BleepingComputer.

“At the end of 2024, we will end support for Mail and Calendar apps for Windows. The new Outlook for Windows helps users be more productive and take control of their inbox.”

This new message also moves up the timeline, indicating that Microsoft will begin transitioning Mail and Calendar users to the new Outlook app in August 2023.

“At the end of August 2023, we will also begin a process to automatically migrate Mail and Calendar users to the new Outlook for Windows with an option to roll back if they wish,” reads bulletin MC650424.

“Users can switch back to the current Mail and Calendar apps by clicking the toggle in the new Outlook for Windows.”

Whether you decide to test the new Outlook application now or wait, users will be automatically migrated at the end of the year.

At that time, Windows Mail and Calendar will no longer be supported or available for download. Additionally, all new Windows 11 devices will ship with Outlook for Windows as the free default mailbox app.

Microsoft reiterated that these changes will not affect regular Outlook desktop app users, only Windows Mail and Calendar users.

For users who decide to upgrade to the Outlook app, it includes additional features, such as better integration with other email providers, the ability to customize the interface, new calendar features, and automatic support for package delivery and flight booking tracking.