Microsoft have released several email programs over the years with the word “Outlook” in the title
Are they different programs or different versions of the same “Outlook” email program? Are you confused by “Outlook” and what it means?
It’s all very well creating brand recognition, but my experience with my own clients here in London is that having several Microsoft products all with the word “Outlook” in the title creates a lot of confusion.
So, what are all these different Outlook email programs?
Outlook Express
A long time ago there was Outlook Express. This was a simple email program that came free with earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows 98 and Windows XP. Think of it as a lighter, less feature-rich version of the full Microsoft Outlook. It was popular for home users who just wanted to send and receive emails. Microsoft stopped supporting Outlook Express a long time ago, and it’s probably unsafe to use now.
After Outlook Express, came “Live Mail” and then “Mail and Calendar” as free programs that came with Windows. Both of these email programs are also going or gone (replaced by “New Outlook” – see below).
Microsoft Outlook
Much more importantly, there’s Microsoft Outlook, often referred to as “Classic Outlook” or “Desktop Outlook” nowadays (Microsoft themselves, as well as others, seem to be using these terms interchangeably). This is the version that’s part of the Microsoft 365 suite of programs. It used to be available for sale on its own, but I couldn’t find it on its own on 27/03/25.
When I asked Gemini about this, the reply was “…while it might technically be possible to find a standalone version through specific retail channels or older software packages, Microsoft’s focus is firmly on Microsoft 365”. By the way, “Microsoft 365” is Microsoft’s latest name for “Microsoft Office”.
Microsoft Outlook is a powerful program that does more than just email. It also handles calendars, contacts, and tasks. Many businesses use this version. It’s been around for a long time, evolving through many versions like Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007, 2010, 2013 and so on, up to the current version in Microsoft 365. If you’ve ever had a work computer, you’ve probably used Microsoft Outlook.
Outlook.com
Microsoft introduced Outlook.com in 2013 as an updated service replacing the old Hotmail service. Hotmail accounts are still perfectly valid. You can access them with Outlook.com (along with other Microsoft accounts such as outlook.com and live.co.uk).
So, Outlook.com is a free, web-based, email service like Gmail. You access it through your internet browser (eg Chrome or Edge). It’s very different from the full Microsoft Outlook program. Outlook.com is designed for personal use and is easy to use for everyday email tasks.
New Outlook
Now, just in case you’re not confused enough already, “New Outlook” is replacing “Mail”. In fact, New Outlook has been gradually replacing Mail for some time, with Microsoft nudging users to make the change rather than forcing them.
New Outlook is a bit of a hybrid. Looking and functioning much like Outlook.com, it is actually a desktop application. It is designed to be simpler than the classic outlook, and to be more integrated with web based email accounts. It is essentially a free Outlook application, that bridges the gap between the classic Outlook application, and the web based Outlook.com.
To summarise:
Classic Microsoft Outlook (also known as Desktop Outlook): The full-featured program, often used in workplaces, that does email, calendars, and more. Forms part of the Microsoft 365 suite of programs.
Outlook Express: An older, simpler email program that’s no longer supported.
Outlook.com: A free, web-based email service.
New Outlook: A free desktop application designed to replace the built in windows mail and calendar applications, that functions similarly to outlook.com.
And, remember, if you’re in London and need help with IT issues, including Outlook or other email problems, then I offer both remote and onsite support – 07961 387564 or web@davidleonard.london.
For more information on Microsoft Outlook programs , see:
All images designed by David Leonard with Microsoft Designer
