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Microsoft has announced a significant change coming to Outlook for Windows users. Starting April 2026, Microsoft 365 Enterprise users will be automatically transitioned from classic Outlook to the new Outlook for Windows.

For a detailed comparison between new Outlook and classic Outlook features, please refer to our separate article (New Outlook vs. Classic Outlook: What’s the difference?).

What this means for you

This change primarily affects users of our Windows Only version of Sendent for Outlook (VSTO add-in) with Basic, Professional, and Premium plans.

If you’re already using our Cross-Platform version (web add-in) with Standard or Plus plans, you won’t need to take any action – you’re already set for the future. These plans include access to both our Cross-Platform and Windows Only versions, giving you maximum flexibility.

We’re offering a special one-time discount for existing subscribers who upgrade to the Cross-Platform version this year. While you can complete your current Windows Only subscription without upgrading, this discount won’t be available later. This is an ideal time to evaluate your organization’s needs and make an informed decision about the transition.

Important timeline

To help organizations prepare for the transition, Microsoft has outlined several key stages:

  1. Current stage – Optional adoption: Users can choose to switch to the new Outlook. If there are features or workflows that are not available yet, users can toggle back to classic Outlook for Windows.
  2. April 2026: Automatic transition begins for Microsoft 365 Enterprise users. In this stage, the ability to switch back to classic Outlook will no longer be available to users. New deployments of Outlook from Microsoft 365 subscriptions will feature new Outlook for Windows.
  3. Support timeline: The Windows Only (VSTO) version will work with on-prem Outlook 2024, with Microsoft targeting sunset for 2029.

Why switch now?

While 2026 might seem far away, making the switch to our Cross-Platform version (Standard or Plus) offers significant advantages for your organization:

  • Take advantage of the one-time discount available (available for 1, 2, and 3-year contracts) only during this transition period
  • Ensure a seamless transition on your own timeline, avoiding the rush in 2026
  • If you use multiple platforms, get consistent experience across Windows, Mac, and web now
  • Access bundle pricing for Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Exchange integration (only available with Cross-Platform version)
  • Maintain access to both versions – get the Windows Only (VSTO) version included with your Standard/Plus subscription

Those who choose to wait can continue using their current Basic, Professional, or Premium plans through the end of their subscription, but won’t be eligible for the transition discount later.

Considerations for your organization

Before making the transition, consider your organization’s needs:

  • Windows-Only environment: If your organization exclusively uses Windows, you may choose to maintain your current setup until closer to the transition date
  • Multi-platform environment: Organizations using a mix of Windows, Mac, and web platforms can benefit from upgrading now to ensure a consistent experience across all their systems.
  • Teams and Exchange users: Organizations using Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Exchange can take advantage of the Teams add-in and Nextcloud Exchange Connector bundle pricing discounts, available only with the Cross-Platform version
  • Early adoption benefits: Take advantage of our one-time transition discount by upgrading now. Save even more with multi-year contracts and bundle pricing when combining with Teams and/or Exchange integration.

Making the switch

The transition to our Cross-Platform version is straightforward. We are ready to help you make the switch smoothly and ensure your file-sharing workflows continue without interruption.

Email us at info@sendent.com to discuss your options and get personalized guidance through the transition process.

Make the switch today and stay ahead of the curve with Sendent’s Cross-Platform version for the new Outlook.

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