Microsoft launches new Outlook.com beta with new design and features

By Zac Bowden
last updated

Microsoft has launched a new beta experience for Outlook.com that introduces a new design, features and more!

Microsoft is today launching (opens in new tab) a brand new, opt-in beta for its web-based Outlook website that introduces a new, faster user experience and several new features worthy of note. The new experience includes a faster website, an overhauled design, and a new conversation style view.

What's more, Microsoft is making improvements to the technology behind your inbox, and will show you quick suggestions as you type. This allows you to easily add information about certain things such as restaurants, flights and more. You can also easily pull in photos too.

There are also new personalization improvements, which include the ability to favorite contacts and folders which makes it easier to find the things you love most. You can also insert expressions in the form of emoji, gifs and more easily!

The beta is opt-in, and is rolling out in waves starting today. If you're eligible for the beta, you will see a toggle at the top right of the website that says "try the beta." Switching that on will bring you to the new beta experience. If you can't see that toggle, you should hopefully start seeing it soon.

Zac Bowden
Zac Bowden
Senior Editor

Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows 10 on PCs, tablets, phones, and more. Also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter: @zacbowden.

20 Comments
  • Is this why my outlook mail in-app mail counters don't reset?
  • I might have a look, but I would prefer that MS sorted their long-standing sync issues between outlook.com and Outlook 2016 on the desktop.
  • what sync issues? I actually don't know about this, I haven't had any problems.
  • I gave no sync issues. It's flawless for me. 
  • You should consider removing your Outlook/MSN/Hotmail/Live accounts from Outlook 2016 (desktop), closing Outlook, restarting PC for safe measure, and re-configuring your Microsoft email accounts in Outlook 2016. It can be a pain if you have several accounts, but the various backend upgrades over the past year or so totally justify the effort; there are noticeable performance improvements on sync of email/categories/tasks/appts/etc.
  • I wish they would make a separate Outlook UWP app that includes all feature they have at outlook.com ... I hate being forced to use the browser... this is so 2000 :/
  • This is "post-app". Also Mainframes were out in the 2000th. Now they are back, just called "the cloud". Using Websites for mail was totally normal in the 2000th. It's coming back.
  • Looks nice.  I wouldn't mind trying it out.  However, I mostly use the W10 app or my phone to answer emails. 
  • Why is there a mail app while so many features are better at outlook.com. Is it because of easier touch interface?
  • What's more, Microsoft is making improvements to the technology behind your inbox, and will show you quick suggestions as you type. This allows you to easily add information about certain things such as restaurants, flights and more. You can also easily pull in photos too.
    In other words, ads in your Inbox. NOOOOOO! I don't need or want a bot to tell me what to say, what to look for, or where to go. I don't want emojis in my email. Email is for communication.
  • Let's hope there is an option to disable it. Wouldn't like to hit Bing all the time while I'm typing an e-mail...
  • Knowing Outlook betas, I will probably get the beta in January 2018.
  • I was just thining the same thing. I always get new outlook updates after everyone else and that's my primary email. 
  • Funny thing is I got the beta today. First time im not disappointed by something Microsoft changed. New version is really fast and I love the new photos feature. Thumps up!
  • I actually got it fast this time! Today is the 21st of August, and it was announced the 8th - so... less than a month compared to close to a year last time :D!
  • I wonder if they will get it to work with Facebook now...
  • I like it, but they should make an Outlook UWP app identical to the website.
  • Actually took the design of the UWP app, created a CSS file and slapped it onto outlook.com. I'm ok with that. Downside: looks like the ads, that you can remove by going premium, will still be there as there is still a bit of space left at the right hand side :(
  • Now if only like Live Mail (2012) they used that extra space on the right to list Calendar items....
  • Now, if only the Android/W10 app could be made to look exactly like the website......