There’s something bizarre happening in the world of Microsoft. If you’ve been paying attention to the tech world recently, you’ll know that Microsoft’s latest version of Outlook has arrived – and it’s a little… strange. I personally don’t mind it. Sure, it's different, but change is inevitable, right? It has some cool features, and I thought I’d share that enthusiasm with my audience on YouTube. But what I didn’t expect was the avalanche of backlash. The complaints flooded in. People HATE the new Outlook.

But that’s not even the worst part.

Starting in January 2025, Microsoft is going to enforce this new version of Outlook on everyone. You won’t be able to escape it. You can no longer live in the comforting, familiar world of the classic Outlook. And for some of you, that’s going to be a problem.

I know it’s a problem because my IT company manages a lot of clients who rely on the classic Outlook. And these aren’t just people who hate change (although, let’s be honest, who doesn’t?). These are businesses with systems built around the old version – systems that will break if they are forced to upgrade.

But here’s where it gets interesting.

If you’re using Microsoft 365, there’s a clever little hack in Intune that allows you to block the new Outlook entirely. Yep, you heard me right. You can stop the installation of the new Outlook and keep everyone happily using the classic version.

And no, this isn’t some wild conspiracy theory – this is real. So, how do you do it?

Let me walk you through it.

The Outlook Dilemma: What’s Going on?

Here’s the deal: You might love the new Outlook. Or you might absolutely hate it. Either way, Microsoft has decided that you will use it. They’re forcing everyone into the new version starting in January 2025.

Now, don’t panic. You’ve still got a few years. The classic Outlook won’t hit end-of-life until 2029. But, in classic Microsoft fashion, they want to push you out of your comfort zone before then. They’re rolling out the new version to everyone starting in January, and if you’re like a lot of people, you’re not ready to make that jump yet.

Well, here’s a little secret: Microsoft doesn’t want you to know that you can block the update entirely. But I’m here to tell you exactly how to do it.

Enter Intune: The Secret Weapon

Here’s where things get interesting. Intune – yes, that often-overlooked tool in your Microsoft 365 toolbox – can be used to block the new Outlook. It’s like a little backdoor into Microsoft’s well-meaning but frustrating upgrade plans.

Don’t worry; it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, I’m going to break it down for you in a few easy steps. You’ll be able to prevent the new Outlook from being installed, and your users won’t accidentally toggle the new version on. You’ll thank me later.

Step-by-Step: Block the New Outlook with Intune

Step 1: Log into the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre as an administrator. Got it? Now, head to Admin centres and click on Microsoft Intune.

Step 2: From the Intune portal, go to Devices, then Configuration, and click on Create Profile.

Step 3: Select the Windows 10 and later platform, then choose Settings Catalog and hit Create.

Step 4: Give your profile a name. Something like “Block New Outlook” should suffice. Click Next.

Step 5: Now comes the fun part. Under Configuration Settings, click on Add Settings and scroll down until you see Microsoft Outlook 2016. Then, click on Outlook Options and Other.

You’ll need to adjust three key settings:

1. Admin-controlled migration to new Outlook

2. Hide the 'Try New Outlook' toggle

3. Number of days new Outlook migration should be paused

Let’s Break It Down

1. Hide the ‘Try New Outlook’ Toggle: This is the big one. There’s this little toggle at the top of the screen in Outlook that lets users “try” the new version. The problem? Many users accidentally click on it, and boom – new Outlook installed. By hiding this toggle, you prevent that from happening. You won’t have people calling you, saying, “Why is my Outlook different now?” because they won’t be able to toggle the update on by mistake.

2. Admin-Controlled Migration to New Outlook: If you disable this setting, the migration to the new Outlook stops dead in its tracks. It’s like putting up a wall between your users and that annoying upgrade. Leave this setting as Disabled, and you’re golden.

3. Number of Days New Outlook Migration Should Be Paused: If you don’t set this, or if you leave it as -1, the migration process halts altogether. No more upgrades. No more surprises. It’s like telling Microsoft, “No, we’re not ready for this yet.”

Once you’ve made these adjustments, click Next.

Step 6: Assign this profile to your devices. You can assign it to specific groups or roll it out across all devices in your organisation. Once that’s done, click Next and create the profile.

And That’s It!

Once you’ve created the profile, your users won’t get the new Outlook update, and they won’t be able to toggle it on. It’s as simple as that.

Final Thoughts

Blocking the new Outlook is a quick fix, but it’s a good one. If you’re not ready to make the leap to the new version, or if your systems rely on the old one, this Intune hack is a lifesaver.

You can keep using the classic Outlook without worrying about Microsoft forcing you into the new version. And hey, if you ever decide you want to give the new Outlook a shot, you can always turn the update back on. But for now, you’re in control.

In the world of Microsoft, that’s not something that happens every day.