How do I get classic outlook

DE KRETSER, Thomas (tdekr0) 0 Reputation points
2026-09-07T20:36:57.2533333+00:00

How do you get classic Outlook so that I can change the colour and darkness of Outlook

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Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Vikki-T 9,585 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-09-08T06:53:46.0466667+00:00

    Hi DE KRETSER, Thomas (tdekr0),

    You may not need to switch to classic Outlook just to adjust the brightness. In new Outlook, select Settings > General > Appearance, where you can choose Light, Dark, or another available theme.

    If you specifically need classic Outlook, first search for Outlook (classic) from the Windows Start menu. If it is not installed, you can download it using Microsoft’s official instructions here: Install or reinstall classic Outlook on a Windows PC.

    Please note that classic Outlook is a separate desktop application, and its availability may depend on your Office or Microsoft 365 license. If this is a work or school device, your organization may also control whether classic Outlook can be installed.

    Could you clarify whether you want to change the overall Outlook theme, the message background, or the font and text colors? Also, are you using a personal Microsoft account or a work/school account? This will help determine the most suitable steps. Thank you so much for your understanding.     

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-07T20:37:10.8766667+00:00

    Classic Outlook is still available if the full desktop Outlook is installed.

    Try this:

    1. Open Start and search for Outlook (classic).
    2. If it appears, open it and pin it to the taskbar.
    3. If only Outlook or new Outlook appears, open new Outlook and turn off the New Outlook toggle in the top-right corner.
    4. If there is no toggle, in some builds there is a Help menu option named Go to Classic Outlook.
    5. If classic Outlook is not installed, install the full desktop Office apps from the Microsoft account Services & Subscriptions page if the license includes desktop apps.

    Once in classic Outlook, change the color and darkness like this:

    • Go to File > Office Account.
    • Under Office Theme, select Black for dark mode.
    • To change the message window back to white while keeping the black theme, go to File > Options > General and select Never change the message background color.

    For other Microsoft 365 theme colors:

    • Open an app such as Outlook.
    • Go to File > Options > General.
    • Use the Office Theme dropdown to choose the theme.

    In new Outlook, dark mode is changed from:

    • Settings > General > Appearance > Dark mode
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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