Microsoft Outlook, one of the most widely used email and personal information management tools, exists in multiple versions—each designed for specific types of users and usage scenarios. With Microsoft rolling out a new version via the Microsoft Store, confusion has grown around which version suits which need. This article clearly explains the different editions, their features, benefits, and limitations.

? Microsoft Outlook: Store App (also known as New Outlook or One Outlook)

This version is a modern, web-based email client available through the Microsoft Store. It is designed to replace the classic Mail & Calendar apps and aims to offer a unified Outlook experience across Windows devices.

Merits:

• Clean, modern interface

• Fast and lightweight

• Easy to set up with Outlook.com, Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud

• Deep cloud integration (files stored in OneDrive, etc.)

• Free to use with Microsoft personal or school accounts

Demerits:

• Limited offline capabilities

• No support for COM add-ins or VBA macros

• Limited customization and rule options

• Still lacks full enterprise-level feature parity

• Works best with Microsoft-hosted accounts; Exchange support still improving

? Microsoft Outlook from Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)

This is the full-featured desktop version of Outlook included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions. It’s the most robust Outlook experience available, designed for power users and business environments.

Merits:

• Full support for Exchange, Gmail, POP, IMAP accounts

• Advanced features like Rules, Macros, Delegation, Shared Mailboxes

• Works fully offline; supports PST/OST file management

• Integrates tightly with Microsoft 365 apps (Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive)

• Receives frequent feature and security updates

Demerits:

• Requires an active Microsoft 365 subscription

• Heavier on system resources

• May be overkill for casual or home users

? Microsoft Outlook: Classic Desktop (Office 2016/2019/2021)

This is the traditional Outlook application that comes bundled with perpetual license Office suites such as Office Home & Business or Office Professional.

Merits:

• One-time purchase (no subscription required)

• Familiar interface and functions for long-time users

• Works well offline and supports all common email protocols

• Still supports COM add-ins and PST file usage

Demerits:

• No feature updates (only security fixes)

• Lacks the latest collaboration features

• Not deeply integrated with modern cloud tools

• No Teams or real-time co-authoring features

✅ Summary Comparison Table

? Conclusion

Choosing the right version of Microsoft Outlook depends on your needs:

• Go with Microsoft Outlook: Store App if you want a free, modern email client for everyday use and web-based productivity.

• Choose Microsoft Outlook from Microsoft 365 if you're in a business or enterprise setting that requires robust features, full offline access, and cloud collaboration.

• Opt for Microsoft Outlook: Classic Desktop if you prefer a one-time license and are fine with fewer updates.

Each version serves its audience well—what matters is finding the right fit for your workflow and environment.