I don't understand Outlook or Microsoft, anymore

C

Cara

Senior Member
Outlook version
Outlook 2021 64 bit
Email Account
IMAP
Operating system::    Windows 10
Outlook version:     2503
Email type or host:    IMAP
I have an MS365 subscription (personal). I use Outlook version 2503 for MS 365. I use quite a bit of VBA, including to do searches across multiple mailboxes.

Recently, when starting Outlook, I've been asked if I want to move to the "new" version, and I answer NO.

This time, I got an error that I had to, apparently. Then I got an error that it couldn't install, then a second occurrence of Outlook opened, this one version 1.2025.416.400.

While that 2nd occurrence was opening, I was in my chosen version trying to run my search that shows all Inbox messages across all accounts received in the last 24 hours. I got this error from VB: "Run-time error '-2146959355 (800800005) server execution failed." It occurred on this line of code: "myolApp.ActiveExplorer.Search txtSearch, olSearchScopeAllFolders" but I was able to hit Run and proceed, and the script completed.

What is going on? What does this error mean, and do I have to use the new version? It doesn't seem to support VBA and, if that's the case, Outlook will no longer meet my needs.
 
As Diane has pointed out numerous times, you do NOT have to switch to the New Outlook.

Classic Outlook is NOT Going Away in 2026
Toggle out of the new Outlook for Windows - Microsoft Support

But you may have to pay to get Classic Outlook, or stay on it.

As far as I can tell, you must have a Microsoft 365 Subscription Plan that includes "Desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook" to stay on Classic Outlook. e.g. "Microsoft 365 Business Standard" but NOT "Microsoft 365 Business Basic". You will certainly want to verify what your plan includes before making any changes.

If you do not want to subscribe to a paid Microsoft 365 plan to get Classic Outlook, then you might want to consider buying a license for Office Home & Business 2024. This includes Outlook 2024. The latest version of the full featured, Classic, desktop, stand alone, perpetual license Outlook.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/p/office-home-business-2024/cfq7ttc0pbm7

I'm sure Diane has additional insights on this subject. You might want to start a new post specifically for "How to stay on Classic Outlook?"
 
or, perhaps find a copy of office 2010, or 2016, which will likely be pretty cheap or free from someone that isn't using it anymore. Seems these are what Hornblower409 and Diane are using.
 
If you use outlook.com or Microsoft 365 business you need a current version of office - 2024 is pretty cheap from stacksocial. The older versions of office can't connect to Exchange online. (If you need publisher too, get 2021.)

But, the subscription will have classic until at least 2029. If it is missing, from a new install it can be installed from the store or downloaded.

www.slipstick.com

Classic Outlook Missing from Computers | Slipstick Systems

After purchasing a new computer, users discovered the Office installation is missing Outlook.
www.slipstick.com www.slipstick.com

Hide the use new Outlook switch, which prevent Microsoft from automatically switch you to new outlook:

www.slipstick.com

Use Classic Outlook, not New Outlook | Slipstick Systems

Microsoft has two "new" Outlooks, one for MacOS and one for Windows. How to switch back to classic Outlook and disable the Try new Outlook switch.
www.slipstick.com www.slipstick.com
 
Diane Poremsky said:
If you use outlook.com or Microsoft 365 business you need a current version of office - 2024 is pretty cheap from stacksocial. The older versions of office can't connect to Exchange online. (If you need publisher too, get 2021.)

But, the subscription will have classic until at least 2029. If it is missing, from a new install it can be installed from the store or downloaded.

www.slipstick.com

Classic Outlook Missing from Computers | Slipstick Systems

After purchasing a new computer, users discovered the Office installation is missing Outlook.
www.slipstick.com www.slipstick.com

Hide the use new Outlook switch, which prevent Microsoft from automatically switch you to new outlook:

www.slipstick.com

Use Classic Outlook, not New Outlook | Slipstick Systems

Microsoft has two "new" Outlooks, one for MacOS and one for Windows. How to switch back to classic Outlook and disable the Try new Outlook switch.
www.slipstick.com www.slipstick.com
Click to expand...
I have MS365 Personal. I had tried the ‘new’ Outlook and didn’t like it. I don’t want to switch until it is improved.
I am using Mac/IOS devices. I saw this in the 2/3/25 MS newsletter: After October 2025, Microsoft 365 subscriptions associated with a Microsoft 365 account (personal, work, or school) will no longer be able to use legacy Microsoft Outlook for Mac. This transition marks a significant step towards a more robust, feature-rich, and secure email experience for all users.

Diane you say support for legacy will be around for a long time and we don’t have to switch. But is that true for Mac users?
Will my subscription allow me to stay on Classic? And will it be supported?

If I can’t use Legacy Outlook + my MS365 subscription price is going up with the next renewal due to Copilot - (which is something I do not want or need) - I have been thinking it may be time for me to drop MS365. But I can’t imagine how I would do that! I can use the Apple counterpart products, they’re not as good as MS IMHO, but they’d work for my needs. The problem is, how would I transfer all my documents? I have lots & lots of Word and Excel files! And how would I switch my outlook email to another provider? (And then there’s everything else that I’d have to consider that I am not even aware of). Can anyone help me with trying to figure out how to make this transition??? Or point me in the right direction? I feel like I’m stuck with MS365 because I can’t figure this out! thank you! Donna
 
Donnat said:
Diane you say support for legacy will be around for a long time and we don’t have to switch. But is that true for Mac users?
Will my subscription allow me to stay on Classic? And will it be supported?
Click to expand...
No, it doesn't apply to mac, only windows. Legacy Outlook is being removed from the subscription. Sorry. If you don't install updates, or have a perpetual version, you can use legacy but it will be blocked from accessing Microsoft 365 servers at some point - both outlook.com and business.


Donnat said:
If I can’t use Legacy Outlook + my MS365 subscription price is going up with the next renewal due to Copilot - (which is something I do not want or need) - I have been thinking it may be time for me to drop MS365. But I can’t imagine how I would do that! I can use the Apple counterpart products, they’re not as good as MS IMHO, but they’d work for my needs. The problem is, how would I transfer all my documents? I have lots & lots of Word and Excel files! And how would I switch my outlook email to another provider? (And then there’s everything else that I’d have to consider that I am not even aware of). Can anyone help me with trying to figure out how to make this transition??? Or point me in the right direction?
Click to expand...
Word & Excel: will depend if the Apple products can open them and maintain the layout. You can also get a perpetual version of office but I don't know if they include legacy outlook. (The free version in the mac store does not have legacy in it.)

If you are considering giving up on outlook, try em client. It's a good replacement for Outlook and there is a mac version.

Did your subscription renew with copilot? For a limited time (i don't have dates) you can keep the "classic" license. I believe you need to do it before renewal.

Switching to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Classic Plans - Microsoft Support

Learn how to switch to a Microsoft 365 subscription plan without AI features, which include Microsoft 365 Basic, Microsoft 365 Personal Classic and Microsoft 365 Family Classic.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com
 
Diane Poremsky said:
No, it doesn't apply to mac, only windows. Legacy Outlook is being removed from the subscription. Sorry. If you don't install updates, or have a perpetual version, you can use legacy but it will be blocked from accessing Microsoft 365 servers at some point - both outlook.com and business.

Word & Excel: will depend if the Apple products can open them and maintain the layout. You can also get a perpetual version of office but I don't know if they include legacy outlook. (The free version in the mac store does not have legacy in it.)

If you are considering giving up on outlook, try em client. It's a good replacement for Outlook and there is a mac version.

Did your subscription renew with copilot? For a limited time (i don't have dates) you can keep the "classic" license. I believe you need to do it before renewal.

Switching to Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Classic Plans - Microsoft Support

Learn how to switch to a Microsoft 365 subscription plan without AI features, which include Microsoft 365 Basic, Microsoft 365 Personal Classic and Microsoft 365 Family Classic.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com
Click to expand...
Thank you. I didn’t know that and would like to downgrade. The issue now is I’d have to cancel and renew (see downgrade instructions below). I do not see Microsoft Personal Classic pricing on MS website, I can’t find it and am seeing apparently no one else can either when I search online. This thread says there is no downgrade option for the US Redirecting
  1. Go to Subscriptions . Sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your subscription, if prompted.
  2. Find your current subscription and select Manage > Cancel subscription
  3. To downgrade to another plan with fewer features, select Microsoft 365 Personal Classic or Microsoft 365 Family Classic, or another plan that works for you.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete the switch.
I’m a little leery of cancelling to downgrade. One person says they found it by switching off recurring billing, another says it’s not an option. Confusing! I will keep searching online, but it looks like it may be problematic.
 
Donnat said:
Thank you. I didn’t know that and would like to downgrade. The issue now is I’d have to cancel and renew (see downgrade instructions below). I do not see Microsoft Personal Classic pricing on MS website, I can’t find it and am seeing apparently no one else can either when I search online. This thread says there is no downgrade option for the US Redirecting
  1. Go to Subscriptions . Sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your subscription, if prompted.
  2. Find your current subscription and select Manage > Cancel subscription
  3. To downgrade to another plan with fewer features, select Microsoft 365 Personal Classic or Microsoft 365 Family Classic, or another plan that works for you.
  4. Follow the instructions to complete the switch.
I’m a little leery of cancelling to downgrade. One person says they found it by switching off recurring billing, another says it’s not an option. Confusing! I will keep searching online, but it looks like it may be problematic.
Click to expand...
And this post has a Youtube video with a really good explanation of what MS has done with this MS365 ‘upgrade’. Very Sneaky!!! Redirecting
I am still researching to ensure cancel/reorder is the correct way to downgrade.
 
Donnat said:
And this post has a Youtube video with a really good explanation of what MS has done with this MS365 ‘upgrade’. Very Sneaky!!! Redirecting
I am still researching to ensure cancel/reorder is the correct way to downgrade.
Click to expand...
I think I found my answer here: Cancel a Microsoft 365 subscription - Microsoft Support
It says this: See the Please review section at the top of the cancel page. This information indicates what benefits you're currently using with your subscription and what you'll lose when you cancel.

I will see if I am offered the downgrade, My subscription renews on 7/12/25 - it will run until then if I make a mistake. I was worried about having to cancel to get the downgrade potentially causing a problem. It is not something I am familiar with. Thank you for your help.
 
I just downgraded. It was exactly as MS website described it and took 2 seconds! There have been times where I’ve followed the instructions from MS (for whatever_ and they don’t work or worse, they cause problems/issues. I suppose with such a huge db of info to maintain, they can’t keep everything current. So, I feel, you never know if the instructions are accurate. Praise God, this time they were!!😁 And there are wonderful resources available to users, like this one. Thank you for your help, feedback and letting me ‘vent’ here 😊 I’m not happy about how MS is making the change to MS365, it should be more transparent to allow customers to make an informed decision, not trap or trick them into an upgrade. For now, I’m downgraded. I’m sure it won’t be an option in the near future.
 
  • Error 0x80080005 means Outlook’s COM server couldn’t startup because the new UWP Outlook was trying to register itself at the same ProgID at the same time.
  • To “fix” it, you must ensure you only ever run the classic Win32 Outlook.exe when you want to use VBA:
    • Turn off the “Try the new Outlook” toggle (or set the DisableNewOutlookToggle registry key).
    • If necessary, manually un-register and re-register the classic Outlook.exe via regsvr32 /u and …/OUTLOOK.EXE /register.
  • Once only the classic Outlook is running, your ActiveExplorer.Search calls will work normally again.
  • If Microsoft eventually removes the classic client, you’ll need to rewrite your mailbox-wide search using Graph/EWS or an Office JS Add-in.
  • For now (June 2025), you can remain on the classic version, block the forced upgrade, and keep using VBA as before.
 
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