Microsoft Is Retiring Several Versions of Outlook What You Need to Know… and Do

Effective November 1, 2021, some older versions of Microsoft Outlook for Windows, one of the world’s most widely used email, calendaring, contact and task management tools, will no longer be able to connect with the Microsoft 365 productivity suite or its predecessor, Microsoft Office 365. (Microsoft Outlook for Mac will not be impacted by this decision.)As of that date, Microsoft will require users to be running later versions of Outlook to connect with Microsoft 365 services, including Exchange Online. Following are the minimum versions of Outlook that will connect to Microsoft 365 services:

• Version 1706 (a component of Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, formerly Office 365 ProPlus, and Microsoft365 Apps for business, formerly Office 365 Business)
• Version 16.0.4600.1000 with the November 2017 Update (a component of Office 2016)
• Version 15.0.4971.1000, Service Pack 1 with the October 2017 Update (a component of Office 2013)
• All versions of Outlook 2019, however, only the most current version will be supported.

In its announcement, Microsoft noted that other versions of Outlook 2013 and Outlook 2016 might be able to connect to Microsoft 365 services, but users may encounter performance or reliability issues. In this article, we will show you how to determine which version of Outlook you are running and determine if you version will go out of service on November 1, 2021.Step 1: Determine Which Version of Outlook You Are RunningUsers can determine their version of Outlook in a few quick steps.

• In Outlook, choose File at the top left of the display.

CCS Microsoft Outlook Retirement Update Blog 051121

• In the display that appears, click Office Account. If the display that appears looks like the image below, you are running Microsoft 365, so you don’t need to do anything else. Your version of Outlook is compliant.

CCS Microsoft Outlook Retirement Update Blog 051121

• If the display looks different, click the About Outlook button. A screen will pop up with information about your version, including the version number.
  • In the example below, which is Office 2016, the number is 16.0.6326.1010. It follows the Office 2016 version listed at the start of the article, so this version is compatible with Microsoft 365.
  • If the number precedes the one shown above, your version of Outlook is being retired. Outlook will continue to work after November 1, but it won’t connect with Microsoft 365. Furthermore, Microsoft may not provide full support for your version.

What You Should do to PrepareWe recommend that all users upgrade their versions of Microsoft Office to one that is compliant with Microsoft 365. However, your firm does not need to manage this alone. Carmichael Consulting Solutions’ technicians can help you identify the PCs that are running outdated software and ensure all of them are up to date and running smoothly before November 1, 2021. We can also perform a “health check” at the same time, if desired, to see if your systems (and your productivity) would benefit from any additional upgrades.For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 678-719-9671 Ext. 1 or email info@carmichaelconsulting.net.