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How to revert to classic Tasks from new Tasks in Outlook Desktop

LSH 5 Reputation points
2026-06-11T17:14:39.5966667+00:00

I have a new windows 11 laptop and really cannot get the functionality I need from the new Tasks. How do I revert to the original version please?

This is what I see on the left hand pane. There is no additional app to install in the apps box (as suggested in another post). there is nothing is settings to cover this. I really cannot get on with the reduced options in the new version!

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Outlook | Windows | New Outlook for Windows | For home
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  1. Alice-N 10,280 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-06-12T04:26:03.32+00:00

    Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data.     

    Hi LSH

    I understand that you would like to get back the original classic Outlook Tasks experience instead of the newer Tasks / To Do view. I’m happy to help. 

    Please try the following steps: 

    • Turn off the New Outlook toggle. 
      • Open new Outlook for Windows. 
      • At the top-right, turn off the New Outlook toggle. 
      • When prompted, choose Switch back to classic Outlook. 
      • If you only need it temporarily, choose Use classic Outlook this time. 
    • If the toggle is missing, launch classic Outlook from the Start menu. 
      • Open the Windows Start menu. 
      • Search for Outlook (classic). 
      • Select Outlook (classic), not the app marked New. 
    • If Outlook (classic) is not installed, install it from Microsoft’s official page. 
    • Use classic Tasks or the To-Do Bar after opening classic Outlook. 
      • Once classic Outlook is open, use the traditional Tasks view or To-Do Bar there. 
      • You can confirm you are in classic Outlook if you see a File tab on the ribbon. 

    Please note that there is no separate classic Tasks app that can be added to the left pane in new Outlook. To use the original task functionality, you need to use Outlook (classic). See: Use My Day with To Do in Outlook - Microsoft Support 

    If the problem persists, please reply with: 

    • whether Outlook (classic) appears in the Windows Start menu 
    • whether Microsoft 365 / Office is installed on the laptop 

    Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!   

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".    

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  2. Tanya Rathour 0 Reputation points
    2026-06-12T04:27:32.74+00:00

    ✔ Turn off “Open tasks in To Do app”

    Open Outlook Desktop

    Go to File

    Click Options

    Select Tasks

    Find the option: 👉 “Open tasks in the To Do app”

    Uncheck it

    Click OK and restart Outlook

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  3. AI answer

    2026-06-11T17:14:55.2533333+00:00

    Classic Outlook Tasks is only available in classic Outlook. To get the original Tasks experience, switch from new Outlook back to classic Outlook for Windows.

    In classic Outlook you can then use the Tasks module instead of the To Do app.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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