Microsoft has announced it will end support for the Windows Mail, Calendar, and People apps on December 31, 2024. After this date, users will no longer be able to send or receive emails or manage calendars through these apps. Instead, Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to the new Outlook for Windows app, which provides an integrated experience, combining email, calendar, and contacts.

The transition has been ongoing for several months, with users being invited to try the new app via a toggle in the current Windows Mail app. Outlook, which became widely available in August 2024, offers new features like AI assistance for composing emails, enhanced integration with Microsoft 365, and support for multiple email accounts from different providers.

For users preferring the original Windows Mail app, Microsoft has shared instructions for exporting emails and contacts to transfer them into the new Outlook. After December 31, 2024, the Mail and Calendar apps will switch to view-only mode, allowing users to see their emails and events but not send or receive new messages. This shift aligns with Microsoft’s goal to unify its email and calendar services under the Outlook brand and deliver a more cohesive, feature-rich experience across devices.