Using Windows Live Mail 2012 with Outlook.com? Time to update your email application!
Today’s post was written by Javier Soltero, corporate vice president for the Outlook team.
Earlier this year we introduced a new Outlook.com and began rolling out an exciting new email and calendar experience to users worldwide. So far we’ve upgraded more than 175 million accounts and each week millions more people are using the new Outlook.com to collaborate effortlessly, focus on what matters and get more done.
To provide you an email experience with enhanced performance, security and reliability, the new Outlook.com has been built upon our latest Office 365 infrastructure. Because the Windows Live Mail 2012 email application doesn’t support the protocols used by this new infrastructure, you will not be able to send or receive Outlook.com email from Windows Live Mail 2012 after your account is upgraded. This means the time has come for you to upgrade to a new email application.
The process is simple—your options are listed below and Microsoft support is available should you encounter any issues. Rest assured, you can always access your Outlook.com account via any web browser at any time, and you will continue to have access to all your data that is currently in Windows Live Mail 2012.
If you currently use Windows Live Mail 2012 to connect to Outlook.com, we recommend that you switch to the Mail app on Windows. This is the most-used desktop email app among Outlook.com users today. It is designed to work with the new Outlook.com, offers a more modern and touch-friendly interface and integrates elegantly with the Windows platform. Like Windows Live Mail 2012, the Mail app on Windows is free.
If you are a Windows Live Mail 2012 user, see the “Frequently asked questions” below for specific instructions on the next steps you need to take. We’re also communicating this information to people who use Windows Live Mail 2012 with Outlook.com via email in the coming weeks.
We recognize that changes like this can be difficult and apologize for any inconvenience this causes you. We bring a change like this only after thoughtful consideration. In this case, we are confident that you will love the benefits and performance of the new Outlook.com.
—Javier Soltero
Frequently asked questions
Q. When is this change taking place?
A. If you use Windows Live Mail 2012 today, you need to switch to the Mail app on Windows or start using Outlook.com via a web browser before your Outlook.com account is upgraded. Upgrades for these accounts will start June 30, 2016 so it’s important to take action before this date.
Q. What do I need to do?
A. We recommend that you switch to the Mail app that is built in to Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. You do not need to install any software; simply launch the Mail app, navigate to “Add Account” and enter your Outlook.com email address and password. Because the data in your Outlook.com account is stored in the cloud, there is no need to manually move it from Windows Live Mail 2012 to the Mail app.
If you are using Windows 7, you can upgrade to a newer version of Windows to enjoy the Mail app and the other benefits.
Q. What if I am using Windows 7 and do not wish to upgrade to use the Mail app?
A. If you do not wish to upgrade, you can access your account via a web browser or you can take advantage of a free one-year subscription for Office 365 Personal and use Outlook 2016 to connect to your account. Details on how to redeem this offer are included in the email communications from the Outlook.com team. This Office 365 subscription includes the Outlook 2016 email application as well as other productivity applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. It works on Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10.
Q. Where can I get more information?
A. We’re confident that you’ll love the way the Mail app on Windows works with the new Outlook.com and we are working to make this transition as smooth as possible. This help article has more details on how to start using the Mail app on Windows and answers to other frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions about Outlook.com you can contact Microsoft support.