New Outlook Gets Microsoft Planner as To Do Takes a Back Seat

Microsoft Planner in New Outlook is now rolling out to Windows users, giving people another way to manage tasks without leaving their inbox.

According to the updated MC1309747, Microsoft has started adding Planner directly to the New Outlook sidebar. Some users should see it this week, while Microsoft expects availability for everyone by the end of August 2026.

Planner joins the New Outlook sidebar

Users can pin Planner to the left sidebar alongside Microsoft To Do and other Microsoft 365 apps.

The integration lets users manage projects and tasks without opening Planner separately. Microsoft says customers requested tighter links between task management and everyday productivity tools.

Planner can sit alongside email, calendars, Copilot, Office apps, and other Microsoft 365 services. Users do not need a Microsoft 365 Copilot license to access Planner through New Outlook.

Microsoft To Do could have a smaller role

Microsoft has increasingly positioned Planner as its more capable task-management platform, particularly for teams, larger projects, and organization-wide planning.

The new Outlook integration could further reduce the importance of Microsoft To Do, although Microsoft has not announced plans to discontinue the app.

Planner also integrates with several other Microsoft products, including Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Outlook Classic will not get Planner

Microsoft does not currently plan to add Planner integration to Outlook Classic. The traditional desktop client will continue relying mainly on Microsoft To Do for personal task management.

Outlook Classic has largely entered a maintenance-focused phase, with Microsoft prioritizing fixes, reliability improvements, and smaller changes instead of major new functionality.

AI remains an exception, as Copilot is coming to Outlook Classic in August 2026.

Microsoft continues encouraging users to switch to New Outlook. The company recently introduced Calendar improvements designed to make switching to New Outlook easier.

On mobile, Microsoft is also preparing OneDrive support for signature images in Outlook Mobile.

Via Windows Latest