Microsoft Backs Down on Classic Outlook People Card Downgrade

Microsoft won’t remove the expanded people card from Classic Outlook after all, reversing a planned change that would have replaced it with a simplified version.

According to Microsoft 365 Message Center update MC1269210, Microsoft has canceled the planned change for now. The company had previously intended to make the detailed people card exclusive to New Outlook, while users of Classic Outlook would receive a more basic version.

Microsoft had already paused the Classic Outlook people card change following criticism from users.

Classic Outlook keeps its detailed people card

Classic Outlook users will continue to have access to the expanded people card, including the detailed contact information available today.

Microsoft’s proposed replacement would have displayed a simplified card with fewer details. That would have removed functionality from Classic Outlook while keeping the expanded experience available in New Outlook.

The decision means Microsoft will no longer move ahead with that replacement under its current plan.

Users criticized the planned downgrade

The original proposal drew criticism because Microsoft planned to remove an existing feature from Classic Outlook while preserving it in New Outlook.

Some users viewed the change as another attempt to encourage migration to the newer Outlook client.

Microsoft had argued that the simplified card would create a more streamlined experience and bring Classic Outlook closer to the people card design used across other Office applications.

Microsoft could revisit the change later

Microsoft says it will not proceed with the change “at this time.”

That wording leaves open the possibility that the company could revisit the people card redesign later. For now, however, Classic Outlook users can continue using the expanded card without losing its existing contact details.

Microsoft continues to develop both Outlook experiences while adding more AI-powered features to its newer client.

Outlook will soon get Copilot Chat directly inside the email composer, allowing users to access Copilot while writing messages.

Microsoft also recently released KB5124008 that fixes New Outlook launch issues on ARM PCs.

Via Neowin