Personal information manager
Outlook is an email software program developed by Microsoft. Outlook for Windows is part of the Microsoft 365 suite (formerly known as Office 365) but it can be downloaded independently. This email client communication program makes it easier for you to view, store, and organize all your messages. The program has also taken a cue from another Microsoft 365 program - Word. Outlook can now read your messages aloud to help you understand the message you’ve received.
Those upgrading from Outlook 2016 will see all the features in this version of Outlook as well as a few new ones. The Accessibility Checker has been updated to support international emailing standards and offers handy recommendations to make your documents more accessible to the recipient/s. Sending emails will become easier as the Focused Inbox helps you view your most important messages first. It does this by segmenting the mail into two categories: Focused and Other. Your key emails will be on the Focused tab, keeping the other messages accessible but out of the way. You don’t need to worry about missing messages as the program will inform you about all the messages that enter the tabs. The catch with Focused Inbox is that it requires a Microsoft 365 or Exchange email account. Those that do not have the required email account can still organize their messages. Organize any of your mail folders by adjusting the inbox’s filters. Filters vary from All Mail, Unread Mail, and Mentioned Mail. By clicking Unread Mail, you will see all the messages you haven’t opened on your screen.
Features
- Multi-account Management: Users can manage several email accounts from different providers, all within a single interface.
- Integrated Calendar: This feature helps in scheduling and keeping track of appointments, meetings, and deadlines.
- Enhanced Security: Outlook includes built-in measures to combat spam and phishing attacks and employs encryption to secure sensitive information.
- Real-time Collaboration: Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 allows for sharing tasks, calendars, and files in real-time.
- Customization and Automation: Users can tailor the interface and functionality to fit their specific needs, enhancing productivity.
- Accessibility: Designed to be accessible for all users, including those with disabilities, ensuring no one is left out.
Organization tools
Filtration features
It’s different from Mentioned Mail where it shows all the messages your name or email was mentioned - both read and unread messages. Another way Outlook makes it easier for you to keep track of your emails is by reading it aloud to you. Those that need to multitask between reading emails and other obligations can use this tool. The program will recite your messages for you so that you can complete other tasks while you’re listening. It’s not a default feature so you will need to tick the Show Read Aloud tool in the Ease of Access settings. You can also keep track of meetings, appointments, and other tasks even if your colleague is located in a different country. Outlook allows you to add multiple time zones to your calendar so you can see what time of day it is in their area, and see which time they’re available for a meeting. Once you’ve sent the request to meet, you will see which ones agree or disagree with the timeslot, or have not responded yet. All the reminders you’ve set will pop up over the windows you’re working in.
Is Outlook for Windows free?
Microsoft now offers Outlook for free for Windows users, making it more accessible to a wider range of people. You don't need to buy Microsoft 365 or any other Microsoft Office license to use Outlook on Windows 10, Windows 11, or on macOS.
How to get new Outlook for Windows?
If you want to use the new version of Outlook on Windows, look for a toggle switch in the upper right corner of the Mail app in Windows 10 and 11. Clicking this switch will let you download and start using the new version of Outlook, which offers an enhanced email management experience.
Is Outlook better than Gmail?
Choosing between Outlook and Gmail often depends on what you need from an email service. Outlook has many customization options that are great for users who need advanced tools for managing emails. Gmail, on the other hand, is easier to use and integrates well with third-party apps, making it a good choice for those who prefer simplicity.
Do people still use Outlook?
Despite the availability of many other communication tools, Microsoft Outlook remains widely used across the world. Businesses of all sizes find Outlook indispensable for its broad range of administrative and collaborative features. Educational institutions and individual users also continue to rely on Outlook for daily communication and organizational tasks.
Practical email software
Overall, Outlook 2019 is a good office and news program for professional and personal use. The organization tools help you keep track of your most important or most recent mail. It also helps you stay more productive by reciting your messages for you while you work on other projects.
