Learn more about the light version of Outlook

Note: If you're looking for information about Outlook Lite for Android, see Get help with Outlook Lite for Android.

If your Outlook looks like the image below, you're in the light version of Outlook. This means you're using an old browser that's incompatible with the new Outlook.com and Outlook on the web or with Outlook Web App. For the best experience, please update your browser to the latest version.

A screenshot of the inbox in Outlook Web App Light

For information about which browsers support the new Outlook.com and Outlook on the web, see Which browsers work with Office Online.

For information about which browsers support Outlook Web App, see Supported browsers for Outlook Web App.

How do I get to the standard version of Outlook?

If you're seeing the light version, you're using an old browser that's incompatible with the new Outlook.com and Outlook on the web, or with Outlook Web App. To get to the standard version, sign out of your account, update your browser, and sign in again.

What’s different between the light and standard versions?

The light version of Outlook has fewer features than the standard version. To learn more, see Compare the standard and light versions of Outlook.

Some features can be set up in the standard version of Outlook and then used in the light version. For example:

  • Inbox rules

  • Email forwarding

  • Contact groups

  • Tasks and notes

  • Connecting or disconnecting other email accounts

Some features aren't available in the light version of Outlook:

  • Weekly or monthly calendar views

  • Access to shared mailboxes or shared calendars

  • Importing or exporting messages or contacts

  • Creating or modifying tasks or notes

Are there any other options if my browser isn’t supported?

If the light version of Outlook doesn’t meet your needs and you can’t use a supported browser, try one of these other options:

Troubleshooting

If email that you expect isn’t in your inbox, here are some ideas for troubleshooting.

  • Check your Junk Email folder.

  • Check with the sender to make sure the message was sent to the correct email address.

  • Refresh your browser by using Shift+F5. Messages are available as soon as they are received by the server.

    Note: Connected accounts sync with the light version of Outlook once per hour.