The recent rollout of Windows 10 update KB5051974 has stirred a mix of excitement and frustration among users, primarily due to the automatic installation of the new Outlook app. While Microsoft touts enhancements and features, many users find themselves grappling with the app’s sluggish performance and delivery issues. Fortunately, if you prefer sticking with the classic Outlook experience, there are effective methods to block this new addition from your system. In this guide, we will explore how to prevent the installation of the new Outlook app and, if necessary, how to remove it from your computer.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Registry Editor | Type ‘Registry Editor’ in the Start menu search bar and hit Enter. |
| 2 | Navigate to Registry Path | Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsUpdateOrchestratorUScheduler_Oobe. |
| 3 | Create New String Value | Right-click on UScheduler_Oobe, hover over New, and select String Value. |
| 4 | Name the Value | Name it ‘BlockedOobeUpdaters’. |
| 5 | Set Value Data | Double-click ‘BlockedOobeUpdaters’, enter [“MS_Outlook”] in Value data, and click OK. |
| 6 | Install KB5051974 Update | You can now install the update without the new Outlook app. |
| 7 | Uninstall New Outlook App | If already installed, use Windows PowerShell to remove it. |
| 8 | Run PowerShell Command | Type ‘Windows PowerShell’, select ‘Run as administrator’, and enter: Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName. |
Understanding the New Outlook App
The new Outlook app is a recent addition to Microsoft Windows 10. It was included with the Windows 10 update KB5051974, which aimed to improve system performance and fix bugs. However, some users are not happy with the new app. They find it slower and less reliable than the classic version. Many prefer the classic Outlook because it is familiar and works better for their needs.
This preference for the classic Outlook app shows that not all updates are welcome. While Microsoft promises that the new Outlook app has many features, some users believe these features don’t make up for the problems they’ve experienced. Issues like messages landing in the draft folder instead of being sent have caused frustration, leading many to seek ways to block the new app from their systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop the new Outlook app from installing with Windows 10 updates?
You can prevent the new Outlook app from installing by using a registry hack. Follow the steps to edit the registry and block the app.
What is the registry hack to block the new Outlook app?
To block the app, open Registry Editor and create a String Value named ‘BlockedOobeUpdaters’ with the value [‘MS_Outlook’].
What should I do before editing the Windows registry?
Before making any changes, back up your computer and create a restore point to avoid potential issues.
What command do I use to uninstall the new Outlook app?
Run Windows PowerShell as administrator and enter: Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName.
Why do some users prefer the classic Outlook over the new app?
Many users find the classic Outlook faster and more reliable, as the new app has been reported to be slow and send messages to drafts.
What is the purpose of the Windows 10 update KB5051974?
KB5051974 is a cumulative update that fixes issues, including problems with printer functionality, but it also installs the new Outlook app automatically.
Is it safe to edit the Windows registry?
Editing the registry can be risky. Always ensure you follow instructions carefully and back up your system to prevent any problems.
Summary
If you want to block the new Outlook app from being installed on your Windows 10 computer after the KB5051974 update, there’s a simple solution. Microsoft automatically installs this new app, but many users prefer the classic version due to issues like slowness and messages going to the draft folder. To prevent the new Outlook app from being installed, you can edit the registry. This involves creating a new string value called “BlockedOobeUpdaters”. If you already have the new app installed, you can uninstall it using a command in Windows PowerShell. Always remember to back up your computer before making changes!
