UPDATED 8/4/2023: On the new Outlook app for Windows 11 (and 10), you can change the theme to make the experience a little more personal, and in this guide, you will learn how.
Microsoft has introduced a new version of the Outlook app that replaces the Mail and Calendar experience and the classic desktop version of Outlook with a design based on the web experience. However, one of the biggest differences with this version is that the new desktop variant includes offline support, and you can add third-party email services, such as Gmail. In addition, to the design overhaul and new features, you still have the basic personalization settings, including the ability to change the theme and color mode.
The theme feature for the new Outlook app includes a wide variety of themes, including the “Neutral” theme that enables a design with the mica material that matches the design style of Windows 11. The “Outlook” theme applies a color scheme that brings back the classic blue color to the email client. In addition, you can also choose from more than 50 different themes as the web version of the app.
This guide will teach you the steps to change the theme for the new Outlook app on Windows 11.
Change themes for new Outlook on Windows 11
To change the new Outlook app theme to mica or classic blue, use these steps:
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Open new Outlook app on Windows 11.
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Click on Settings (gear button from top-right).
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Click on General.
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Click the Appearance tab.
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Under the “Modern themes” section, choose the “Neutral” or “Mountain” theme to use the mica scheme that matches the Windows 11 design.
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Under the “Classic themes” section, select one of the many available themes.
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(Optional) Choose the “Outlook” theme to use the blue color scheme found in the classic Outlook app.
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(Optional) Under the “Dark mode” section, choose the color mode, including “Light,” “Dark,” or “Use system settings.”
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Click the Save button.
Once you complete the steps, the Outlook app will apply the selected theme. If you choose the “Neutral” option, you will have a design that matches the style of Windows 11 with the mica element that shines through the colors from the desktop wallpaper through the semitransparent material. If you select the “Outlook” option, a blue color scheme will apply similarly to the design found in the classic version of the app.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].