Microsoft admits classic Outlook for Windows has a massive resource usage problem

Summary

Users of classic Outlook for Windows have reported high CPU usage since last year, with Microsoft acknowledging the issue recently. The problem primarily occurs when composing emails after updating to Version 2406 Build 17726.20126+ on certain channels. Microsoft is working on a fix but suggests users switch to the Semi Annual Channel as a temporary workaround, which can be done via registry commands or using the Office deployment tool.

Additional Summaries

Microsoft admits that its classic Outlook for Windows has become a major resource drain, with users reporting high CPU usage since last year. The company is urging users to switch to the updated app, but critics suspect this issue may be designed to push the upgrade. As a workaround, Microsoft suggests switching to the Semi-Annual Channel, though it hasn’t yet abandoned the classic version entirely.

"Outlook Classic users are facing a major performance hit, with high CPU usage during email composition, prompting Microsoft to acknowledge complaints and work on fixes. The issue may arise after updates like Build 17726.20126 and could be linked to increased power consumption. For immediate relief, users can switch to the Semi Annual Channel via the Office deployment tool or registry settings."

Microsoft has acknowledged that its classic Outlook for Windows is causing high CPU usage and email composing issues, prompting users to switch to the updated version. While the classic client isn't being abandoned entirely, it will receive necessary fixes soon, with some users advised to try the Semi Annual Channel as a temporary workaround using specific registry settings or tools.

Users of classic Outlook for Windows have been complaining since last year that Microsoft's email client has turned into a massive resource hog. Microsoft is eager for everyone to move away from the classic version of Outlook to the newly updated edition of the app, and there have been suspicions voiced that high CPU usage is an underhand tactic to encourage the move. But having acknowledged the problem, Microsoft says that it is working to come up with a fix. See also:The writing has been on the wall for classic Outlook for some time, and its days are certainly numbered -- but Microsoft has not yet completely abandoned it. Paste the command below and press Enter:reg add HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\office\16.0\common\officeupdate /v updatebranch /t REG_SZ /d SemiAnnual After you add the registry key, select File > Office Account > Update Options > Update Now to initiate the switch to Semi Annual Channel.

Additional Summaries