Microsoft killing lightweight version of Outlook app as it will block installs soon

Back in July 2022, Microsoft started working on Outlook "Lite", and as the name suggests, it was a lightweight version of the mobile Outlook app. When it first launched a month later, the app was indeed light as it weighed in at just 5 MB (right now it's at ~7.5 MB). This "small app size" meant that the application promised "fast performance, low battery usage, and operation across all networks."

Following the launch, Outlook Lite has been quite a success for the company as it saw over five million downloads by the end of November 2023, and that number doubled in less than a year by August 2024.

Sadly for those who enjoy using the app, Microsoft has announced that it is retiring Outlook Lite. This is the third such recent depreciation announcement made by the company following ones for Microsoft Editor browser add-on and Microsoft Lens.

The process of removal starts next month October 6 2025. The company notes that "after this date, new installations will be blocked," though "existing users can continue using the app for a limited time before full retirement."

Microsoft instead recommends that users switch over to the Outlook Mobile app from Outlook Lite. It explains how to do so in steps:

To continue enjoying a secure and feature-rich email experience, we recommend switching to Outlook Mobile. Here's how to get started:

 

1. Within the notification section in your Outlook Lite app, select the Install Microsoft Outlook banner.
2. Or open the Google Play Store.
3. Search for Microsoft Outlook.
4. Download and install the app.
5. Log in with existing credentials to access email, calendar, and files.

This will be done automatically with no admin action required. For those who have access to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center portal can view the message under ID MC1148534.

Source

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Posted Sunday 7 September 2025 at 2:20 pm AEST (my time).

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