Microsoft is making significant changes to its Outlook services to enhance security for its customers. In a recent announcement, the tech giant revealed that it will be retiring Basic Auth in favor of Modern Auth in Outlook on September 16, 2024. This move is aimed at improving the security of user accounts by requiring additional verification methods beyond just usernames and passwords.
Last year, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Windows Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 11. The company rolled out a new Outlook app for Windows in September 2023 and automatically upgraded the Mail app to this version in March 2024. Now, Microsoft is taking further steps to secure Outlook for its users.
With millions of customers using the new Outlook for Windows app, Microsoft has decided to retire legacy versions of Outlook, including Windows Mail and Calendar apps. These apps will no longer be supported through the Microsoft Store after 2024. Users are encouraged to switch to the new Outlook for Windows, which offers enhanced security features and improved functionality.
In addition to retiring legacy apps, Microsoft is also discontinuing the light web version of Outlook for older browsers. Starting on August 19, 2024, users will need to use updated browsers such as Edge 79, Chrome 79, Firefox 78, Safari 16, or Opera 76 to access Outlook on the web. Furthermore, users who rely on Gmail within Outlook on the web will need to switch to Outlook for Windows or Mac by June 30, 2024, to maintain the same functionality.
Additionally, services dependent on Cortana will no longer be supported after June 30, 2024. This change comes as Cortana has seen a decline in usage over the past year, making it necessary for Microsoft to phase out support for the voice assistant.
Overall, these changes are part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance security and improve the user experience for Outlook customers. By upgrading to the latest versions of Outlook and using supported browsers, users can ensure seamless access to their email and calendar services while maintaining a high level of security.