If you're using Microsoft's Outlook Lite, you'll need to find an alternative soon. The technology giant revealed on September 5 that the email application will shut down on October 6, 2025, which is only four weeks away.
From that date, you won't be able to download the app anymore.
However, if you already have it installed, you'll still have access for several months while the company gradually phases out the service.
If you're not familiar, Outlook Lite is a streamlined version of the full Outlook app, designed for faster performance on low-end Android devices and in areas with slow internet. It uses less storage, memory, and data, while still supporting core features like email, calendar, and contacts. In contrast, the full Outlook app offers a richer experience with more advanced features, integrations, and customisation options.
Outlook Lite is a streamlined version of the full Outlook app, designed for faster performance on low-end Android devices and in areas with slow internet
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The announcement came through Microsoft's administrative messaging system. This marks the end of a three-year run for the lighter version, which launched in July 2022 as a resource-friendly option for mobile devices.
When you first downloaded Outlook Lite in 2022, it occupied just 5MB of your device's storage. That's remarkably small compared to most email applications. The app has grown slightly over time, now requiring 7.5MB of space.
Many may be surprised by the announcement, too, since it seemed to be a successful venture for the company. The application reached five million downloads by November 2023, then doubled that figure to ten million by August 2024.
Despite these impressive download numbers, Microsoft has decided to move in another direction.
To switch from Outlook Lite ahead of its discontinuation, Microsoft has provided clear instructions. For instance, you'll see a notification banner at the top within your current app that says "Install Microsoft Outlook" - simply tap this to begin the transition.
Alternatively, you can visit the Google Play Store directly and search for "Microsoft Outlook" to download the full application. Once you've installed it, you'll use your existing login details to access your emails, calendar entries and files.
The closure of Outlook Lite might be connected to the company's aggressive push to integrate artificial intelligence across all its products
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Microsoft emphasises that you'll enjoy "a secure and feature-rich email experience" with the standard Outlook Mobile app. This fuller version includes capabilities that weren't available in the lightweight edition you've been using.
While Microsoft hasn't officially explained why you're losing access to Outlook Lite, industry observers have their theories. The closure might connect to the company's aggressive push to integrate artificial intelligence across all its products.
For instance, you may have noticed how Microsoft has been adding its Copilot AI assistant to numerous applications recently. The lightweight nature of Outlook Lite means it can't support these advanced AI features that Microsoft considers essential for its future direction.
Some technology commentators suggest this decision reflects Microsoft's broader strategy of consolidating its product range whilst prioritising AI integration over lightweight alternatives.
The company may also want to concentrate its development efforts on the main Outlook Mobile application for Android devices, rather than maintaining multiple versions.