Observed Signal · Jun 15, 2026 · Technical Issue · Source: t3n · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Microsoft's new Outlook app shows notification delays
Microsoft's new Outlook for Windows, a Web-based app that is intended to replace the older 'Outlook Classic', is reporting slower load times and higher resource usage. Tests cited by t3n (via Windows Latest) show the classic native app starts and loads mail in about three seconds, while the new Web variant takes roughly four seconds on cold start and about ten seconds to open a message when launched via a notification. The Web-based client also consumed substantially more RAM (>600 MB) and CPU (~4%) in tests versus Outlook Classic (≈150 MB RAM, <1% CPU). As a workaround, users can avoid clicking the notification and instead open the app directly to access new mail faster.
Product performance issue affecting Microsoft Outlook users and email client experience; limited direct impact on the broader AdTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Microsoft offers two Outlook versions for Windows: 'Outlook Classic' (native) and the 'new Outlook' (Web-based).
- Outlook Classic starts and loads mail in approximately 3 seconds; the new Outlook cold-starts in about 4 seconds.
- When opening a message via notification, the new Outlook can take about 10 seconds to show the mail versus ~3 seconds for Classic.
- Tests report Outlook Classic used up to ~150 MB RAM and <1% CPU, while the new Outlook consumed >600 MB RAM and about 4% CPU.
- Workaround: do not click the notification; open the Outlook application normally to access new mail faster.
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