1. No New Outlook
Update December 7, 2024: After further field research, I have found that not all Outlook configurations have the switch buried in Options → General. I apologize for any confusion.
Microsoft is once again switching users to the New Outlook without warning or prior permission. If this is something that you do not want to happen, it is possible to disable that switch from occurring. That control is well hidden, but not that difficult to find. Follow the short tutorial below.
Most Outlook users now have their Outlook data file stored on a separate server either through an Exchange server or an IMAP server. Then Outlook and its data file are accessed through the Internet connection. So the data file is not saved to the local machine; thus reverting back to what Microsoft calls "Outlook Classic" should not cause any loss of data. If for some reason your email configuration is the older POP3 configuration, and then the Outlook data file is stored on the local PC. It would, therefore, be prudent to backup the Outlook data file before proceeding.
| If New Outlook now loads when you start Outlook, then use the toggle to revert back to Outlook Classic. The toggle is a very small switch in the far upper right hand corner of the main Outlook screen. If the toggle is in the right position, then New Outlook is turned on, and will be labeled as such. If that is the case, slide the toggle to the left to turn New Outlook off. New Outlook will close and Outlook Classic will start. If the toggle is already at the left and off position, then Outlook Classic is loaded. So do nothing more with the toggle. |
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| Now that New Outlook has closed and Outlook Classic has opened, it is a simple step to prevent New Outlook from taking over once again. With Outlook Classic open, click File from the main toolbar. When you click File, a menu will open on the left pane of the Outlook Screen. Scroll down and Click Options. |
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From the Options screen, click General.
On the General screen, scroll all the way down to the end.
The very last entry on the Options → General screen is the option to control New Outlook from staring. The checkbox is probably checked on by default. To stop New Outlook from randomly and automatically starting up instead of Outlook Classic, click the checkbox off as shown below. |
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| Next, you can uninstall New Outlook.
Since I don't have New Outlook installed, I can only offer text
instructions. 1. Click the Start button (Windows logo) at the bottom-left corner of your screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard. 2. In the Start menu, click on "All Apps" in the upper-right corner. 3. Scroll through the list of apps until you see Outlook (New). Below that you will see Outlook Classic. 4. Right-click on the Outlook (New) icon. 5. From the context menu that appears, select "Uninstall". |
Of course, since Microsoft installed New Outlook without warning or permission, and then MS made New Outlook the default also without warning or permission, there is no way to know if MS will try it again. At least, now you know what to do about that.
2. Windows 11 24h2 Is Breaking Scanner Functionality.
As was first reported by BleepingComputer, November 25, 2024, the Windows 11 24h2 upgrade is making scanners based on the newest interface technology undiscoverable by WIN11. Undiscoverable means WIN11 effectively has no scanner installed. Scanners that support the eSCL eScanner Communication Language protocol may not be recognized after installing WIN 11 24h2.
Accordingly, Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and has temporarily blocked the 24H2 upgrade for devices using eSCL protocol devices. Unfortunately, there's no patch available yet, and no fix has yet to be announced. For now, the only workaround is to uninstall the update and roll back to an older version of Windows 11.
Depending on how long ago the WIn 11 24h2 upgrade was installed, roiling back may not be an option. Also, rolling back the OS to an earlier version requires technical expertise many users may not have. So, if you have installed WIN 1124h2, and your scanner has stopped working here are your options:
1. Wait for the fix to be made available.
2. Try
to rollback the Windows 11 24h2 update. If you are not sure how to do
this, seek professional help.
3. Perform a clean reinstallation
of an older version fo Windows 11. If you are not sure how to do this,
seek professional help.
It goes without saying that before you attempt Options 2 or 3, BACKUP ALL YOUR FILES!
Gerald Reiff
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