• Outlook User
  • New Outlook app
  • Outlook.com
  • Outlook Mac
  • Outlook & iCloud
  • Developer
  • Microsoft 365 Admin
    • Common Problems
    • Microsoft 365
    • Outlook BCM
    • Utilities & Addins

Features removed from Outlook 2013

Slipstick Systems

› Outlook › Outlook 2013 › Features removed from Outlook 2013

Last reviewed on May 1, 2019     32 Comments

Applies to: Outlook 2013

Below is a list of features removed or drastically changed in Outlook 2013. Some features, like Suggested Contacts, were disliked by a large number of users, others, like the To-Do Bar and Windows Search, were replaced by a less functional feature (Pinned Peeks) or removed completely.

For more information on features in Outlook 2013, see What you need to know about Outlook 2013 and My Favorite Outlook 2013 Features

FeatureComments
/Cleanfreebusy switch and codeUsers can no longer start Outlook using the /cleanfreebusy switch and will receive this error message if they try to use the switch: "Cannot start Microsoft Outlook. The command line argument is not valid. Verify the switch you are using."
This switch was used to remove free/busy data from the Public Folder Free/Busy, which is no longer supported in Outlook 2013. (This is one of many reasons why Outlook 2013 won't work with Exchange 2003.
Activities tabThe Activities tab was replaced by the Outlook Social Connector and displays in the People pane. Contact Activities functionality was reduced in Outlook 2010.
AutoPreview unread messagesAutoPreview (3 line preview) was removed and replaced by Message Preview, which allows you to display one, two, or three lines in the message list. Look for the Message Preview button on the ribbon.
Calendar Publishing to Office.comIt's no longer possible to publish calendars to Office.com. You can publish calendars to other Web-DAV servers. Exchange Server users can use Exchange Calendar Publishing, while other users can use a service such as Hotmail or other Web-DAV servers to share calendars.
Color categories "quick click"Categories quick click button in the Compact message list was removed. Color categories are displayed in message list, next to the flag quick click, but you need to apply the categories using keyboard shortcuts, the Category command on the ribbon, or by right-clicking on the message. If you use the single line message list (common with the reading pane turned off or positioned on the bottom) the click click is available. Why was it removed from the Compact list? According to their data, it was used by less than 1% of users. (I'm shocked it was that low.)
Contact LinkingThe ability to link Outlook items to Outlook contacts using the Contacts button on a form or Options dialog was removed. Contact linking was used only to display information in the Contact's Activities tab, which was removed also.
Use the Outlook Social Connector and the New Person Card instead. See Show Contact Linking fields in Outlook 2013 to enable the showcontactfieldobsolete registry value using Group Policy.
Deliver Exchange mailboxes to PSTThe ability to have Exchange accounts delivered to PST files was removed. Users will need to use Rules to move mail from an Exchange mailbox to a PST. Why was this changed? Because delivering mail to a PST breaks Exchange mailbox functionality.
Dialup/VPN OptionsApplication level dial-up and VPN options were removed as these are available as part of the operating system. Outlook uses the Internet (or VPN) connection the computer is using.
Direct BookingDirect booking of calendar resources is not supported. Use the Exchange Availability service and free/busy for resource calendars. Resource mailboxes provide a better range of features and simplify resource mailbox management with server-side administration.
Exchange "offline" modeOffline mode is a legacy method for offline connections to Exchange Server. It was removed from Outlook 2013. Use Cached mode instead.
IMAP Sent and Delete user configurationThe ability to select a Sent or Deleted item folder in IMAP accounts (added in Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2010) was removed from Outlook 2013. Instead, Outlook 2013 uses XLIST command to ask the IMAP server which folders to use. If an IMAP server doesn't support XLIST, Outlook puts sent and received items in the local data file. Use a rule or VBA to move items.
Import/Export to other file formatsImport/export of Outlook data to legacy file formats was removed from Outlook 2013. You are limited to using CSV or Outlook data file (pst).

The following legacy formats were removed from the Import/Export Wizard:
Internet Mail Account SettingsInternet Mail and Addresses
Outlook Express/Windows MailPersonal Address Book
Excel 97-2003Tab Separated Values (Windows)
Access 97-2003Tab Separated Values (DOS)
ACT! Contact ManagerComma Separated Values (DOS)
Lotus Organizer
JournalThe Journal was removed as a top-level module. This includes auto-journaling of Outlook items and Office documents. The Journal folder is available and you can create new journal items but the functionality is severely reduced. See Making the Journal work in Outlook 2013 for tips if you are still using the journal.
Meeting WorkspacesThe Meeting workspaces feature is not available in Outlook 2013. The command was removed from both the Quick Access Toolbar and the Ribbon. Why was it removed? Very few people used it.
Notes customizationNotes are available only in yellow color and the medium size. Notes can be resized on the screen and will retain that size; only the default note size is affected. As in previous versions, applying a color category to a note changes the note color, only the default colors of pink, green, blue etc were removed.
Outlook Links CollectionGone is the Links Collection object model and functionality was removed from the user interface.
Outlook Mobile Service (OMS)Support for the Outlook Mobile Service protocol, which is used for sending and receiving text messages from Outlook, was removed due to low usage.
Public Folder Free/BusyPublic Folder Free/Busy feature was replaced by the Exchange availability service. See Understanding the Availability Service for more information. This is one reason why Outlook 2013 does not work with Exchange 2003.
Search through Windows ShellIn Office 2013, Outlook items do not display in Windows searches (for example, searches from the Start Menu or Windows Explorer). You need to search within Outlook 2013. See Searching for Outlook items in Windows 8 for more information.
Suggested ContactsSuggested Contacts was introduced in Outlook 2010 to automatically keep track of everyone the user sends a message to, but who isn’t already in Outlook contacts.
In a clean Outlook 2013 installation, Suggested Contacts is no longer available, the folder is not created, and no suggested contact items are created. In an upgrade to Outlook 2013, this folder is visible, however no new suggested contact items are added to the folder and it can be deleted.
ToDo BarThe To-Do Bar was replaced by Pinned Peeks. No, it's not quite the same and has less functionality. Using the Calendar Peek in Outlook 2013
User Datagram Protocol (UDP)The UDP functionality that was provided by UDP is replaced with an asynchronous notification method. In earlier versions of Outlook the feature was used for new mail alert results and for folder updates.

More Information

Outlook features we loved (or hated) that lasted just two versions
Outlook 2013 deprecated features and components
What's new in Outlook 2013 (TechNet)
Changes in Office 2013 (TechNet)

Features removed from Outlook 2013 was last modified: May 1st, 2019 by Diane Poremsky

Related Posts:

  • Outlook features we loved (or hated) that lasted just two versions
  • Outlook Contacts, Address Book, and Autocomplete
  • Automatically Add Addresses to Outlook Contacts
  • What's New in Exchange 2013

About Diane Poremsky

A Microsoft Outlook Most Valuable Professional (MVP) since 1999, Diane is the author of several books, including Outlook 2013 Absolute Beginners Book. She also created video training CDs and online training classes for Microsoft Outlook. You can find her helping people online in Outlook Forums as well as in the Microsoft Answers and TechNet forums.

Subscribe
Notify of
32 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

spencer roane (@guest_207995)
August 2, 2017 3:32 pm
#207995

Here's a workaround for the "Preview only unread msgs." removed from the new Outlook: Originally posted by AYColumbia, then modified: • In Outlook 2013, click “Folder” | “New Search Folder” • At the bottom, select Outlook file beside “Search mail in:” • Under “Custom”, click “Create a custom Search Folder” • Click “Chooseâ€Ĥ” To specify criteria • Name the folder, eg “Inbox-unread only” • Click “Criteriaâ€Ĥ” • Click “More Choices” tab • Check box “Only items that are: unread” • Click “OK” • Click “Browseâ€Ĥ” • Select “Inbox” • Click “OK”, “OK”, “OK” – will build new folder • Click View | Message Preview | 3 Lines | This folder • Right click new folder under “Search Folders” • Click “Show in Favorites” • Can drag up (I have Inbox in Favorites too) You can change/add search criteria by right clicking the new folder, then “Customize This Search Folderâ€Ĥ”. I find Received last month or this month under Advanced search criteria helpful. When you open & close a msg. in this new folder, the msg. will remain in the folder until you open another folder. To differentiate Read vs. Unread msgs. in this new folder, use Conditional Formatting to assign… Read more Âğ

0
0
Reply
spencer (@guest_204308)
February 5, 2017 5:30 pm
#204308

Removing autopreview of unread msgs. was dumb! The replacement isn't functional.

0
0
Reply
Carolyn (@guest_183975)
June 13, 2014 1:25 pm
#183975

Diane,
I have Outlook 2013 with IMAP. I am setting up Contacts for the first time. I'd like to Categorize them, but there is no Category choice on the Tags menu, as referred to on the help screen.

0
0
Reply
Diane Poremsky (@guest_184006)
Reply to  Carolyn
June 14, 2014 11:58 pm
#184006

It's a limitation of IMAP accounts. You should move the contacts to a local pst file (as much for safe keeping as anything) See https://www.slipstick.com/outlook/2013/imap-accounts-outlook-2013/ for more information. see https://www.slipstick.com/outlook/outlook-categories-flags-and-imap-accounts/ for possible solutions if you want to keep the contacts in the imap folders.

0
0
Reply
Sunny (@guest_183827)
June 6, 2014 7:37 am
#183827

Is there no way to scroll through search results while in the Contacts folder and be able to see the "Notes" field for a contact, as your click on each individual search result?

0
0
Reply
Diane Poremsky (@guest_183840)
Reply to  Sunny
June 7, 2014 12:55 am
#183840

Which view are you using? You can view notes in People View - click the Notes link on the card in the reading pane. You can add the notes field to the list view and see the first 250 characters (max).

0
0
Reply
Deborah DeWig (@guest_183171)
April 28, 2014 5:25 pm
#183171

I am sooooo disappointed! I found the autopreview on unread messages to be extremely helpful! I can't believe this was removed!

1
0
Reply
Justin Grant (@guest_203267)
Reply to  Deborah DeWig
December 6, 2016 6:19 pm
#203267

Deborah - yep, loss of the Auto-Preview for Unread Only feature is frustrating. If you want it back, you can vote for it on the Microsoft Outlook suggestion site!

0
0
Reply
Angie Castillo (@guest_182746)
March 27, 2014 7:16 pm
#182746

Hey Diane, thanks for listing these out. Every time Outlook changes I have to dig around to find the changes. I was using OMS in Outlook 2010 to send text messages (and I still think it's odd that Microsoft left the little gray box in the corner). It took me awhile to find a third-party that still sends text messages from Outlook. For anyone else that needs it, here's a link to Office SMS: https://redoxygen.com/outlook-mobile-2013/

0
0
Reply
Dan Hotchkiss (@guest_178066)
July 8, 2013 10:57 am
#178066

I set up an account in Outlook following your instructions and got new errors:

Log onto incoming mail server (IMAP): A secure connection to the server cannot be established.
Send test e-mail message: Your server does not support the connection encryption type you have specified. Try changing the encryption method. Contact your mail server administrator or Internet service provider (ISP) for additional assistance.

My CPanel instructions say to use box603.bluehost.com for both in and out while using SSL. When I do that but turn SSL off, it works.

Any further thoughts gratefully received!

Dan

0
0
Reply
Abey (@guest_178065)
July 8, 2013 10:46 am
#178065

Hi Diane, I had Outlook 2010 & Lync on my PC. When creating a new email, I could see who of my contacts was online. I have new installed Outlook 2013 with Lync, but cannot fin this feature on Outlook 2013. Do you perhaps know where it is "hidden"? Thanks

0
0
Reply
Diane Poremsky (@guest_178070)
Reply to  Abey
July 8, 2013 12:47 pm
#178070

There should be a little dot or bar beside the persons name if show presence is enabled. File, Options, People - check the last option on the page.

0
0
Reply

Visit Slipstick Forums.
What's New at Slipstick.com

Latest EMO: Vol. 28 Issue 27

Support Services

Do you need help setting up Outlook, moving your email to a new computer, migrating or configuring Office 365, or just need some one-on-one assistance?

Subscribe to Exchange Messaging Outlook






Our Sponsors

CompanionLink
ReliefJet
  • Popular
  • Latest
  • Week Month All
  • How to Remove the Primary Account from Outlook
  • Adjusting Outlook's Zoom Setting in Email
  • Move an Outlook Personal Folders .pst File
  • Save Sent Items in Shared Mailbox Sent Items folder
  • Remove a password from an Outlook *.pst File
  • Outlook Auto Account Setup: Encrypted Connection not available
  • This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions
  • Create rules that apply to an entire domain
  • Use PowerShell to get a list of Distribution Group members
  • Outlook SecureTemp Files Folder
  • How to Block Foreign Spam
  • Automatically Open New Outlook when Windows boots
  • Block External Content in New Outlook
  • Save Messages in New Outlook
  • Send Individual Messages when Sending Bulk Email
  • Centrally managed signatures in Office 365?
  • Create a rule to delete spam with no sender address
  • Open Outlook Folders using PowerShell or VBScript
  • Cannot add Recipients in To, CC, BCC fields on MacOS
  • Change Appointment Reminder Sounds
Ajax spinner

Newest Code Samples

Delete Old Calendar Events using VBA

Use PowerShell or VBA to get Outlook folder creation date

Rename Outlook Attachments

Format Images in Outlook Email

Set Outlook Online or Offline using VBScript or PowerShell

List snoozed reminders and snooze-times

Search your Contacts using PowerShell

Filter mail when you are not the only recipient

Add Contact Information to a Task

Process Mail that was Auto Forwarded by a Rule

Recent Bugs List

Microsoft keeps a running list of issues affecting recently released updates at Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Outlook for Windows.

Outlook for Mac Recent issues: Fixes or workarounds for recent issues in Outlook for Mac

Office Update History

Update history for supported Office versions is at Update history for Office

Outlook Suggestions and Feedback

Outlook Feedback covers Outlook as an email client, including Outlook Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows clients, as well as the browser extension (PWA) and Outlook on the web.

Use Outlook.com Feedback for suggestions or feedback about Outlook.com accounts.

Other Microsoft 365 applications and services




Windows 10 Issues

  • iCloud, Outlook 2016, and Windows 10
  • Outlook Links Won’t Open In Windows 10
  • Outlook can’t send mail in Windows 10: error Ox800CCC13
  • Missing Outlook data files after upgrading Windows?

Outlook Top Issues

  • The Windows Store Outlook App
  • The Signature or Stationery and Fonts button doesn’t work
  • Outlook’s New Account Setup Wizard
  • Outlook 2016: No BCM
  • Exchange Account Set-up Missing in Outlook 2016

Repair PST

Convert an OST to PST

Repair damaged PST file

Repair large PST File

Remove password from PST

Merge Two Data Files

Sync & Share Outlook Data

  • Share Calendar & Contacts
  • Synchronize two computers
  • Sync Calendar and Contacts Using Outlook.com
  • Sync Outlook & Android Devices
  • Sync Google Calendar with Outlook
  • Access Folders in Other Users Mailboxes

Contact Tools

Data Entry and Updating

Duplicate Checkers

Phone Number Updates

Contact Management Tools

Diane Poremsky [Outlook MVP]

Make a donation

Mail Tools

Sending and Retrieval Tools

Mass Mail Tools

Compose Tools

Duplicate Remover Tools

Mail Tools for Outlook

Online Services

Calendar Tools

Schedule Management

Calendar Printing Tools

Calendar Reminder Tools

Calendar Dates & Data

Time and Billing Tools

Meeting Productivity Tools

Duplicate Remover Tools

Productivity

Productivity Tools

Automatic Message Processing Tools

Special Function Automatic Processing Tools

Housekeeping and Message Management

Task Tools

Project and Business Management Tools

Choosing the Folder to Save a Sent Message In

Run Rules on messages after reading

Help & Suggestions

Submit Outlook Feature Requests

Slipstick Support Services

Buy Microsoft 365 Office Software and Services

Visit Slipstick Forums.

What's New at Slipstick.com

Home | Outlook User | Exchange Administrator | Office 365 | Outlook.com | Outlook Developer
Outlook for Mac | Common Problems | Utilities & Addins | Tutorials
Outlook & iCloud Issues | Outlook Apps
EMO Archives | About Slipstick | Slipstick Forums
Submit New or Updated Outlook and Exchange Server Utilities

Send comments using our Feedback page
Copyright © 2023 Slipstick Systems. All rights reserved.
Slipstick Systems is not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.

wpDiscuz

Sign up for Exchange Messaging Outlook

Our weekly Outlook & Exchange newsletter (bi-weekly during the summer)






Please note: If you subscribed to Exchange Messaging Outlook before August 2019, please re-subscribe.

Never see this message again.

You are going to send email to

Move Comment