Outlook Mac vs. Outlook Windows - Everything You Need to Know

Whether you’re switching platforms, using both Mac and PC or just curious about what’s different, it’s important to know that Microsoft Outlook isn’t quite the same across macOS and Windows. While both versions offer a robust email, calendar, and task management experience, there are key differences that might impact how you work.

In this guide, we’ll compare Outlook for Mac vs. Outlook for Windows, diving into their complete information. Read this article completely to know everything you need.

Difference Between: Mac Outlook & Windows Outlook

To differentiate Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows, we highlighted the differences based on features, functionality, and many others. So, let’s go through them one by one:

=> Support for Exchange Server

Windows Outlook and Mac Outlook support MS Exchange Server. However, there are some differences mentioned below in a table:

• Communicate with Exchange: In Windows Outlook, you can communicate with Exchange using MAPI. While Mac Outlook allows you to communicate with Exchange using Exchange Web Services.
• Server Distribution List: Outlook for Windows manages SDL. On the other hand, Mac Outlook SDL does not manage.
• Categories sync: Categories are not synchronized by Windows Outlook. However, Mac Outlook syncs categories except for the Master category. This is one of the most important factors you can consider when comparing Mac Outlook vs Windows Outlook.
• Synchronization of contact images: In Windows Outlook, no synchronization of contact images is available. Mac Outlook allows synchronization of contact images and S/MIME certificates.
• Storage/match: It can be used by a user in Windows Outlook, while in Mac Outlook, it cannot be used by a user.
• Support for 32-bit/64-bit: The second big difference between Mac Outlook and Windows Outlook is support for 32 or 64-bit. However, the outlook for Windows provides support for both 32-bit and 64-bit. Mac Outlook does not support 64-bit applications.

=> Emails Functionalities

Outlook for Mac and Windows both include built-in email functions. Nevertheless, there are minor differences between both in some aspects when it comes to Mac Outlook vs Windows Outlook.

• Outlook forms: Outlook Windows supports forms as well, while Mac Outlook does not.
• The Outlook voting button: Outlook for Windows supports the Outlook voting button. On the other hand, Mac Outlook does not provide support for the voice button.
• Outlook reciprocating: Supported by Windows Outlook and Mac Outlook does not support it.
• Clean up and ignore action: Windows Outlook makes it possible to clean up and ignore action while Mac Outlook does not.
• Message Evaluation: In Windows Outlook messages, recall functionality is provided, but in Mac Outlook it is not supported.

=> Calendars

Some calendar features can be implemented individually in Windows Outlook and Mac Outlook. There are significant differences between Mac Outlook and Windows Outlook based on calendar features:

• Connection with external calendar: Windows Outlook is capable of sharing external calendar information. However, Mac Outlook does not share external calendar information.
• Overley: A new group in Outlook for Windows can see several calendars vertically through the schedule view. The Mac Outlook provides many ideas except the side-by-side scene.

Interface & User-Interface

=> Mac Outlook

The Outlook for Mac have a modern, minimalist interface that matches well with the general MacOS design language. The simplified ribbon keeps the interface clean and less messy, ideal for users who prefer a more focused work area. It also integrates seamlessly with MacOS Dark mode, and automatically adapts to system-wide appearance settings.

=> Windows Outlook

On the other hand, Outlook for Windows offers a functional and customizable interface. The classic band allows users to access a wide range of tools and settings directly, making it a better choice for those who need quick access to advanced features. Although it also supports dark mode, the theme settings are separated from the Windows OS viewer.

Customization & Extensibility

• The Outlook for Windows supports deep customization, from tape layout to automation tools and additions.
• Outlook for Mac offers fewer options, focusing on a standardized, easy experience.

If you trust macros, VBA script or third-party plugins, Windows is the selected platform.

How to Shift Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook: - Expert Solution

After comparing Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows, most users have understood why Windows is better than Mac when it comes to the Outlook application. Therefore, you can probably look forward to switching from Mac to Windows Outlook. You can use an expert program like Softaken OLM to PST Converter Software. This professional tool exports effortless Outlook Mac data to Windows Outlook PST format using this tool with a few clicks. Emails, tasks, calendars and other Mac Outlook data elements can be converted to PST format using the software. The original structure of the data is also preserved while converting Mac Outlook OLM files to Windows Outlook PST format.

Conclusion

Outlook is a powerful tool on both platforms, but the experience can be quite different. Windows users enjoy a more robust, customizable, and feature-rich client, while Mac users benefit from a streamlined, design-focused application that integrates well with macOS.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the right platform, or be better prepared when switching between the two. We explained everything you need to know and also mentioned a professional solution to shift from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook.

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