Microsoft Investigating High CPU Usage In Classic Outlook

Introduction
Microsoft has acknowledged a significant performance issue with its Classic Outlook application that leads to unexpected CPU usage spikes. This acknowledgment follows a series of user reports indicating that Classic Outlook can consume between 30-50% of system resources, particularly on Windows 10 and 11.

Key Details Section

Who: Microsoft Corporation
What: The Classic Outlook application has been confirmed to have serious CPU usage issues, resulting in elevated power consumption during use.
When: Users first reported these issues back in November 2024, with recent confirmation from Microsoft.
Where: The problems affect users globally on Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.
Why: Microsoft is actively investigating the root causes but has yet to provide a concrete solution, which may accelerate user migration to the New Outlook application.
How: Users can observe the CPU spikes via Task Manager. Currently, a workaround involves switching to the Semi-Annual Channel update, although this requires administrative registry access—an unwelcome move for many enterprises.

Why It Matters
This issue presents several implications for IT professionals:

Infrastructure Impact: High CPU usage can significantly degrade system performance—critical for environments relying on Outlook for daily operations.
Migration Consideration: Organizations may need to speed up their transition to the New Outlook, even though it lacks some features of the legacy version.
Resource Allocation: IT departments will need to analyze current system performance and consider adjustments in power and resource management to counteract the increased load from Classic Outlook.

Takeaway
IT managers and system administrators should monitor systems for CPU spikes related to Classic Outlook and evaluate the possible shift towards the New Outlook application. Proactive planning and user training in migrating to updated software can help mitigate disruptions and improve overall performance.

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meenakande

Hey there! I’m a proud mom to a wonderful son, a coffee enthusiast ☕, and a cheerful techie who loves turning complex ideas into practical solutions. With 14 years in IT infrastructure, I specialize in VMware, Veeam, Cohesity, NetApp, VAST Data, Dell EMC, Linux, and Windows. I’m also passionate about automation using Ansible, Bash, and PowerShell. At Trendinfra, I write about the infrastructure behind AI — exploring what it really takes to support modern AI use cases. I believe in keeping things simple, useful, and just a little fun along the way