Compare Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac

Developed by two different organizations, there are obviously some major differences between Windows and Mac OS. Although both Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac have been developed by Microsoft, they have different functionalities for Mac and Windows. Both applications are OS-based and have certain similar features that they offer together, but there are a few features that you can find only in Outlook for Windows and vice versa.

MS Outlook is one of the most used email applications among businesses and individuals. It is feature-rich, has a fantastic performance, and offers a versatile environment. This blog post will help you to know the differences between the two.

Comparing Windows Outlook and Mac Outlook – Functionality

To compare Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac, we highlighted the differences based on functionalities. So, let’s go through them one by one:

Email: Outlook as an email client, offers various functionalities. Both Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac provide the fundamental emailing functionality. For example, you get the add-ins in both Windows and Mac Outlook versions. Along with this, you also get to use “Advanced Search”, “Digital Signature”, “Message Encryption”, “Multiple account integration in one inbox” in both. Even though both can import PST files, Outlook for Mac does not support exporting the Outlook Data File (.pst). Also, only Mac users can use the “unified inbox” function, which means if you have more than one email account, you can unify the accounts into one and simplify your work.

Features Available Only in MS Outlook for Windows

• Creating Tables
• Filter Synchronization
• Folder Auto-Archiving
• Sending Message Defaults
• Set Up Folder Retention Policy
• Save as TXT and HTML Formats
• Customizing Folder Order
• Attaching online images
• Sending Email to Distribution List
• Option to Show/Hide Message Header

Some Similar Email Functions in Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows

• Flagged Items
• Follow up Flagging
• Creating Email Templates
• Rich text editing
• AutoCorrect and Thesaurus
• Automatic Reply
• Multiple Replying Options
• Preview Email Attachments on Computer
• Contact Search

Contacts: There isn’t much of a difference between Outlook 2016 Mac and Outlook 2016 Windows when it comes to saving & managing Contacts. “Receive Lync presence information”, “Offline Address Book (OAB)”, “advanced search”, and “get integrated with Skype with Business” are available for both Outlook for Windows & Mac. However, Mac users cannot use features, such as “Contact groups syncing with Exchange” and “Management of Exchange Server distribution lists.”

Calendar: Calendar is a useful feature for all Outlook users. Some features like “Display week numbers”, “Side-by-side calendars”, “Propose new time”, “Advanced search” are available in both Windows Outlook and Mac Outlook. Also, you can use the features like “creating online meeting using Skype for Business or Lync.” However, as a Mac Outlook user, you cannot use “SharePoint calendars and lists” and share information like “contacts,” “calendar,” and “availability” with external users.”

You may also read: https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/convert-outlook-for-mac-olm-emails-contacts-calendar-to-outlook-2016/ 

Exchange: You can get many additional benefits once Outlook is synchronized with Exchange Server. You can synchronize your email, notes, categories, calendar, contact photos, and tasks. Along with this, the “Cached Exchange mode” is also available for both. However, Mac Outlook users do not get the feature to receive “information on mailbox size and quota” and “mail and policy tips.”

Tasks: As a Mac Outlook user, you cannot assign tasks to other users using the Tasks function. You also cannot use the “to do items.” But, you can access the “categorized tasks” and “advanced search” options similar to Windows Outlook users.

Miscellaneous Features: There is a significant difference in protocols between Mac Outlook and Windows Outlook. The Windows version employs the MAPI protocol, while the Mac version uses EWS to connect to Exchange. Outlook for Mac does not support the SMTP or EAS protocols, and it cannot connect to Exchange using HTTP. Other Outlook features that are only available for Windows users are as follows:

• Online Only Mode
• Bandwidth Optimization
• Advanced Send/Receive Option
• OneNote Integration
• Quick Steps and Gestures
• Office 365 Groups
• Automatic Synchronizing of Folders for Gmail

Do You Want To Migrate from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook?

After comparing Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows, most of you might have understood why Windows is better than Mac when it comes to the Outlook application. Hence, you may probably look forward to switching from Mac to Windows Outlook. The reasons mentioned above are also helpful to decide if you want to migrate from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook. If you have such intention, you can find the solution in Stellar Converter for OLM, as it is the perfect choice to accomplish the task. You can effortlessly export Outlook Mac data into Windows Outlook PST format using this tool only in a few clicks. Emails, tasks, calendars, and other Mac Outlook data items can be converted to PST format using the software. The tool is built with cutting-edge algorithms and high-end features. Also, the data’s original structure is preserved while converting Mac Outlook OLM files to Windows Outlook PST format.

Summing Up

Both Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows are introduced by Microsoft; but they have some major differences. We have addressed these differences between Mac Outlook and Windows Outlook in terms of features and functionalities in the above blog. Users who need to convert from Mac to Windows Outlook can utilize the automated tool, i.e., Stellar Converter for OLM to make the transition as effortless as possible.

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About The Author

Ravi Singh

Ravi Singh is a Senior Writer at Stellar®. He is an expert Tech Explainer, IoT enthusiast, and a passionate nerd with over 7 years of experience in technical writing. He writes about Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft 365, Email Migration, Linux, Windows, Mac, DIY Tech, and Smart Home. Ravi spends most of his weekends working with IoT (DIY Smart Home) devices and playing Overwatch. He is also a solo traveler who loves hiking and exploring new trails.