Finding your Outlook version in three steps

Open Outlook and look at the top left corner of the window. Click the File menu, then select Office Account (or Account on some versions). At the top of that panel, you will see "About" — click it. A small window will appear showing your exact version number, which looks like "Version 2404" or "16.0.17928.20008" depending on whether you use Outlook as part of Microsoft 365 or as a standalone desktop program.

If you use Outlook on the web (the version you access through a browser at outlook.com or outlook.office.com), the version check works differently. Log in, click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select View account. Scroll down to find the version number listed under "About".

On a phone or tablet, the process is even simpler: open the Outlook app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll to the bottom, and look for "About" or "Settings." The version number appears there without needing to dig through multiple menus.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop Outlook shows its version number in File > Office Account > About, displayed as either a date-based number like "2404" or a longer technical number.
  • Outlook on the web displays the version in your profile menu under View Account, in a different format than the desktop version.
  • Mobile Outlook (iPhone, Android, iPad) shows the version at the bottom of the app menu, usually under Settings or About.
  • Knowing your version helps you understand whether you have access to new features and whether your security updates are current.

Why the version number matters for your security

Your Outlook version determines when you receive security patches. Microsoft releases updates on a schedule: Microsoft 365 subscribers get updates monthly, while standalone Outlook versions (like Outlook 2021 or Outlook 2019) receive updates less frequently and eventually stop receiving them entirely. If your version is several years old, you may be missing patches for known vulnerabilities that affect email security.

The version number also tells you whether you have features that protect against phishing and malicious attachments. Newer versions of Outlook include better detection for suspicious links and files. If you are running an older version, you are relying more heavily on your own judgment to spot dangerous emails.

Understanding what the version numbers mean

Microsoft 365 Outlook uses a date-based system: "Version 2404" means April 2024, "Version 2312" means December 2023. This tells you roughly when your current build was released. The longer number that follows (like 16.0.17928.20008) is the technical build number — you do not need to memorize it, but it is useful if you contact Microsoft support about a specific problem.

Standalone Outlook versions use a different naming system. Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 2016 are the main ones still in use. These do not update as frequently as Microsoft 365, and Microsoft stops supporting them after a set number of years. Outlook 2016, for example, reached end of support in October 2020, meaning it no longer receives security updates even if you own a copy.

What to do if your version is outdated

If you use Microsoft 365, your version updates automatically — you do not need to do anything. Check back in a few weeks and you will see a newer version number. If automatic updates are turned off on your computer, go to File > Office Account and click Update Options > Update Now.

If you own a standalone copy of Outlook (2021, 2019, or 2016), you have two paths. You can continue using it and manually check for updates through File > Office Account > Update Options, but you will eventually reach a point where no more updates are available. The more find long-term choice is to switch to Microsoft 365, which includes Outlook and ensures you always have the latest version with current security patches.

Checking for updates when ready

Do not wait for automatic updates if you want to check right now. In desktop Outlook, go to File > Office Account, then click the Update Options button. Select Update Now and Outlook will read and install any available updates. You may need to restart Outlook or your computer for the update to take effect.

On Outlook for the web, updates happen on Microsoft's servers without any action from you. You cannot manually trigger an update, but you can refresh your browser to make sure you are seeing the latest version of the interface.

Comparing your version to what is current

Microsoft publishes a list of current Outlook versions on their support website. If you want to know whether your version is recent, search for "Microsoft Outlook version history" — the official page shows which versions are currently supported and when older versions will stop receiving updates. This is useful if you are deciding whether to upgrade or if you are troubleshooting a problem and want to know whether a fix is available in a newer version.

You can also check the release notes for your version to see what changed. If a recent update fixed a security issue or added a feature you need, that is a reason to update sooner rather than waiting for automatic installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my version number look different from my friend's?

If one of you uses Microsoft 365 and the other uses a standalone version, the numbering system is completely different. Microsoft 365 uses dates (2404, 2312), while standalone versions use year numbers (2021, 2019). Even two people on Microsoft 365 may see slightly different version numbers if updates rolled out to them on different days.

Can I downgrade to an older version of Outlook?

Not easily, and it is not recommended. Downgrading removes security patches and puts you at risk. If a newer version is causing problems, contact Microsoft support or try repairing Outlook through Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features instead.

Does checking my version use any of my data?

No. Looking at your version number in the About window is purely local — it does not send information to Microsoft or anywhere else. The version number is stored on your computer.

What if I cannot find the File menu in Outlook?

If you are using Outlook on the web, there is no File menu. Look for your profile picture in the top right corner instead. If you are on desktop and the File menu is hidden, press Alt on your keyboard to make it appear.

How often should I check my Outlook version?

You do not need to check regularly if you have automatic updates turned on. Check once if you are troubleshooting a problem, or once a year if you want to confirm you are on a supported version. If you use a standalone version that is no longer supported, that is a sign to consider switching to Microsoft 365.