Cost of Outlook email program

I had used Outlook for many years on my previous computer. This program is not installed on my new Windows 7 computers. When I took it back to the store the sales person told me that Outlook is not free… though I don’t remember ever paying for it. So how much does Outlook cost? And where can I get it?
Andre Tremblay

Sorry to be the bearer of not-so-good-news… Outlook is not free and it’s not available by default on the Windows 7 operating system. And now the good news…

Outlook on your old computer

Let me first clarify an important point: did you use Outlook or Outlook Express on your earlier computer? Here are the differences between the two.

Outlook is a full-fledged email program that was either sold separately or part of the Microsoft Office package. It could also have been provided on your earlier computer – this depends on the manufacturer… they could have struck a deal with Microsoft to offer the Office suite, for example, with the computer.

Outlook Express, on the other hand, was a stripped down version of Outlook. It was, and may still be, the most popular email program ever because it came free with the Windows operating system. Outlook Express was also available for download with the Internet Explorer till version 6 of the web browser. For more, please read how to download Outlook Express.

FYI, Outlook Express is not available on the Windows 7 and there is no way to install this program (as far as I know) on the new operating system. Actually, it was replaced long back on Vista by the Windows Mail program. The new alternative to Outlook Express is Windows Live Mail. This email program may come pre-installed on your computer. If not you can get Windows Live Mail for free from the live.com web site.

Outlook cost and availability – how to download it

The cost of the Outlook program has probably changed over the years. At the time of writing it was available both as an individual download or a part of the Microsoft Office suite. Obviously, the latter is a much better deal because you get other useful software in the package.

Download Outlook

As a separate download, Outlook costs a shade less than $140. Direct link: Buy Office Products

If you want other useful programs, like Word or Excel, choose a Microsoft Office suite that’s works for you. Direct link: Office suites