The new Outlook for Windows has what Microsoft calls “Mail Merge” which could be useful but bear NO relation to the standard Word/Outlook “Mail Merge” to send many emails.
In the new message Options for Outlook (new) is an enticing button “Start Mail Merge” but don’t get too excited.
This button is not related to Microsoft Word’s Mail Merge feature which has an option to send emails via Outlook (classic) only.
Outlook (new) version of “Mail Merge” sends an individual copy of the email to each recipient.
Each recipient sees the same email as if it was only sent to them.
The “Sent Items” folder shows a single email with multiple recipients.
Unlike the standard Word “Mail Merge” to email, there are no features to change the message for each recipient.
This Outlook (new) should have a more accurate name like ‘Send to Many’.
Microsoft Word’s Mail Merge to emails only works with Outlook (classic).
Instead this is a sneaky marketing trick by Microsoft. They are mis-labeling a feature so they can boast that there’s “Mail Merge” which is a notably missing feature in Outlook (new). Never mind that it’s quite different and not compatible with the long-standing Microsoft Word feature.
By all means use this Outlook (new) feature but don’t be fooled for a moment into thinking this is any replacement for “Mail Merge” in Microsoft 365/Office.
