What is the difference between pc based outlook and the network outlook?

Hi Mark Snasel,

PC‑based Outlook usually refers to Classic Outlook for Windows (the traditional desktop application). “Network Outlook” is often used to describe New Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web, which share a more web‑style interface and rely more heavily on an active internet connection.

Why the text can look “jammed”

This often happens when formatting is carried into the message (especially after copy/paste), or when the web‑based rendering used by New Outlook is affected by display or scaling settings.

Quick fixes to try (New Outlook for Windows)

Make formatting buttons visible: If you don’t see Format Text, switch the ribbon layout. Look for Simplified / Classic Ribbon and choose Classic Ribbon so formatting options appear.

Clear formatting: In the email draft, press Ctrl + A, then select Clear formatting (eraser icon). After that, set a standard font such as Calibri, Aptos, or Arial.

Check Windows display scaling (can affect letter spacing): Go to Windows Settings > System > Display. Under Scale and layout, set Scale to the Recommended value (commonly 100% or 125%), and avoid unusual custom scaling if possible.

If it also looks compressed in the web version

If the same spacing issue appears in your browser, it may be related to browser rendering or hardware acceleration. Try toggling hardware acceleration in your browser settings and restart the browser to test.

One more key difference: offline access

Classic Outlook can work fully offline because it stores mail locally in .pst / .ost files and generally handles large mailboxes and archives more robustly. New Outlook is more internet‑dependent and has more limited offline behavior.

Note: Before resetting the app or removing accounts, make sure you know your sign‑in details and have anything important backed up.

If you can confirm whether the spacing issue happens only while composing or also when reading emails, I can point you to the best next step.

Please let me know if this proves useful to you, or if you would like further assistance.

I'm looking forward to your reply.

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In new Outlook for Windows, the “PC-based” vs “network” distinction usually refers to:

• Classic Outlook (PC-based): Installed as part of Office/Microsoft 365 on the computer, using its own editor and dialog boxes (like the full Font dialog box, Paragraph dialog box, etc.).
• New Outlook / Outlook on the web (network-based): Uses a browser-style editor and a simplified settings UI. Many classic dialog boxes (including the traditional Font dialog box) are not exposed the same way.

In new Outlook, the classic Font dialog box used in older/“PC-based” Outlook is not available in the same form. Instead, font and spacing are controlled through different settings:

1. To change default font, size, and style for composing messages in new Outlook:
   1. On the View tab, select View settings.
   2. Select Email, then Compose and reply.
   3. Under Message format, choose the font, size, and style, then select Save.
2. To make text easier to read in the message list (subject lines, etc.):
   1. From the menu, select View > View settings.
   2. Select Mail > Layout.
   3. Under Text size and spacing, choose Small, Medium, or Large, then select Save.
3. To adjust spacing inside a message while editing (classic Outlook behavior):
   • Classic Outlook uses the Format Text tab → Paragraph dialog box (line spacing, paragraph spacing). In new Outlook, this is simplified and may not expose the full Paragraph dialog box in the same way, so the exact “Font dialog box” described in older instructions will not appear.

If text looks “jammed up,” increasing font size and using accessible fonts and spacing can help:

1. Select the text while composing.
2. Use the formatting controls (font, size, bold, etc.) on the ribbon to increase size (11pt or larger) and choose a sans serif font such as Arial or Calibri.
3. Ensure there is enough white space between paragraphs using the paragraph/spacing controls available in the editor.

The key difference is that classic Outlook exposes a full Font dialog box and Paragraph dialog box; new Outlook uses web-style settings and simplified controls, so instructions that mention opening the “Font dialog box” apply to classic Outlook, not the new Outlook client.

References:

• Change the default font or text color for email messages in Outlook
• Change the font or font size in the message list
• Outlook: Use accessible fonts and spacing
• Use a screen reader to change the indentation and spacing options in Outlook
• Font dialog box
• Outlook advanced editing options