Farewell Mail and Calendar: Transitioning to Outlook in Windows 11

Welcome, Windows faithful! Imagine your most-trusted apps simply packing up and leaving—no two-week notice, no farewell party, no celebratory skimming down memory lane. Pretty soon, that's exactly what could happen to the beloved (or perhaps begrudgingly tolerated) Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 11. As of December 31, 2024, these apps have officially outlived their support. While they haven't immediately keeled over after the midnight countdown, they are basically on borrowed time as they tiptoe toward oblivion. So buckle up and let me walk you through the drama, the solutions, and the technology behind this swansong.

---

The Announcement—and Fallout​

Microsoft made it official some months back: the Mail and Calendar apps—features embedded in both Windows 10 and 11 since the operating systems' launch—would no longer be supported as of the final day of 2024. If you’re someone who opens these apps daily, you’ve likely noticed persistent popup messages urging folks to switch to the new Outlook app. At the heart of Microsoft’s plan is a consolidation strategy, merging Mail and Calendar functionality into a single Outlook-based solution.
Even though the deadline has passed, there’s a peculiar twist—these apps are still holding on by some miracle of software engineering. This means that the Mail and Calendar apps may still load up for now, but don’t expect to rely on them for much longer. Microsoft explicitly states that by January 1, 2025, these apps will no longer be able to send or receive emails, nor update calendars.
In short, fellow procrastinators, it’s time to boot up the new Outlook app or risk losing access to essential data like emails and contacts. Switch, or be stranded.

---

Out With the Old, In With the Outlook​

The "new" Outlook for Windows is the heir apparent here, merging the DNA of Mail, Calendar, and more into what Microsoft envisions as the ultimate productivity suite. But here's the kicker—it's not necessarily a clean handoff. You’ll need to jump through a few hoops to migrate your emails, contacts, and calendar schedules manually. Notably:

• Export your data: If you’re still using Mail or the "People" contacts app, double-time your exporting. Ignoring this now might mean kiss-your-emails-goodbye later.
• Import into Outlook: Data migration into the new Outlook app is fairly painless if done in advance.

Outlook’s Key Features and Pain Points:​

This hybrid email-meets-calendar solution comes loaded with an impressive lineup of features, but it has also hit a few stumbling blocks:

• Built-in AI Assists: Think predictive text meets your email drafts, offering suggestions to help you compose messages with fewer typos and better structure.
• Cloud Integration: Seamlessly connect with apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint right inside your email.
• Security Enhancements: Maintaining Microsoft’s dedication to safe-user experiences, Outlook offers enhanced protection for sensitive information.
• But… No Offline Mode? A major drawback is that offline support for the new app is still missing. While Microsoft vows a fix is on its way, this gap limits the app's usability for anyone who works off-grid or frequently travels.
• No .PST Support—Yet: For the diehard Outlook veterans clutching their .PST files with battle-scarred hands, this omission may sting. Microsoft promises to bring this support soon but, for now, workarounds are required.
• Ads in Your Inbox? Users of Mail and Calendar previously enjoyed an ad-free existence. Whether or not ads creep into the new Outlook app remains to be seen, but brace yourselves—it’s a tricky balancing act when mixing free services with monetization.

---

Why Did Microsoft Sunset Mail and Calendar Anyway?​

You might be asking, “Wait a second, wasn’t Mail good enough? Why fix what isn’t broken?” The truth lies in Microsoft’s pursuit of a unified ecosystem. Managing multiple apps that served overlapping purposes likely became redundant from a development and maintenance perspective.
Moreover, the march toward complex AI integrations—like the ones beginning to show up in the Outlook app—opens up user capabilities in ways that basic apps like Mail and Calendar never could. By consolidating everything into Outlook and bringing tighter integration across the Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft is effectively positioning itself against competitors like Google Workspace and Apple’s Continuity ecosystem. This showdown is as much about long-term strategy as it is about cutting off underperforming branches.

---

Key Steps for Windows Users Right Now​

If you’re reading this and haven’t yet made the leap to new Outlook, don’t panic. Let’s dive into actionable steps to ensure this handover is smooth:

• Export Everything While You Can
• In Mail, head to Settings > Manage Accounts > Export Data to start saving your email correspondence and contacts.
• Similarly, Calendar events can be saved or synced to alternative services like Google Calendar or iCloud.
• Download and Install the New Outlook
• Open the Microsoft Store or visit Outlook online to get started with the new app. You might notice it already snuggled into your PC after some recent updates.
• Import Contacts, Emails, and Calendar Data:
• Once installed, go to File > Open within Outlook to import all previously-exported data.
• For contacts, ensure you’re syncing with up-to-date services, so nothing slips through the cracks.
• Tweak Your Settings:
  Don’t forget to customize your email settings, notifications, and integrations according to your preferences. The new Outlook is powerful, but it may require some setup before it feels "homey."

---

Broader Implications for the Windows Ecosystem​

This transition is a microcosm of Microsoft’s larger evolution into a service-based company, where the goal is to unify users around subscription-based productivity ecosystems (think Microsoft 365). It also signals the end of ships-in-the-night models, where standalone OS features like Mail and Calendar existed apart from programs like full-fledged Outlook.
For end-users, however, the transformation isn’t without its woes: losing offline capabilities, feature gaps, and potential ad overload may sour the experience for some. However, Microsoft’s inclusion of AI, increased security, and tighter app integration is urging users to consider the bigger picture.

---

Bottom Line: Act Now, Optimize Later​

The countdown has ended, folks. The native Mail and Calendar apps are standing on the precipice, and Microsoft’s not kidding—they’ll cut the cord sooner or later. Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping they keep working for another week, switch over to the new Outlook app before your emails start getting ghosted.
And remember, technology moves fast—sometimes too fast for comfort. But that’s why we’re here—to guide you through the chaos, one support sunset at a time.
Curious about other transitions happening across Windows 11? Chime in on the forums and let us know!

---

Source: Windows Latest It's 2025 and Windows 11 Mail & Calendar could stop working any moment now

 

[ChatGPT]

If you’re a Windows 11 or Windows 10 user, you may have noticed a quiet shift happening lately—it appears Microsoft has finally started pulling the plug on its aging Mail & Calendar apps. While the apps may still be accessible for some, users are quickly finding themselves redirected toward the new Outlook app, Microsoft's preferred one-stop shop for managing email and calendars. If you're scratching your head wondering what this means for you, don’t worry—I've broken it all down below.

---

The End of the Mail & Calendar Apps: A Gradual Wave Goodbye​

Microsoft has officially begun what it calls a "staged rollout" to retire the Mail & Calendar apps. This phased approach started on January 1, 2025. Don’t be surprised if you’re still able to open the app on your system, as the deactivation process isn’t instantaneous for everyone. However, smoke signals are already rising—a noticeable banner within the app warns users with this diplomatic statement:
"Windows Mail and Calendar is no longer supported."
Beyond this polite nudge, the app may also cease to perform—users report that the functionality to send emails or access calendar events has started failing for some.
At this point, even if you’re among the lucky ones still holding onto functionality, think of it as being on borrowed time. Microsoft has no intention of looking back, so neither should you. Their goal is clear: all roads lead to the new Outlook app.

---

Why the Curtain is Closing on Mail & Calendar​

Microsoft’s decision to sunset Mail & Calendar isn’t completely out of the blue. They’ve been hinting at it for months. For more than half a year, banners in both apps have foreshadowed this eventual retirement. However, if you need more reasons beyond corporate nudges, here are the likely motives behind this bold move:

• Streamlining Development Resources
  Maintaining multiple apps for email and calendar functionality, like Mail & Calendar alongside Outlook, doesn’t make sense long-term. Streamlining their efforts allows Microsoft to focus on a single app that can evolve quicker.
• Recurring Updates
  The new Outlook app receives constant updates and feature improvements. By consolidating users under this app, Microsoft can ensure that more of its user's email experiences remain current without clinging to an outdated platform.
• Unified Ecosystem
  With the push towards subscription-based services like Microsoft 365, the new Outlook app seamlessly integrates into their larger productivity suite. The Mail & Calendar app? Not so much.

Sure, Outlook wasn't a one-to-one replacement for Mail & Calendar when it first launched—it lacked several features from the retired app. But fast-forward to today and you’ll see that the new Outlook app has quietly but steadily caught up, even adding some much-needed offline capabilities.

---

What Replacing Mail & Calendar with Outlook Means for Users​

Transitioning to the new Outlook app will bring some changes to your digital routine, whether you’re an email aficionado or someone who sends an email twice a year (probably to reset a password). Let’s break down what these changes look like:

1. The App Migration Process​

• If you still have important data stored in the Mail & Calendar app, don’t fret. Microsoft has included an Export Data button, making it easier to transition your settings and data into Outlook without any overly complicated manual steps.
• Expect banners that help guide the process, so you won’t be caught unprepared.

2. Improved Features in Outlook​

• Microsoft has fleshed out critical features in Outlook over the years:
• Offline Support: Access email or draft messages even when off the grid.
• Customization Tools: Tailor your inbox and calendar with ongoing updates listed on the official Outlook roadmap.

At its current stage, the "new" Outlook app is no longer some clunky prototype. It’s a feature-rich option that improves with every Windows update.

3. Missing Features?​

• While Outlook has made strides, not everyone is jumping for joy. Some die-hard Mail & Calendar users will likely miss the simpler, more lightweight experience. Still, Microsoft may further polish Outlook in response to user feedback—especially during this massive migration phase.

---

How to Transition Gracefully: A Quick Guide for Windows Users​

Here’s what you need to know if you’re directly impacted or looking to avoid any surprises:

1. Update Your OS​

Ensure you’re running the latest updates for Windows 11 (or 10, if you’ve been sticking with it). You likely already have the new Outlook preinstalled, thanks to recent security patches.

2. Export Data Now​

Even if the Mail & Calendar app still works for you, use the Export Data option ASAP. You never know when the final phase of this deprecation will reach your computer.

3. Customize the New Outlook​

Outlook can feel like overkill if you’re only using it for a handful of emails or calendar events. Spend some time tweaking the settings to match your needs—you might be surprised how functional and streamlined it becomes.

---

Broader Implications: The Era of Convergence​

What’s happening with Mail & Calendar isn’t an isolated move—it fits into a larger storyline within the current tech ecosystem. Consider these related trends:

• The Demise of Legacy Apps: This isn’t the first Windows feature to bite the dust. Remember when Microsoft retired WordPad with Windows 11, version 24H2? It’s clear Microsoft is prioritizing newer solutions over maintaining tools that don’t align with their roadmap.
• Microsoft’s Ecosystem Play: By corralling users onto the new Outlook, Microsoft strengthens the appeal of its productivity ecosystem, making third-party solutions less attractive. Think of this as an invitation (or a strong shove) to try Microsoft 365.
• AI-Powered Future?: Microsoft has teased incorporating AI features gradually within apps like Outlook, making them smarter tools for task prioritization, contextual replies, or integrating voice-based commands. If this overlaps with the new app, we could see even greater functionality improvements soon.

---

Last Thoughts: Should You Be Skeptical or Excited?​

It’s easy to feel a pang of loss when Microsoft retires familiar apps like Mail & Calendar. For many users, these apps acted as straightforward tools that "just worked." However, Microsoft’s push toward Outlook isn’t solely motivated by a desire to standardize. It aims to deliver a more cohesive, multifunctional experience for modern-day digital workflows.
If you’re someone who avoids change like the plague, maybe Outlook will feel like a chore initially. But here’s the promising part: Microsoft’s ongoing support and continued upgrades mean that this app is equipped to meet the needs of both casual users and power users alike.
So, the big takeaway? Mail & Calendar is history, but a more evolved mail and productivity experience awaits. Make the switch and see what the buzz is all about—whether by choice or inevitability.

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Have you made the transition yet? Or are you still holding onto Mail & Calendar for dear life? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments thread on the forum!

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Source: Windows Latest https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/01/23/microsoft-begins-turning-off-mail-calendar-apps-on-windows-11-forces-new-outlook/

 

[andbortola]

Welcome, Windows faithful! Imagine your most-trusted apps simply packing up and leaving—no two-week notice, no farewell party, no celebratory skimming down memory lane. Pretty soon, that's exactly what could happen to the beloved (or perhaps begrudgingly tolerated) Mail and Calendar apps in Windows 11. As of December 31, 2024, these apps have officially outlived their support. While they haven't immediately keeled over after the midnight countdown, they are basically on borrowed time as they tiptoe toward oblivion. So buckle up and let me walk you through the drama, the solutions, and the technology behind this swansong.

---

The Announcement—and Fallout​

Microsoft made it official some months back: the Mail and Calendar apps—features embedded in both Windows 10 and 11 since the operating systems' launch—would no longer be supported as of the final day of 2024. If you’re someone who opens these apps daily, you’ve likely noticed persistent popup messages urging folks to switch to the new Outlook app. At the heart of Microsoft’s plan is a consolidation strategy, merging Mail and Calendar functionality into a single Outlook-based solution.
Even though the deadline has passed, there’s a peculiar twist—these apps are still holding on by some miracle of software engineering. This means that the Mail and Calendar apps may still load up for now, but don’t expect to rely on them for much longer. Microsoft explicitly states that by January 1, 2025, these apps will no longer be able to send or receive emails, nor update calendars.
In short, fellow procrastinators, it’s time to boot up the new Outlook app or risk losing access to essential data like emails and contacts. Switch, or be stranded.

---

Out With the Old, In With the Outlook​

The "new" Outlook for Windows is the heir apparent here, merging the DNA of Mail, Calendar, and more into what Microsoft envisions as the ultimate productivity suite. But here's the kicker—it's not necessarily a clean handoff. You’ll need to jump through a few hoops to migrate your emails, contacts, and calendar schedules manually. Notably:

• Export your data: If you’re still using Mail or the "People" contacts app, double-time your exporting. Ignoring this now might mean kiss-your-emails-goodbye later.
• Import into Outlook: Data migration into the new Outlook app is fairly painless if done in advance.

Outlook’s Key Features and Pain Points:​

This hybrid email-meets-calendar solution comes loaded with an impressive lineup of features, but it has also hit a few stumbling blocks:

• Built-in AI Assists: Think predictive text meets your email drafts, offering suggestions to help you compose messages with fewer typos and better structure.
• Cloud Integration: Seamlessly connect with apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint right inside your email.
• Security Enhancements: Maintaining Microsoft’s dedication to safe-user experiences, Outlook offers enhanced protection for sensitive information.
• But… No Offline Mode? A major drawback is that offline support for the new app is still missing. While Microsoft vows a fix is on its way, this gap limits the app's usability for anyone who works off-grid or frequently travels.
• No .PST Support—Yet: For the diehard Outlook veterans clutching their .PST files with battle-scarred hands, this omission may sting. Microsoft promises to bring this support soon but, for now, workarounds are required.
• Ads in Your Inbox? Users of Mail and Calendar previously enjoyed an ad-free existence. Whether or not ads creep into the new Outlook app remains to be seen, but brace yourselves—it’s a tricky balancing act when mixing free services with monetization.

---

Why Did Microsoft Sunset Mail and Calendar Anyway?​

You might be asking, “Wait a second, wasn’t Mail good enough? Why fix what isn’t broken?” The truth lies in Microsoft’s pursuit of a unified ecosystem. Managing multiple apps that served overlapping purposes likely became redundant from a development and maintenance perspective.
Moreover, the march toward complex AI integrations—like the ones beginning to show up in the Outlook app—opens up user capabilities in ways that basic apps like Mail and Calendar never could. By consolidating everything into Outlook and bringing tighter integration across the Microsoft 365 suite, Microsoft is effectively positioning itself against competitors like Google Workspace and Apple’s Continuity ecosystem. This showdown is as much about long-term strategy as it is about cutting off underperforming branches.

---

Key Steps for Windows Users Right Now​

If you’re reading this and haven’t yet made the leap to new Outlook, don’t panic. Let’s dive into actionable steps to ensure this handover is smooth:

• Export Everything While You Can
• In Mail, head to Settings > Manage Accounts > Export Data to start saving your email correspondence and contacts.
• Similarly, Calendar events can be saved or synced to alternative services like Google Calendar or iCloud.
• Download and Install the New Outlook
• Open the Microsoft Store or visit Outlook online to get started with the new app. You might notice it already snuggled into your PC after some recent updates.
• Import Contacts, Emails, and Calendar Data:
• Once installed, go to File > Open within Outlook to import all previously-exported data.
• For contacts, ensure you’re syncing with up-to-date services, so nothing slips through the cracks.
• Tweak Your Settings:
  Don’t forget to customize your email settings, notifications, and integrations according to your preferences. The new Outlook is powerful, but it may require some setup before it feels "homey."

---

Broader Implications for the Windows Ecosystem​

This transition is a microcosm of Microsoft’s larger evolution into a service-based company, where the goal is to unify users around subscription-based productivity ecosystems (think Microsoft 365). It also signals the end of ships-in-the-night models, where standalone OS features like Mail and Calendar existed apart from programs like full-fledged Outlook.
For end-users, however, the transformation isn’t without its woes: losing offline capabilities, feature gaps, and potential ad overload may sour the experience for some. However, Microsoft’s inclusion of AI, increased security, and tighter app integration is urging users to consider the bigger picture.

---

Bottom Line: Act Now, Optimize Later​

The countdown has ended, folks. The native Mail and Calendar apps are standing on the precipice, and Microsoft’s not kidding—they’ll cut the cord sooner or later. Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping they keep working for another week, switch over to the new Outlook app before your emails start getting ghosted.
And remember, technology moves fast—sometimes too fast for comfort. But that’s why we’re here—to guide you through the chaos, one support sunset at a time.
Curious about other transitions happening across Windows 11? Chime in on the forums and let us know!

---

Source: Windows Latest It’s 2025 and Windows 11 Mail & Calendar could stop working any moment now.

My Calendar DRAMA!!!
I completely forgot about this Windows "switch over" and I didn't prepare my Windows CALENDAR for that, I didn't make CALENDAR data Back up and , from yesterday Jan 25th, I'm not able to use and access into my Windows CALENDAR... DRAMATIC!
Also, when I follow the instruction selecting "EXPORT DATA", as per attached Picture, it doesn't work because it opens an "EMPTY" Folder belong to the following directory...
C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\Exported
I already made the "System Restore", but nothing it happens the same...
The CALENDAR data have to be still there into my Laptop System/Data Base somewhere, because I'm getting the notification of the Events next dates, but I'm not able to identify where are the Files of my CALENDAR data in order to Import them into New Outlook ?
Please, support me in order to find these files and import all them into New Outlook in order to allow me to be back on track with my CALENDAR...
Await hearing from you, Thanks! a lot... Ciao!

My Window 11 Calendar DRAMA!!!
I completely forgot about this Windows "switch over" and I didn't prepare my Windows 11 CALENDAR for that, I didn't make CALENDAR data Back up and , from yesterday Jan 25th, I'm not able to use and access into my Windows 11 CALENDAR... DRAMATIC!
Also, when I follow the instruction selecting "EXPORT DATA", as per attached Picture, it doesn't work because it opens an "EMPTY" Folder belong to the following directory...
C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\Exported
I already made the "System Restore", but nothing it happens the same...
The CALENDAR data have to be still there into my Laptop System/Data Base somewhere, because I'm getting the notification of the Events next dates, but I'm not able to identify where are the Files of my CALENDAR data in order to Import them into New Outlook ?
Please, support me to find Windows 11 CALENDAR data in order to import them into New Outlook and move forward safely.
Thanks and Ciao!

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems you're facing quite the calendar conundrum with this transition to Outlook from the legacy Windows Calendar app. Let's untangle this situation and help you recover those calendar events.

Issue Summary​

The Microsoft Calendar application from Windows Mail & Calendar is being replaced globally by Outlook, a consolidated approach Microsoft has taken. Unfortunately, this transition leaves users scrambling if they haven’t exported their data ahead of time. As you've rightly pointed out, attempting to export the data via the "Export Data" button leads to an empty directory (C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\Exported). This results in frustration as the backup doesn't seem to produce results.
Luckily, there are ways to retrieve the calendar data. You also specified that event notifications still appear, which indicates that the data hasn't been fully erased but is likely buried in the software's local database pending migration or retrieval.

---

Potential Solutions​

1. Locate Calendar Data Files Locally​

The Calendar app in Windows 11 stores data in a local cache or within the app’s directories. Here’s how you can try accessing this:
a. Check AppData Folders:
Navigate to:

   C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\

If you can't see the AppData folder, you'll need to enable hidden files in File Explorer by selecting:

• View > Show > Hidden Items.
  Within LocalState, look for relevant .dat, .ics, or other database files that may relate to local calendar data.
  b. Export Manually:
  Use the "Export Data" button again but instead:
• Manually clear and validate permissions for the Exported folder.
• Ensure any antivirus or system protection utilities aren’t blocking file creation.

2. System Restore​

Since you've already mentioned attempting System Restore to no effect, this suggests prior restoration points do not encompass the Microsoft apps' structured database. It’s good to confirm that prior system states didn’t yield overwritten or deleted files unintentionally.
Alternative: Check for potential backup integrations (e.g., OneDrive or local mirrors).

3. Leverage Event Notifications​

The fact that the app is still firing notifications indicates some degree of back-end or sync data integrity. Outlook or related tools may be able to pull this over automatically:
Steps to Try:

• Open New Outlook and attempt to add your Microsoft Account (the same account linked to the Calendar app).
• View whether scheduled events or tasks repopulate.

4. Third-Party Database Browsers​

In rare cases, calendar information is stored in obscure formats (SQLite, etc.). Tools like https://sqlitebrowser.org/ can open some of these back-end databases located under the Calendar directory. However, digging deeply into this may require technical expertise and backups before proceeding.

5. Cloud Account Recovery​

If your calendar was deeply tied to your Microsoft account (e.g., email syncing), try logging into your Microsoft Account via a web browser. Go to:
https://outlook.live.com/calendar/
Sometimes, older sync data can be found here even if it doesn't initially populate offline.

6. Contact Microsoft Support​

Microsoft recognizes these complications during major transitions. Contact their support team. They frequently aid in migration and database decoding during such switchover phases. Their technical staff might either facilitate or accelerate exporting lingering data to the new Outlook framework.

---

Next Steps To Consider​

Start with the easiest solutions:

• Navigate and meticulously check C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\Packages for data remnants.
• Attempt the export function again while double-checking antivirus, folder permissions, and file visibility.
• Add your Microsoft account to Outlook to test its automatic fetch capabilities.

If none of these solutions work, we can delve deeper into accessing hidden or third-party tools to recover the calendar's data.
Keep me updated with what you find—calm calendars are ahead, I promise!
You've double-posted a similar account of your "Calendar Drama" but I can sense your urgency, so let's clarify and provide extra assurance or strategies that weren't already mentioned in my earlier reply. You've tried some steps, but let’s address where things might have derailed and look at any remaining tools in our arsenal to safely recover and migrate your beloved Calendar data.
Here’s a comprehensive approach:

---

1. Recheck the Export Directory​

You mentioned that using the "Export Data" function results in an "empty" folder at:
C:\Users\User\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\Exported
The following possibilities come into play:

• File Visibility: Windows may have hidden certain files by default. To ensure visibility:
• In File Explorer, go to View > Show > Hidden Items.
• Exporting Mechanism Glitch: If the folder remains empty, it’s possible that Calendar doesn’t save into Exported correctly; the app could be confused or unable to process its data for export.
• If retries fail after confirming these steps, dive into the raw local storage for manual inspection.

---

2. Direct Calendar Event Cache Examination​

Windows Calendar typically keeps event data in cached or synchronizing files tied to your user profile. Based on application forensics, try reviewing these:

• For calendar entries, navigate to:
  

       C:\Users\<Your Username>\AppData\Local\Packages\microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalState\Database

  Look for files with extensions such as:
• .dat
• .db (e.g., SQLite databases)
• .ics (standard calendar event files)
  Files here might represent the raw data. Therefore:
• Use an SQLite browser (e.g., https://sqlitebrowser.org/) if .db files are present.
• For .ics files, these can directly be imported into Outlook via:
• File -> Open & Export -> Import/Export > Import iCalendar (.ics)

---

3. System Events Notification Path​

You’ve shared that notifications for events still work. This means the Calendar’s backend isn’t completely disconnected. These notifications are likely pulling data cached locally or synced to your Microsoft account online.
Steps to Test Sync Recovery:

• Open Outlook directly and log in with your Microsoft account tied to Windows Calendar.
• Upon setup completion, Outlook should crawl Microsoft servers for synced event details.
• Verify via https://outlook.live.com/owa/: If Calendar events appear here but not locally, the issue is a failed sync rather than data loss.

---

4. Windows.old or Backup Snapshots​

If you’ve recently performed OS updates or major changes, check whether a Windows.old folder exists on your main drive:

• Located at: C:\Windows.old\Users\<Your Username>\AppData...
  This backup location often contains leftovers from earlier system states, including the LocalState folder of Mail and Calendar apps. Extract any .ics or existing database files from this directory for further exploration.

---

5. Professional Recovery Tools​

If Event Cache or notification-based syncs fail to restore your Calendar:

• Tools like https://www.ccleaner.com/recuva and https://www.easeus.com/ can comb through overwritten states for .ics or .db remnants in Application Cache directories.

---

6. Synchronize via Connected Accounts​

Did you originally connect Windows Calendar with third-party cloud services like Google Calendar or iCloud?

• If yes, your data is probably safe with the third-party provider. Use their respective UI to re-sync missing events or migrate events into Outlook.

---

Recap of Your Action Steps:​

• Reattempt Export: Clear permissions or rerun "Export Data" (after antivirus/integration check).
• Inspect Local Folders: Focus on paths in LocalState and review cached databases.
• Explore Hidden Files: Enable full system visibility to uncover potentially hidden backup/export content.
• Microsoft Account Sync: Force Outlook to fetch via sync, testing both desktop and web app solutions.
• Search Windows.old: Find previously archived user data.
• Recovery Applications: As a last resort, deploy professional software solutions.

---

Don't Panic—Stay Methodical
Recovering calendar details can take patience, but understanding the transition period from Mail & Calendar ensures that Microsoft still retains safety nets for user migration. Once Outlook or data recovery clicks, your Calendar will survive this drama intact.
Keep me updated on your progress—I’ll adjust the recommendations based on what you discover!