Do I need to upgrade my Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook client to use Dynamics CRM 2013?

As our clients upgrade their existing CRM environments to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013, one of the more common questions I hear is, “Does the Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook client work with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013, or do we have to install Dynamics CRM 2013 for Outlook client for it to work correctly?” The short answer to this question is, “If you’re using Dynamics CRM 2013, regardless of whether its installed on-premises or online, then Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook client will continue to work.” However, there are a few details that you should be aware of before making your decision:

1.  You cannot use the Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook client to take data offline by using the Go Offline feature – the only way to do this is to upgrade to the Dynamics CRM 2013 for Outlook client.
2. Only Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook with Dynamics CRM 2011 Update Rollup 12 or later is compatible with Dynamics CRM Server 2013 – so make sure to have that update applied beforehand. One additional note worth mentioning, according to the Microsoft Developer Network, is that, “Although Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Update Rollup 6 is supported for upgrade to Dynamics CRM 2013 for Outlook, Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook with Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011 Update Rollup 6 is incompatible with Microsoft Dynamics CRM Server 2013.”
3. If your upgrade plans include an architecture change (i.e. moving from 32 bit to 64 bit Microsoft applications), you will be required to uninstall the old 32 bit software with new 64 bit versions – this should include a complete reinstall of Microsoft Office as well.

In conclusion, you can still use the Dynamics CRM 2011 for Outlook client if you have upgraded your environment to Dynamics CRM 2013 on-Premises or Dynamics CRM online. But if you’re looking to utilize all of the Outlook client features available, I would recommend updating to Dynamics CRM 2013 for Outlook client sooner rather than later. And when you’re ready, here’s a great post that provides step-by-step instructions for updating your Outlook client.

If you would like more information on your Dynamics CRM for Outlook client, please feel free to reach out to our team directly at crm@mcgladrey.com. RSM offers a full range of services that include solution design, implementation and optimization, as well as process improvement, customization, development and on-going support activities. For more information regarding our services for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, please contact our professionals at 855.437. 7202.

By: Eric Blevins – Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner Kansas City

Eric Blevins