Change from IMAP to Exchange

Clearly when Outlook.com changes it is desirable to set up for exchange. Is there an easy way to change? Or is it required to set up a new account configuration? Will a new configuration mean going through the re-synch of everything or is there a way to utilise all the emails , contacts etc currently downloaded?

Hello,
unfortunatelly you will need to set up the account as a new one.

Regards,
Olivia

I understand that the server will have all synched emails and contacts. So should not be too much of a problem by simply recreating the connection/synch method. In few days we will be able to really know what the change means.