Overview

Outlook automatically connects to Exchange Online using Autodiscover and modern authentication. Users can configure Outlook on Windows, macOS, mobile devices, or access their mailbox via Outlook Web (OWA). This article provides complete steps to set up Outlook across all supported platforms.

⭐ Use Cases

✔ New employee onboarding

Setting up Outlook after mailbox provisioning.

✔ Device replacement / reinstallation

User sets up Outlook again after OS rebuild or new device issuance.

✔ First-time Outlook configuration

For users migrating from on-premises Exchange, GSuite, or POP/IMAP.

✔ Mobile access

Accessing work email securely from iOS/Android.

✔ Method 1 — Configure Outlook on Windows (Recommended)

Step 1 — Launch Outlook

• Open the Outlook app

• If this is the first time running Outlook → It will prompt for an account

Step 2 — Enter Email Address

• Enter the user’s UPN (email address)

• Click Connect

Step 3 — Sign in with Modern Authentication

• Enter password

• Complete MFA (if enabled)

• Accept permission prompts

Step 4 — Outlook Auto-Creates Profile

• Outlook discovers mailbox using Autodiscover

• Automatically configures server settings

• Opens mailbox within 1–3 minutes

✔ No manual server entries required

Exchange Online uses:

• Protocol: MAPI over HTTP

• Auth: OAuth (Modern Auth)

✔ Method 2 — Configure Outlook on macOS

Step 1: Open Outlook → Tools → Accounts

Step 2: Add Email Account

Step 3: Sign in via Modern Auth Window

Step 4: Complete MFA

Step 5: Mailbox loads automatically

macOS Outlook uses the new Outlook UI and connects using OAuth like Windows.

✔ Method 3 — Configure Outlook on Mobile (iOS & Android)

Step 1 — Install Outlook Mobile

• From App Store / Google Play

Step 2 — Add Account

• Enter email address

• Sign in via Microsoft sign-in window

• Complete MFA

Step 3 — Activate Mobile Policies (Intune / Conditional Access)

If tenant has MAM or conditional access:

• Device may require Intune Company Portal

• Mobile Apps Protection policy will apply

• Cannot add account using built-in mail apps if blocked

✔ Method 4 — Outlook Web (OWA)

Access via browser:

? https://outlook.office.com

Advantages:

• No configuration needed

• Works on any device

• Ideal for troubleshooting

• Supports all Exchange Online features

?️ Troubleshooting

❗ Outlook keeps asking for password

• Clear Windows Credential Manager

• Check Conditional Access policies

• Ensure Modern Auth is ENABLED

• Remove old profile & create new one

❗ Mailbox not found

• Mailbox provisioning may still be in progress (wait 15–30 minutes)

• Ensure correct license assigned

• Domain must be verified

❗ Cannot add account on mobile

• Intune App Protection Policies may block native app

• Use Outlook Mobile only

• Ensure device is compliant

❗ Autodiscover failure

• Check UPN and primary SMTP domain match

• Remove old autodiscover XML files from local system

• Hybrid tenants must ensure correct SCP and DNS records