Configure an IMAP Mailbox in Outlook 365
This article explains how to manually configure an IMAP mailbox in Outlook 365 (desktop/classic). Some steps may be skipped automatically depending on Outlook’s account detection.
Step 1: Add Account
Open Outlook and navigate to:
- File > Add Account
On the Add Account screen:
- Enter your email address
- Click Connect
Step 2: Select Account Type
Note: Outlook may attempt automatic configuration and skip this step.
If prompted to choose an account type:
- Select IMAP
Step 3: IMAP Account Settings
On the IMAP configuration screen, enter the following:
Login Information
- Username: your full email address
- Password: your mailbox password
Incoming Mail (IMAP)
- Server:
server.hostname.com - Port: 993
- Encryption method: SSL/TLS
Outgoing Mail (SMTP)
- Server:
server.hostname.com - Port: 587
- Encryption method: STARTTLS
- Username: your full email address
- Password: your mailbox password
Click Next or Connect to continue.
Step 4: Complete Setup
Outlook will test the account settings and attempt to log in.
- If successful, click Finish
- If prompted, re-enter your password or confirm settings
Step 5: Verify Account
After setup:
- Confirm mail is syncing in the Inbox
- Send a test email to verify outbound mail flow
- Ensure Sent and Deleted folders behave as expected
