Outlook (new app – Windows 10 / 11)

These instructions apply to the new Outlook app on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Microsoft is gradually replacing Windows Mail and older Outlook versions with this app.

The new Outlook works differently to classic Outlook. It is closely tied to Microsoft’s online services and has some limitations when used with independent email hosting.

Important: please read first

Outlook (new) does not support traditional POP or IMAP accounts in the same way as classic Outlook.

Instead, Microsoft requires you to add your email account via an online Microsoft service. This means:

• Your email may be synchronised via Microsoft’s servers
• Some advanced settings are not available
• This app is not recommended for business-critical email

If you want full control and reliability, we recommend one of the following instead:

• Outlook (classic desktop)
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Gmail as a desktop app
• Seren Web Webmail

To add your email account to Outlook (new)

1) Open Outlook (new).

2) Select Settings (cog icon).

3) Select Accounts, then Email accounts.

4) Click Add account.

5) Enter your full email address and click Continue.

Account connection

Outlook (new) will attempt to connect automatically.

If prompted:

• Enter your email password
• Approve any Microsoft prompts
• Allow synchronisation to complete

There may be no option to manually enter server settings such as mail.serenweb.com. This is normal behaviour for Outlook (new).

Known limitations

Users of Outlook (new) should be aware of the following:

• Manual POP / IMAP settings are not available
• Some accounts fail to connect without clear error messages
• Email may be routed through Microsoft’s systems
• Advanced troubleshooting is not possible

Recommended alternatives

If Outlook (new) does not work reliably for you, we recommend:

Windows users:
• Outlook (classic desktop)
• Mozilla Thunderbird

Any computer:
• Gmail as a desktop app
• Seren Web Webmail

Summary

Outlook (new) is designed primarily for Microsoft-hosted email accounts. While it may work for some users, it is not the best choice for independently hosted email accounts.

If you would like help choosing or setting up a more reliable mail program, please contact Mike for help.