How to setup Outlook on Windows 11
Troubleshooting tips are at the bottom of this page.
When you first setup Outlook on your new Windows 11 computer, it will ask you sign into an account.
- If you have the correct password, all your emails will setup with Exchange or IMAP. I recommend setting up your Exchange account first so it sets up the calendar and contacts nicely without the IMAP’s (This Computer Only) option
- If you use Google and a paid business account, you will want to install the Google Outlook connector first. You can download that here https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gssmo
- If you prefer POP setup and use a PST file, be sure the PST file is not in OneDrive, move it to your documents folder directly.
Outlook’s account setup pretty much have stayed the same through all the versions with some feature changes. There are many things you need to know though about Windows 11.
1.) Any PST that you actively use should not be stored in OneDrive. You will want to move them to the documents folder like this C:\Users\Your Profile\Documents\Outlook Files. OneDrive is a synchronizing program and PST do not work well in any online sync programs (including Dropbox, Teams, SharePoint, Box). You can read my blog about PST in OneDrive here https://callthatgirl.biz/outlook-pst-files-stored-in-onedrive-or-sharepoint
2.) Be sure to add your backup programs to add these PST files.
TIP: Carbonite by default will backup a PST file if in the windows local documents, by default OneDrive is not in Carbonite’s backup unless you download a local copy and add those folders to Carbonite.
Troubleshooting tips
- When you are setting up your Windows 11 computer, the start up wizard asks you to log into a Microsoft account or create a new account. If you logged in or created an account with one of your Microsoft Exchange email accounts, you probably created a personal Microsoft account. So when you log in to office.com, you will see “work or school” and “personal”. You can test this by going to www.office.com/myaccount. If you get a prompt for a password, then you do have a personal Microsoft account as well as a Microsoft Exchange account and possibly a Microsoft 365 business account. Confused yet? This is just the start for you if you have two or more accounts with the same email.
- Problems you may encounter, you cannot setup Outlook as the system is confused by the many accounts.
- Your new Windows 11 computer will have a personal OneDrive now by default for your desktop and documents. This might be confusing later if you have a business OneDrive account. And if so, reconfiguring this situation can be somewhat tedious to get accomplished, but it can be done. I can help or your local computer repair shop should be able to assist. You can schedule time on my calendar below if you want my help.
- iCloud is a best effort download now for all versions of Windows. I have found it to be very unreliable and difficult to install and troubleshoot. I typically recommend to clients that moving to an Exchange server is a better solution. Using Outlook.com is a great option for home/residential.
- If you find yourself with a personal Microsoft and business Microsoft account, the best way to disconnect them is to log into your personal account and click on “Your Info” at the top www.office.com/myaccount
- In that area, you will see your business email listed and hit “manage” then you can create a new Microsoft account and disconnect the business email. You should not lose your information in the OneDrive, but I recommend always backing it up and getting it off the personal OneDrive.
- You can also log out of Windows 11 by searching the settings. Here are instructions off the Microsoft site
- To sign out of Windows 11, select Start. Select the Accounts icon (or picture), then select Sign out. To sign out of Windows 10, select Start , then on the left side of the Start Menu, choose the Accounts icon (or picture), and then select Sign out.
- Exchange not connecting to Outlook in Windows 11 tips, here is an old blog post I created that has some registry bypass options that might help https://callthatgirl.biz/office-365-exchange-will-not-setup-in-outlook-2016
- Finally, a blog I created in Jan that might help https://callthatgirl.biz/microsoft-outlook-cant-add-an-account-in-windows-11
If you need my help, please leave a message below or schedule an appt.
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Category: Outlook Support
