How to Add an Email Account to the New Outlook for Windows

You’ve opened the new Outlook for Windows and want to add another mailbox — a work Microsoft 365 account, Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, or a second Outlook.com address.

Why it looks different from before: the new Outlook doesn’t use the old Control Panel “Mail” applet or the File → Account Settings dialog from classic Outlook. Everything happens inside the app under View settings → Accounts. The new app also has no manual IMAP/POP server-entry screen — it auto-detects settings, and third-party providers may require an app password instead of your normal password.

Step 1: Open the Accounts screen

1. In new Outlook, go to the View tab and select View settings (the gear). Alternatively, open the File tab and select Account info.
2. Choose Accounts > Your accounts.

Step 2: Add the account

1. Under Email accounts, select Add Account.
2. Pick a suggested account or type the email address you want to add, then select Continue.
3. Enter the account password when prompted and select Done.

For an Outlook.com, Hotmail, or Microsoft 365 work/school account, this is usually all you need — sign-in completes in a modern (browser-style) prompt.

Step 3: Gmail, Yahoo, or iCloud — handle the app password

These providers often need a one-time setup on their own site first:

1. If you see a message asking for an app password, go to that provider’s account-security page and generate one (Gmail: Google Account → Security → App passwords; iCloud and Yahoo have equivalents).
2. Paste the app password into Outlook when prompted — not your everyday login password.
3. Approve any provider consent screen so Outlook can connect.

Step 4: Set the primary account or remove one

• To make an account your default, select Manage next to its name, then under Account details choose Set as primary account.
• To remove an account, select Manage, then Remove.

FAQ

Can I add an IMAP/POP account with custom server names? New Outlook auto-discovers settings and has no manual server-entry screen. If a provider isn’t detected, set it up on the provider’s side (or use classic Outlook, which still offers manual IMAP/POP).

Which account types are supported? Outlook.com/Hotmail, Microsoft 365 work or school, Gmail, Yahoo, iCloud, and Exchange.

Why does it want an “app password” when my password works on the website? Providers like Gmail and Yahoo block plain-password logins from mail apps; the app password is a per-app credential you generate on their security page.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Add an email account to Outlook for Windows