How to Change the Default 'From' Address in Outlook.com

Stop manually changing the 'From' field in individual emails

What to Know

  • To change the default, go to Settings > View all Outlook settings > Mail > Sync email > Set default From address.
  • To use a custom "From" address, open a new message and select an email address in the From field.

This article explains how to permanently or temporarily change the "From" email address in Outlook on the web and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

How to Change the Default 'From' Address in Outlook.com

If you often change the From line in Outlook.com one email at a time, consider setting up a default From address to save time. In this way, all new emails automatically will be sent through the connected account you select, and its address will display in the From field. To designate the email address to be used by default in the From field in messages you compose using Outlook.com:

  1. Select Settings (the gear icon in the top navigation bar).

    Settings icon in Outlook.com
  2. Select View all Outlook settings.

    View All Outlook Settings link in Outlook.com
  3. In the Settings dialog box, select Mail > Sync email.

    Mail > Sync Email in Outlook.com

    The Manage your connected accounts section lists your synced email accounts.

  4. Select the Set default From address dropdown arrow.

    Set default From address box

    You can connect up to 20 email accounts in Outlook.com if you'd like to import and manage your mail in one place. Use one of these connected accounts or a different email address as your default From address.

  5. Choose the account you want to use by default in the From field when you send new emails.

  6. Select Save, then close the Settings dialog box.

New emails that you send will now show the name you configured as the default account on the From line. 

Send a New Email or Reply Using a Custom 'From' Address in Outlook.com

To choose a different address for the From line of an email you are writing in Outlook.com:

  1. Select New Message.

    New Email button in Outlook.com
  2. Select the From button and then select the contact name.

    From field in Outlook.com message
  3. Select the desired account address you want to use in the From field, or to use a different email address, choose Other email address and enter a different email address.

  4. Compose the message and send it.

How to Add Connected Accounts to Outlook.com

To add an account to the connected account list:

  1. Select Settings (the gear icon in the top navigation bar).

    Settings icon in Outlook.com
  2. Select View all Outlook settings.

    View All Outlook Settings link in Outlook.com
  3. Select Mail > Sync email.

    Mail > Sync Email in Outlook.com
  4. In the Add a connected account section, select Gmail to add a new Gmail account or select Other email accounts to add an account from any other email service.

    Gmail in the Add a connected account section in Outlook.com
  5. Enter your Display name, email address, and password for the account.

    Screenshot of connect your account in Outlook online
  6. Select where the imported email will be stored. You can create a new folder and subfolders for imported email, or you can import it into your existing folders.

  7. Select OK to finish.

  8. In the Settings dialog box, select Save. Then, close the Settings dialog box.

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