How To Change Outlook Email Address : Adding New Email Address Aliases

Updating your Outlook email address ensures all future messages come from the correct account without losing past conversations. If you’re wondering how to change Outlook email address, you have come to the right place. This guide walks you through every method, from the Outlook desktop app to the web version and mobile devices.

Many people think changing an email address in Outlook is complicated. It is not. You can do it in a few minutes, whether you want to update your display name, add a new alias, or switch to a completely different email account. Let me show you exactly how.

Understanding Outlook Email Address Options

Before we get into the steps, you need to know what kind of change you want. Outlook offers several ways to handle email addresses. You can change your display name, add an alias, or connect a third-party email account.

Your display name is what recipients see when they get an email from you. Your actual email address stays the same. An alias is an extra email address that sends and receives messages through your main Outlook account. You can also link a Gmail, Yahoo, or other email account to Outlook.

How To Change Outlook Email Address

This section covers the most common scenario: changing your primary email address in Outlook. The steps vary slightly depending on whether you use Outlook 365, Outlook 2019, or Outlook on the web.

Method 1: Change Email Address In Outlook Desktop App

The desktop app is popular for Windows and Mac users. Here is how to change your email address in the desktop version.

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
2. Click on “File” in the top left corner.
3. Select “Account Settings” and then “Account Settings” again from the dropdown.
4. In the Account Settings window, you will see your email account listed. Click on it to highlight it.
5. Click the “Change” button above the list.
6. A new window appears. Here you can edit your email address. Type your new email address in the field.
7. Click “Next” and let Outlook test the connection.
8. If the test passes, click “Finish” and then “Close.”

That is it. Your email address is now updated in Outlook. Remember, this changes the address that Outlook uses to send and receive mail. It does not change your actual email account provider.

Method 2: Change Email Address In Outlook On The Web

Outlook on the web is the browser version. It works on any computer or tablet. Follow these steps to change your email address here.

1. Go to outlook.com and sign in with your Microsoft account.
2. Click the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings.
3. Scroll down and click “View all Outlook settings” at the bottom.
4. In the Settings panel, click “Mail” and then “Sync email.”
5. Under “Connected accounts,” you can add or change email addresses.
6. To change your primary address, you need to add an alias. Click “Manage your primary alias” under the “Account” section.
7. You will be taken to a Microsoft account page. Here you can add a new email address or change which one is primary.
8. Follow the prompts to verify your new address.

This method is more about managing your Microsoft account than just Outlook. But it is the correct way to change the email address that Outlook on the web uses.

Method 3: Add An Alias To Change Your Sending Address

Sometimes you do not want to change your entire account. You just want to send emails from a different address. An alias is perfect for this.

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com.
2. Click on “Your info” at the top.
3. Under “Account info,” click “Manage how you sign in to Microsoft.”
4. Click “Add email” to create a new alias.
5. You can create a new @outlook.com address or add an existing email address.
6. Verify the new alias by following the instructions sent to that address.
7. Once verified, go back to Outlook and compose a new email.
8. In the “From” field, click the dropdown and select your new alias.

Now you can send emails from your new address without losing access to your old one. Aliases share the same inbox, contacts, and settings.

Method 4: Change Display Name In Outlook

If you only want to change the name people see, not the email address itself, this is for you. Changing your display name is quick.

1. Open Outlook and go to “File” > “Account Settings” > “Account Settings.”
2. Select your email account and click “Change.”
3. In the “Your Name” field, type the new name you want to appear.
4. Click “Next” and then “Finish.”

Your display name updates immediately. Future emails you send will show this new name. Past emails still show your old name.

Changing Email Address On Outlook Mobile App

Outlook for iOS and Android has a slightly different process. Here is how to change your email address on mobile.

1. Open the Outlook app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap your profile picture or initials in the top left corner.
3. Tap the gear icon to open Settings.
4. Tap on the email account you want to change.
5. Tap “Change account” or “Edit account.”
6. You can update your email address or display name here.
7. Tap “Save” to confirm.

If you want to add a new email account instead of changing the existing one, tap “Add account” in the Settings menu. You can have multiple accounts in the Outlook app.

What Happens To Old Emails When You Change Address

This is a common concern. When you change your email address in Outlook, your old emails do not disappear. They remain in your inbox, sent items, and folders. Outlook stores emails locally on your computer or in the cloud, not tied to the email address you send from.

However, if you change the actual email account (like switching from an old address to a new one), you need to import old emails. You can do this by adding both accounts to Outlook and dragging messages between folders.

How To Keep Old Emails After Changing Address

Follow these steps to preserve your email history.

• Add your new email account to Outlook first.
• Keep your old account connected as well.
• Create a folder under your new account called “Old Emails.”
• Drag and drop emails from your old account folders into the new folder.
• Alternatively, export your old account as a PST file and import it into the new account.

This way, you have all your messages in one place. You do not lose any important conversations.

Common Problems When Changing Outlook Email Address

Sometimes things do not go smoothly. Here are frequent issues and how to fix them.

Problem: Cannot Change Email Address Field

The email address field is grayed out in Account Settings. This happens when you are using a corporate or school account. Your IT department controls these settings. You cannot change the email address yourself. Contact your administrator for help.

Problem: New Email Address Not Sending

You changed the address but emails still send from the old one. Check the “From” field when composing a new email. Outlook sometimes defaults to the original address. Manually select the new address from the dropdown.

Problem: Password Prompt Keeps Appearing

After changing your email address, Outlook may ask for your password repeatedly. This usually means the credentials are not saved correctly. Go to Account Settings, remove the account, and add it again with the new email address and correct password.

Problem: Alias Not Showing In From Field

You added an alias but cannot see it when composing emails. Wait a few minutes for the alias to sync. If it still does not appear, sign out of Outlook and sign back in. You can also try restarting the app.

Tips For A Smooth Email Address Change

Changing your email address can disrupt your workflow if not done carefully. Here are tips to make it seamless.

• Notify important contacts about your new address before changing.
• Set up email forwarding from your old address to the new one for a few months.
• Update your email address on websites, social media, and subscriptions.
• Check your spam folder after the change to ensure legitimate emails are not filtered.
• Test sending and receiving emails from the new address before relying on it.

These steps prevent missed messages and confusion for your contacts.

How To Change Email Address For Outlook.com Account

If you use a free Outlook.com email address (like name@outlook.com), changing it is different from changing the address in the Outlook app. Here is how to do it.

1. Go to account.microsoft.com and sign in.
2. Click “Your info” and then “Manage how you sign in to Microsoft.”
3. Under “Account aliases,” click “Add email.”
4. Choose “Create a new email address” and type your desired new name.
5. Click “Add alias” and verify it.
6. Once added, click “Make primary” next to the new alias.
7. Confirm the change. Your old address becomes an alias.

Your new @outlook.com address is now your primary. You can still receive emails sent to your old address because it remains as an alias.

Changing Email Address In Outlook For Mac

Outlook for Mac users have a similar but slightly different process. Here are the steps.

1. Open Outlook on your Mac.
2. Click “Tools” in the menu bar and select “Accounts.”
3. Select the account you want to change.
4. Click the “Account” tab at the top.
5. In the “Email Address” field, type your new address.
6. Click “OK” to save.

If you need to change the password or server settings, click “Advanced” in the same window. The process is straightforward on Mac as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Outlook email address without creating a new account?

Yes, you can add an alias to your existing Microsoft account. This lets you send and receive emails from a new address without starting over. Your old address remains active as an alias.

Will changing my Outlook email address affect my Microsoft services?

Yes, your Microsoft account is tied to your email address. Changing it may affect how you sign in to OneDrive, Xbox, or Microsoft 365. Update your sign-in information after the change.

How do I change the email address that appears in the From field?

In the Outlook desktop app, go to Account Settings and change the email address there. In Outlook on the web, add an alias and set it as primary. Then select it from the From dropdown when composing.

Is it possible to change my Outlook email address on my phone?

Yes, you can change the email address in the Outlook mobile app. Open Settings, tap your account, and edit the email address field. You can also add a new account instead.

What happens to my old emails if I change my Outlook email address?

Your old emails stay in your account. They are not deleted. You can access them by keeping your old account connected or by importing them into your new account.

Final Thoughts On Changing Your Outlook Email Address

Knowing how to change Outlook email address gives you control over your communication. Whether you update your display name, add an alias, or switch to a new primary address, the process is simple once you understand the options.

Always backup your emails before making major changes. Test the new address thoroughly. And remember, you can always revert to an old alias if needed. Outlook is flexible enough to handle multiple addresses without confusion.

Take a few minutes today to update your Outlook email address if it no longer suits you. Your contacts will appreciate the correct address, and you will avoid missing important messages.