Configure Exchange Email & Calendar in Outlook 2016 (Windows)


Note: The instructions below apply to Outlook 2016 on Windows only. 

For the best security and easiest setup, install the latest version of Outlook included in Office 365 or sign in to the Outlook Web App at outlook.office.com instead.

Get started with Office 365 Outlook 


Set up Outlook 2016 on Windows

  1. Please uninstall any Office trial versions on your device before installing Office 365 Education.

  2. Connect to the Internet, then start Outlook 2016

    Note: If you are not connected to the Internet, you will still be able to configure your UMass Amherst Exchange email and calendaring account on Outlook using these instructions. You will be unable to verify that the process has completed and synchronize your mail successfully until you go online.


    • New Users: If you are new to Outlook or are installing Outlook on a new computer (without migrating any local data from your old computer), the Automatic account configuration feature will start the first time you open Outlook 2016 and help you configure your UMass Amherst Exchange email and calendaring. When you start Outlook, a Welcome to Outlook 2016 window should appear. Click Next. You will then see a Microsoft Outlook Account Setup window asking you if you want to configure an email account. Yes should already be selected. Click Next. An Add Account window will open.
    • If you have used Outlook for another email account and would like to add your UMass Amherst Exchange account, you can access the Add Account window by going to File > Info and clicking the Add Account button under Account Information. The Add Account window will appear and Email Account should be selected. Proceed to Step 3 below.

  3. On the Auto Account Setup screen, enter your Exchange account information:


    • In the Your Name field, enter both your first and last name.
      Note: This will appear in the From field of your outgoing messages.
    • In the Email Address field, enter your IT Account NetID, followed by @umass.edu. Check with the IT professional in your department if you are having problems configuring.
    • In the Password field, enter your IT Active Directory/Exchange password. 
      Note: This may be the same as your UMass Amherst IT Account Password.
    • In the Retype Password field, enter your IT Active Directory/Exchange password again.
    • Click Next.

  4. A progress indicator will appear on the Searching for your mail server settings... screen as your account is configured. The setup process can take several minutes. When it is complete, click Finish. 
    Note: A Windows Security window may prompt you with your IT Account for your password. Enter your IT Active Directory/Exchange password again.

  5. You have now successfully configured Outlook 2016! Outlook will immediately begin downloading messages from the Exchange server. The synchronization process can take several minutes. Your Exchange calendar will be available from the calendar icon in the bottom-left of the Outlook window.