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Primary address and alias in Outlook

Óscar Hdez. Mañas 5 Reputation points
2025-12-08T18:05:19.6466667+00:00

Hi,

When adding an email account with a primary address (Microsoft Exchange) that also has an alias, the Exchange settings only allow adding the primary address to the email application. When trying to add the alias, Exchange assumes the address has already been added and the user is logged in.

It would be helpful to be able to add the alias in any email application.

The ability to add an alias can be very useful.

Does anyone know how to add the alias of a primary address to Outlook and work around this issue?

Outlook | MacOS | New Outlook for Mac | For home
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  1. Harold Milan 11,905 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-08T20:00:22.6566667+00:00

    Hi,

    You can’t add an alias as a separate account in Outlook because Exchange treats aliases as part of the same mailbox, not as independent accounts. That’s why Outlook assumes you’re already signed in when you try to add the alias.

     

    Workaround:

    Use the From field in Outlook to send emails from your alias requires Send As or Send on Behalf permissions from your admin.

    In Outlook Web, you can choose the alias when composing a message under Settings > Mail > Compose and reply.

    If you need a fully separate inbox, you’ll need a shared mailbox or a second account created by your admin aliases alone won’t provide that.

     

    Happy to help!

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  2. Q&A Assist
    2025-12-08T18:05:39.4266667+00:00
    AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn more

    To add an alias for a primary address in Outlook, you can create a new alias in Microsoft 365 and then use that alias to set up Outlook. Here’s how you can do it:

    1. Create a New Alias: Sign in to the Exchange admin center, select recipients, then mailboxes. Double-click the user's mailbox, select email address, and then Add. Choose SMTP and add a new alias using the .onmicrosoft.com domain.
    2. Set Up Outlook: Use the newly created alias to set up Outlook. When prompted for credentials, enter the user's actual Microsoft 365 email address.

    This method allows you to work around the issue of not being able to add the alias directly in the email application.

    Additionally, if the Set-OrganizationConfig -SendFromAliasEnabled $true cmdlet is set, users can send emails from their aliases using Outlook on the web, which might also be beneficial for your situation.

    References:

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