How to set up Microsoft 365 - Outlook on a MacBook.

C. Carney 40 Reputation points
2025-11-17T04:24:58.75+00:00

Bought a MacBook Pro (M5), activated Microsoft 365 subscription, and proceeded to install Excel, Word, Outlook, etc. on the MacBook. Microsoft Outlook will not authenticate on the MacBook. The rest of the MS 365 suite installed, no problem.

I'm a long time MS Office user on PC's so I have a lot of familiarity setting up Outlook accounts including servers and ports. But the Mac bypasses all that.

I think the problem is the MacBook is trying to authenticate Outlook with my Microsoft password, but the email server (Network Solutions) password is different.

Any help would be appreciated.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Install, redeem, activate | For home | MacOS
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Answer accepted by question author
April P 5,455 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-11-17T07:05:27.1833333+00:00

Hi,

This is April, I'll be happy to assist you. Sorry to hear that you're having issue with Microsoft 365 MacBook set up. Let me help you out.

Based on the description of the issue you provided, you installed Microsoft 365 on a new MacBook Pro and successfully set up all apps except Outlook, which fails to authenticate.

When you try to add the account in Outlook on your Mac, do you see an option to choose a different provider such IMAP/POP, or does it immediately force you into the Microsoft sign-in screen?

On MacOS, Outlook automatically tries to configure any email address as a Microsoft 365 or Exchange account. When you enter your address, it assumes the account is hosted by Microsoft. But Network Solutions mailboxes are IMAP/POP + SMTP, requiring a separate password and manual setup so Outlook keeps trying to authenticate with your Microsoft account.

Here's how to Fix the issue:

Method 1. Add the Account Manually (IMAP Setup)

This is the most reliable solution.

  1. Open Outlook on Mac
    • Go to Outlook > Preferences > Accounts
  2. Skip Auto-Detection
    • Click the + button > New Account
    • Enter your email
    • When Outlook tries to auto-configure, click "Not Exchange?" or "Choose Provider"
  3. Select IMAP/POP
  4. Enter Manual Server Details IMAP (Incoming):
    • Server: mail.yourdomain.com (or imap.networksolutionsemail.com, depending on your plan)
    • Port: 993
    • Security: SSL/TLS
    • Username: full email address
    • Password: your Network Solutions email password SMTP (Outgoing):
    • Server: mail.yourdomain.com (or smtp.networksolutionsemail.com)
    • Port: 465 (use 587 or 465 doesn't work)
    • Security: SSL/TLS
    • Username: full email address
    • Password: same email password
    Click Add Account to finish

Method 2. Force Manual Setup (If outlook keeps redirecting to Microsoft login)

If Outlook automatically launches the Microsoft sign-in window:

  1. Quit Outlook completely
  2. Hold Option while opening Outlook
  3. Choose New Profile
  4. Add your email again and look for options like:
    • "Sign in with a different provider"
    • "IMAP"

Method 3. Removed Incorrect Cached credentials

Sometimes Outlook saves wrong authentication tokens.

On MacOS:

  1. Open Keychain Access
  2. Search your email address or "Outlook"
  3. Delete any related entries
  4. Reopen Outlook and set up the account manually.

You will not use your Microsoft 365 password here. Your Microsoft account is only used to activate the Office apps. Your Network Solutions email has its own separate password, and that's the one Outlook needs. Outlook for Mac makes manual setup hard to find. This has been a common issue since Microsoft redesigned Outlook. You must use the IMAP or Other Provider option.

I hope this helps. If you need further assistance you can reply to this message.

Thank you,

April P.

Independent Advisor

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  1. AI answer

    2025-11-17T04:25:07.3366667+00:00

    To set up Microsoft 365 Outlook on your MacBook Pro, follow these steps:

    1. Open Outlook: Launch the Outlook application from your Applications folder or via Spotlight search.
    2. Add Account: When prompted, enter your Microsoft 365 email address and click Connect.
    3. Enter Password: You will be asked to enter your Microsoft 365 password. Make sure this is the password associated with your Microsoft 365 account, not your email server password from Network Solutions.
    4. Additional Accounts: If you have other email accounts (like your Network Solutions account), you can add them later by going to Preferences > Accounts and clicking the + button to add a new account.
    5. Complete Setup: Follow the prompts to complete the setup. It may take a few minutes for Outlook to sync your emails and other data.

    If you encounter authentication issues, ensure that you are using the correct Microsoft 365 password. If your email server password is different, you may need to add that account separately as a different email account within Outlook.

    If the problem persists, consider checking your internet connection or any firewall settings that might be blocking Outlook's access to the internet.

    References:

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