OVERVIEW
Target audience: entire McGill community
We recommend using the Microsoft Outlook application for Windows, Mac or mobile devices, rather than native Mail applications that come with your devices.
You can use the simple instructions below to set up one or more email accounts, and access all your Inboxes from Outlook at the same time. Alternatively, you can set up separate profiles so that you view email and manage multiple email accounts separately.
Important: McGill Outlook email storage capacity reduction starting May 31st 2024
On May 31st, 2024, McGill’s Outlook email storage for all students will be reduced to 20GB to comply with Microsoft’s new Storage quota for its educational sector clients. The Outlook email storage provided to staff or faculty members will not be affected.
If you are a McGill student, please verify your current storage using the instructions in this article: How to check file storage usage in outlook.
If your current storage exceeds 20GB, start by emptying your mailbox’s deleted items. As a secondary step, go through your inbox and all its online storage folders and download any "big" attachments such as videos, PowerPoint presentations or images by saving them to another location using the Save as... option in the attachment drop-down menu and then by Removing them.
Please note: these options are only available on Outlook for PC, not on the online or Mac versions. If you only use these platforms, download the attachments then save/delete the email. (Don't forget to empty the deleted items folder after.)
If you plan on storing those files on OneDrive, be aware that OneDrive's storage will also be adjusted to 20GB starting May 31st. For more information: consult the IT Services announcement on the subject.
Set up your email on Outlook on Windows
- Open the Outlook application.
- If this is the first time you are using Outlook, you will be automatically prompted to set up a new email profile.
Otherwise, click File, and from the Account Settings menu, select Account settings...
- In the Account Settings window, click New....
- The next screens you see will depend on which version of Outlook you are using.
-
On Outlook 2016:
You will see the following screen. Enter the information as specified below. and click Next.
- Your Name: The name you want people to see when you send them email.
- E-mail Address: Enter your McGill Username (first.last@mail.mcgill.ca or first.last@mcgill.ca)
- Password: Enter your McGill Password. If you are new to McGill and have never set up your McGill password, contact the IT Service Desk).
On Outlook Microsoft 365:
You will see the following screen. Enter your McGill email address and click Connect.
NOTE:
If you see McGill's sign in page, enter your McGill Username and Password again and click Sign In.
If you are not connected to the McGill network (either on campus or via McGill's VPN, and you have Two-Factor Authentication enabled, you may also be prompted to enter a second method of authentication (whatever option you selected when you set up 2FA).
- If you entered everything correctly you should see the "Congratulations" screen. Click Finish to complete the setup.
You should now see your McGill Inbox and other mailbox folders in the left side pane of Outlook.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCES:
- Index of setup instructions for McGill Email (for other applications and devices)
- FAQs on McGill Email.
- About Two-Factor Authentication (service description)
- If you need assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk.