Set Up Microsoft Outlook for Windows for Bowdoin Email

Questions

  • How do I set up Microsoft Outlook for Windows with my Bowdoin email?
  • How do I add my Bowdoin account to the Outlook desktop app on Windows?
  • How do I add an email account in Outlook for Windows?
  • How do I sign in to Outlook on my Windows computer with my Bowdoin credentials?
  • How do I activate Office with my Bowdoin account?
  • Why does Outlook for Windows ask me to sign in at the Okta login?

Environment

This article applies to Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff using the Microsoft Outlook desktop app on Windows. Outlook is part of Microsoft 365. These steps also work for adding other Microsoft 365 email addresses.

Resolution

  1. Open Outlook.
  2. If this is the first time Outlook has been used, skip to the step that enters the email address. If Outlook has been used before, select File, then select Add Account.
    Outlook File tab with the Add Account option highlighted in account settings.
  3. Enter your Bowdoin email address, then select Connect.
    Outlook login screen with the email address field filled in and the Connect button outlined in red.
  4. When prompted, enter your Bowdoin credentials at the Okta login.
  5. Uncheck Set up Outlook Mobile on my phone, too, then select Done. To set up the Outlook mobile app, see Set Up Email in the Outlook App on a Mobile Device in the Related Articles section.
    Outlook setup screen showing the account added successfully with the option to set up Outlook Mobile, and a highlighted Done button.
  6. Select OK.
    Stay signed in to all your apps prompt with 'Allow my organization to manage my device' checked and the OK button highlighted.
  7. Select Done.
    Confirmation screen stating the account is added successfully, with a highlighted Done button in the bottom-right corner.
  8. Outlook opens. To activate Office, select Sign in.
    Microsoft Office setup screen prompting to sign in or create an account, with the Sign in button highlighted.
  9. Enter your Bowdoin email address, then select Next.
    Microsoft Office activation screen with the email field and Next button outlined in red.
  10. When prompted, enter your Bowdoin credentials at the Okta login.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Related Articles (5)

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Instructions for installing the Outlook app on a phone or tablet and configuring it with a Bowdoin account. Covers removing an existing account before adding it again and completing setup through the Bowdoin sign-in page. Applies to anyone using the Outlook app on a mobile device.
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