Understanding Shared Mailboxes in Outlook: Two Options Explained

If you have multiple email accounts in Outlook, such as personal and work emails, managing them can be overwhelming. One common scenario is having two or more email accounts, including shared mailboxes. In this article, we will explore the differences between adding a shared mailbox using two options in Outlook and provide instructions on how to connect a shared mailbox using either method.

The first option is to add the mailbox for viewing purposes only. This means that you can view emails from the shared mailbox, but you cannot send emails as if they were coming from that mailbox. The second option allows you to 'act' as the shared mailbox, enabling you to send and receive emails as if they were coming from that mailbox.

When using the second option, it's essential to note that your sent and deleted mail folders will always be in your personal email account. You can read emails from the shared mailbox but need to manually select the 'From' button to choose the shared mailbox when sending an email. This ensures that the email is properly attributed to the shared mailbox.

In this Knowledge Base article, we aim to highlight the differences and advantages of using one method over the other, as well as provide step-by-step instructions on how to connect a shared mailbox in Outlook using either option.

For Duke-supported versions of Outlook, there are two ways to add a shared mailbox. By understanding these options and how they work, you can effectively manage your multiple email accounts and maintain organization in your inbox.

I have two email accounts in outlook