How to Send Emails from an Alias Using OWA/Outlook

Aliases in Office 365 allow you to send emails from multiple addresses associated with the same primary mailbox, offering flexibility for managing diverse communication needs. Whether you’re using aliases to separate work functions or just prefer a different sender identity for specific communications, Office 365 makes it possible to send emails from an alias through both Outlook on the Web (OWA) and the Outlook desktop client.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through sending emails from an alias using both OWA and Outlook, along with troubleshooting tips and best practices.

What is an Alias in Office 365?

An email alias is an additional email address that’s linked to your primary Office 365 account. Aliases allow you to have multiple email addresses within a single mailbox. Each alias can be used as a separate “From” address without needing an additional mailbox, simplifying communication for roles that require multiple identities, like customer support and sales.

Benefits of Using an Alias:

• Centralized inbox: All emails arrive in the same inbox, reducing the need for managing multiple accounts.
• Identity separation: Ideal for roles requiring multiple identities, letting you send emails from different addresses under one account.
• Cost-effective: No need to pay for extra Office 365 accounts; aliases are free with each Office 365 license.

How to Set Up and Send Emails from an Alias in Office 365

Step 1: Create an Alias in Office 365 Admin Center

First, you’ll need to add an alias to your account in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Here’s how:

1. Log in to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center at https://admin.microsoft.com.
2. Navigate to Users > Active Users and select the user who needs the alias.
3. In the user’s profile, go to Manage email aliases and click on Add an alias.
4. Enter the alias email address you want to add (e.g., support@yourdomain.com) and click Save changes.

Step 2: Sending Emails from an Alias in Outlook on the Web (OWA)

Once your alias is added, you can begin sending emails from it. Follow these steps to use your alias in Outlook on the Web (OWA):

1. Log in to Outlook on the Web at https://outlook.office365.com.
2. Open a New Message window by clicking the New Message button.
3. In the new message window, locate the From field. If it’s not visible, click on More options (three dots) > Show From.
4. Click on the From dropdown and select Other Email Address.
5. Manually type the alias email address (e.g., support@yourdomain.com). This will now be used as the “From” address.
6. Compose and send your message as usual.

Tip: Once you use an alias for the first time, it should appear in the From dropdown automatically.

Step 3: Sending Emails from an Alias in Outlook Desktop App

The Outlook desktop client allows users to send emails from an alias as well, though the process is slightly different and may require additional setup.

Method 1: Send from Alias Using “Other Email Address” Option

1. Open Outlook on your desktop.
2. Start a new email message.
3. If the From field isn’t visible, go to the Options tab and select From to make it appear.
4. Click on the From dropdown and select Other Email Address.
5. Type the alias email address in the From field.
6. Compose your message and hit Send.

Sending emails from an alias in Office 365 is a powerful feature for users needing multiple identities within a single mailbox. While it takes a few steps to set up, especially in Outlook on the Web and the desktop app, the benefits are substantial for those managing multiple roles or communication streams. By following the steps above, you can ensure smooth, professional communication through your aliases, helping you manage and streamline email workflows in Office 365.