How to add a shared mailbox to Outlook desktop?

Overview

When an account is provided "FullAccess" permissions directly to another account the shared mailbox will automatically show up in the left side folder list in Outlook desktop.

Outlook folder pane showing a shared mailbox listed under the account

Sometimes it will require adding the account manually to be able to see it in the folder list.

 

Add a Shared Mailbox to Windows Outlook Desktop

Outlook (new)

If you are using Outlook (new) on desktop, please follow these steps to add a shared mailbox.

Right-click on your mailbox and select “add shared folder or mailbox”

Context menu shown after right-clicking the mailbox, with the Add shared folder or mailbox option highlighted

Next, enter the full email address of the shared mailbox and click add.

Dialog box with a field to enter the shared mailbox email address and an Add button

Once you have added the shared mailbox scroll down the folder structure of Outlook on the left-hand side until you find “Shared with me”.  You will need to click on the carrot to the left to expand the folder and see the shared mailbox within.

Outlook folder pane with the Shared with me group expanded, showing the shared mailbox inside

Note: It will take some time to download emails for the shared mailbox. If you are adding the account for the first time it will show up on the left window under your main account. You may have to click on the small triangle to expand it.

 

Outlook (classic)

Click on "File" from the top left.

Classic Outlook window with the File tab in the top-left corner

Select "Accounts Settings" and "Account Settings..."

File menu showing the Account Settings option, with the Account Settings sub-menu open

Click on your account and select "Change...". The dialog can also be opened by double-clicking on your account.

Email Accounts list in Account Settings with the Change button highlighted next to the selected account

In the "Exchange Account Settings" dialog, click on "More Settings".

Microsoft Account Settings dialog with the More Settings link in the lower-left

Click on the "Advanced" tab and then select "Add..."

Exchange Account Settings dialog on the Advanced tab, with the Add button

In the "Add Mailbox" textbox enter the other mailbox and click on "OK".

Add a second or different mailbox dialog with the mailbox email address entered in the text field

The account will be added to the "Mailboxes" list. Click on "OK" to close the dialog.

Advanced tab showing the Mailboxes list with the newly added shared mailbox listed

Select "Next" in "Exchange Account Settings".

Exchange Account Settings dialog with the Next button

Click on "Done".

Microsoft Account Settings dialog with the Done button

Click on "Close".

Account Settings window with the Close button

Restart Outlook.

Outlook displaying the newly added shared mailbox in the folder list

 

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