Understanding the Best Email Clients for Checking Mail at Virginia Tech


Introduction

This article describes the benefits of using Exchange Online and the recommended operating system/client combinations that support it. It is applicable to anyone whose mail is routed to Exchange Online at Virginia Tech. To understand about recommended connection methods, please see Connections Methods for Email at Virginia Tech.

Explanation

Recommended Clients

Microsoft Exchange Online is a cloud-based email and calendaring service that is part of Microsoft 365. It offers a dependable, secure, and collaborative way to manage email, calendar, contacts, and room resources. To take full advantage of Exchange Online, desktop users will need to use a supported Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI)-capable email client. The following lists which operating system/email client combinations best support the advanced features and functionalities of Microsoft Exchange Online.

Desktop Operating Systems

All

*Outlook on the web (OWA, https://outlook.office.com/)

Windows

*M365 Outlook for desktop

 

Windows Mail

Mac

*M365 Outlook for Mac

 

Apple Mail

Mobile Operating Systems

Android

*Outlook mobile app (OMA)

 

Gmail app

iOS

*Outlook mobile app (OMA)

 

Apple mail

 

*Asterisk indicates recommended applications. By using the recommended applications, users will experience the fullest feature set and best support and stability.

 

Security Tips

  • Always use strong, unique passwords for each account.
  • Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
  • Never share your login details—keep them private and secure.

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