Microsoft 365 - Deciding Between Using Outlook or Outlook on the web

There are two main ways people do their email with Office 365, Outlook and Outlook Web App. So how do you decide which to use? Outlook is the desktop client that has the most features, which may come in useful. However, for many, the web-based Outlook Web App may meet all of their email and calendar needs.

Outlook Outlook on the web
Use it if:
  • You have a version of Outlook already installed on your computer.
  • You're on a machine only you will be using.
  • You need to see mail from multiple accounts all in one place.
  • You manage someone else's inbox.
  • You want complete offline access.
  • You need a quick and easy way to access your email, calendar, and contacts from any web-enabled device (PCs, mobile phones, and tablets).
  • You're using someone else's computer, a shared computer, or a public computer or kiosk.
  • You do not want to purchase the Microsoft Office Suite.
Runs on:
  • Laptop and desktop computers.
  • Surface devices running Windows 8.1.
  • Many mobile phones and devices:
    • It is recommended that you configure your mobile device to use the internal mail/calendar application.
How to get it: Outlook on the web is available with all Office 365 plans that have email, such as the University's instance of Office 365.


Keywordsmicrosoft office365 o365 m365 microsoft 365 decide deciding between outlook web application owa email mail client program version calendar vs versus   Doc ID41245
OwnerO365 S.GroupMicrosoft 365
Created2014-06-20 15:07:59Updated2023-02-02 09:22:54
SitesDoIT Help Desk, Microsoft 365
Feedback  0   4