Outlook & Client Configuration
Understanding the Concept
Outlook connects to Exchange Online using autodiscover to automatically configure server settings, protocols, and features. Modern authentication (OAuth) has replaced basic authentication for improved security.
Outlook Anywhere (RPC over HTTPS) and MAPI over HTTP are the protocols used for Outlook desktop connections. MAPI over HTTP is the preferred protocol, providing better performance and connection resilience.
Outlook on the Web (OWA) provides full browser-based access to Exchange Online. OWA mailbox policies control feature availability like attachments, calendar access, and theme customization.
Key Points
Why This Matters
Client connectivity issues are the most common user-facing problems in Exchange Online. Understanding authentication protocols, autodiscover, and client configuration is essential for rapid troubleshooting and user support.