Microsoft is sending out millions of email messages to Outlook.com users informing them that as of 16th September 2024, they will no longer be able to access their accounts via non-Microsoft apps using standard (basic) authentication methods.
This email message from Microsoft has caused a lot of discussion across forums with users asking if it’s real and what to do. First off, it is definitely real, but Microsoft’s explanation and associated instructions are indeed very confusing, especially for less experienced users.
In a nutshell, Microsoft will be deprecating all previous methods of authentication and introducing what it refers to as “Modern Authentication”: Modern Authentication Methods now needed to continue syncing Outlook Email in non-Microsoft email apps
As well as affecting non-Microsoft apps, Microsoft also states that “Modern Authentication” is not supported in any Outlook version prior to Outlook 2021 (build 11601.10000 or higher).
Microsoft’s Solution
In order to remedy this situation Microsoft suggests moving to its new Outlook app and/or upgrading to Microsoft 365. Microsoft is promoting this new authentication method as a security measure and, while that may be true to a certain extent, it certainly won’t hurt the uptake of its Outlook app, which the company has been pushing mercilessly, nor will it hurt Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Call me cynical but I seriously question Microsoft’s motives here:
- Microsoft deprecates its Mail app and introduces new Outlook app (uptake is minimal)
- Microsoft enforces Microsoft account creation in new Windows 11 installations
- Microsoft deprecates standard authentication methods forcing Outlook.com users to either install its Outlook app or upgrade Office
You do the math.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the email message from Microsoft genuine: Yes, I have verified that it is legitimate
- What does it mean: If you do not comply with Microsoft’s instructions you will not be able to access your Outlook.com email account via any third-party apps* or any Outlook version prior to 2021
- Will this affect my Microsoft account: No, your account will remain valid regardless
- Will Application Passwords also be deprecated: Yes, none of the older authentication methods will work after 16th September
*According to Microsoft, Thunderbird supports “Modern Authentication”. It should also be noted that if you’re using a third-party program to access your Outlook.com account (send and receive email) there is every chance that the program will be updated by the developers to support Modern Authentication, especially with Premium programs.
BOTTOM LINE:
Microsoft is continually changing the goal posts and keeping up with it all is difficult enough for savvy users let alone your average Mum and Dad home users who would, I’d imagine, find this latest change totally confusing.
My suggested solution would be to stop using Outlook.com to send and receive email and move to Gmail or some other webmail service.
As usual, your thoughts are most welcome via the comments.
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I have a ‘outlook, live and msn’ email accounts.
I have the fix for this for anyone with a problem with this.
FORWARD your emails to another account (any AOL, ATT, Yahoo etc.) and if you use a third party email with any of them its a fix.
I still use windows live mail from 2012 on win 10 and win 11 computers I use.
My Gmail address has been forwarded for some time now as it doesn’t like WLM either.
Nice suggestion Jeff. Thanks for your input.
Accessing outlook.com webmail via browser is the same as accessing gmail.com webmail, so there is no need to change to a gmail account if you are OK using webmail rather than an email application.
Hey Bob,
Correct. As mentioned throughout the article, this change only affects non-Microsoft apps (such as third-party email clients) and pre-2021 Outlook.
Thanks for your comment.
I have made PC setup not dependant on MS Windows or its Office and mail products. I can at anytime change to Linux as my operating system and use another email client. I mainly have Gmail accounts and an email account provided by my ISP. I did introduce 2 factor authentication (2FA) with my Gmail and ISP accounts with no issues. I have also introduced 2FA with as many accounts as I can.
Hey Gary,
The “modern authentication” method has nothing to do with 2FA, if that’s what you’re thinking.
Have a read of Microsoft’s explanation as per the link in the article.
No I wasn’t thinking that, just saying there are other ways around MS trying to control your activities.
I use MailWasherPro and MS Outlook 2021 on Windows 10 Pro (desktop PC) and Windows 11 Pro (laptop PC) to access my outlook.com, hotmail.com, gmail.com and ISP email accounts. When I check my email, I start with MailWasherPro, which filters out some of the junk/spam email messages. I then open Outlook, which downloads my email from these four accounts. These accounts already have their respective passwords saved (I don’t have to enter them each time). So how would his new MS policy effect me, if at all?
Hey Elliott,
This new MS policy will almost certainly affect MailWasher Pro. MS Outlook 2021 should be okay provided it is up-to-date.
I am a MailWasher Pro user myself and am almost certain the developer will add support for Modern Authentication. I know the CEO of Firetrust (the MailWasher Pro developer). So, I’ll send the CEO an email message seeking clarification. Will get back to you on that as soon as I hear from him.
UPDATE: I heard back from Firetrust’s CEO and he informed me that MailWasher already supports Modern Authentication. So, you’re all good.
Jim. I am using Mail Washer Pro v 7.12.56 as the next version gave me problems. Hope it supports Modern Authentication, Mindblower!
I am using version 7.15.5 without issues MB. I can’t say for sure when MailWasher started supporting Modern Authentication (OAuth) but I would suggest trying the update again.
If you ever experience issues, just contact MailWasher support and they’ll sort if out for you, their customer support is terrific.
Considering I don’t use Outlook and consider it a nuisance…
On some machines, using Thunderbird, it was easy to set up OAuth2 to Hotmail. On others, I needed to create a new account, particularly to get OAuth2 for outgoing (SMTP) access. However, on some machines, MS no longer lets me log in, using OAuth2, using that same account an password! It fails to accept that same password.
If I can rectify that, fine… if not, I’ll stop using Hotmail. at least on some PC’s.
Hey Adelaide,
I have a suspicion that might be the outcome for many users, that they’ll simply stop using outlook.com/Hotmail. It sounds like you know what you are doing, imagine how it must be for less experienced users.