Microsoft 365 Basic Authentication Outlook Guide

From 1^st October 2022 the Microsoft 365 service will no longer support Basic Authentication. From that date, only email clients that support Modern Authentication will be able to connect to the service. 

We have put together this handy support guide to help you identify if you’ll be impacted by this change and what you can do to make sure your emails continue to function. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to make any required changes for you as it’s a local setting on your affected device. 

What is Basic Authentication? 

Basic Authentication is a method used to connect to email servers. It’s the method that applications use to send your username and password to the Microsoft services. Traditionally, this was enabled as default on applications predating 2016. 

Basic Authentication has become outdated and there are security risks associated with its continued use. Microsoft has taken the decision to deactivate any connection using Basic Authentication.  

This decision will require an update to any connection using Basic Authentication to switch to Modern Authentication which uses superior security techniques to keep your connection secure. 

How to Tell if You’re Impacted 

As a rule, if you match any of the following conditions then it is unlikely that you will be affected by this change: 

• You are using Outlook 2016 or later 
• You are connecting using the Exchange protocol, rather than POP/IMAP 
• You are using a modern system with an up-to-date operating system

Some Outlook versions will no longer be supported. If you are using: 

• Microsoft Outlook: Version 2013 and under 

You will need to upgrade your email application or find an alternatively solution (more information found below in “What Can I Do If I’m Affected” section). 

If you’re not sure what version of application you’re using, you can generally check in the settings of that application. You can check in Outlook by following the guide below.

How to Check on Outlook: 

First, select “File” In the top left-hand corner: 

Select “Office Account” from the options on the left:

The version of Outlook is displayed in the bottom right-hand corner:

If you have a version number above 1602 then you will likely not run into any issues. If you do have any issues with your email, attempt to login to the Outlook Web App as a temporary measure and raise a ticket through your Namesco control panel stating your version number and we can attempt to assist further.

What Can I Do if I’m Affected?

There are two options available if you’ve been affected:

1. Upgrade to a modern email application
2. Use the Outlook Web Application (OWA)

Use an application that Supports Modern Authentication or Exchange:

To continue using an email application, you’ll require an upgrade. Most email applications made after 2016 support either the Modern Authentication protocol as default or allow you to directly set the account up as an “Exchange” account which means you only need to enter in your email address and password.

 Support guides on how to set up using this method can located on our Microsoft 365 Centre.

We’re also able to upgrade your license to Business Standard. This will give you access to download the latest version of Outlook. For options on this, please call our sales team on 0345 363 3632.

Use the Outlook Web Application (OWA):

With your Office plan, you have access to OWA. This is an online portal where you can access your emails. This will continue to work regardless of issues with an email application. To access, simply go to the following address:

https://login.microsoftonline.com/

When prompted, log in with your email address and password.

You’ll then need to select the Outlook log from the panel on the left, as seen below:

You will now be logged into OWA where you can send/receive emails.

For further advise on the above issues please contact our support via ticket or phone and we will be happy to help.