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RESOLVED! This Account is Not Supported in Outlook for Windows Due to the License Provided Error

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20th Jun, 2025
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Encountering the error message “This account is not supported in Outlook for Windows due to the license provided” can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you need to access your emails urgently. This issue typically arises when your Office 365 subscription doesn’t include the necessary license for using Outlook on Windows. Whether you’re trying to set up a new account, wondering how to export Mac OS Mail to Outlook for Windows, or access an existing one, this error can halt your productivity and disrupt your workflow.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this problem and get back to managing your emails seamlessly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through various solutions to fix this error, from verifying your Office 365 license to upgrading your subscription and ensuring your Office installation is correctly configured. By following these steps, you can overcome this obstacle and ensure uninterrupted email access in Outlook for Windows.

What Causes the Error: This Account is Not Supported in Outlook for Windows?

There are various reasons that cause this issue while trying to open or add an account in Outlook for Windows. The possible causes are:

  1. Missing Desktop License: If your Microsoft 365 subscription is configured for only allowing access to Outlook on the web, the desktop application will not open.
  2. Subscription Type: Check if you subscription plan has the full Outlook desktop license or not. If yours is one of those “not for profit” organization or has a basic plan, it will not have the desktop license. (Suggestion by Reddit)
  3. License Activation Delay: The error “this account is not supported in Outlook for Windows due to its license” also arises due to delays. Meaning, if your license activation is delayed for your account, this issue can be caused.
  4. Account Type: There are a few specific requirements in the new Outlook for Windows for different account types. Not meeting those requirements causes this error.
  5. Multiple Installations: License-related issues also occur when you have multiple Office installations on your desktop.
  6. IT Support: The IT support or Microsoft 365 admin can only verify the status of your account. They have right to check the licensing and resolve any issues that are related to the organization’s setup.

How to Resolve the This Account is Not Supported in Outlook for Windows Error?

If you are using the new MS Outlook then the below methods are not going to help you because the new Outlook is still in preview and does not support all the features and functionalities of the old Outlook app. However, if you are using the old Outlook app and still facing the issue then here are troubleshooting tips for you:

1. Verify Your Office 365 License

Ensure that your Office 365 subscription includes Outlook for Windows. This error often occurs with subscriptions that only provide access to the web-based versions of Office applications.

  1. Go to the Office 365 portal.
  2. Log in with your account credentials.
  3. Click on My Account.
  4. Navigate to Subscriptions to see the list of services included in your plan.

2. Upgrade Your Office 365 Plan

If your current plan does not include Outlook for Windows, consider upgrading your subscription to a plan that does. Plans such as Office 365 Business Premium, Office 365 Enterprise E3, or higher typically include the desktop versions of Outlook.

  1. Go to the Office 365 plans page.
  2. Choose a plan that includes Outlook for Windows.
  3. Follow the instructions to upgrade your subscription.

3. Check for Multiple Office Installations

Having multiple Office installations on your computer can sometimes cause conflicts and result in license-related errors.

  1. Open Control Panel.
  2. Go to Programs and Features.
  3. Look for multiple instances of Microsoft Office.
  4. Uninstall any versions that you do not need.

4. Activate Office

Ensure that your Office suite is properly activated. Sometimes, the license error can occur if Office is not activated.

  1. Open any Office application (e.g., Word or Excel).
  2. Go to File > Account.
  3. Check the activation status and activate the Office if necessary.

5. Use Outlook Web App (OWA) as a Temporary Solution

While you work on resolving the issue, you can use the Outlook Web App to access your emails.

  1. Go to Outlook.com
  2. Log in with your Office 365 credentials.
  3. Access your emails and manage your account from the web interface.

You might also get this error when you try to switch multiple Outlook accounts to the New MS Outlook portal under the same email address. This is because the new Outlook yet not support multiple accounts and, in that case, you either have to move back to old Outlook to continue using multiple accounts or you can wait until Outlook begins in this functionality to new Outlook.

Troubleshoot Outlook to Resolve “Account Not Supported in Outlook for Windows Error”

There are some troubleshooting methods that you can apply to resolve this issue of Outlook not supported:

  • Verify account credentials: Make sure to check your email address and password again.
  • Ensure your account type is supported: Since a few account types are not fully compatible with the new Outlook, check what your account type is.
  • Remove and re-add your account: Sometimes, Outlook does not add the account correctly. You can try to remove your account and add it again.
  • Check for IMAP/POP access: To troubleshoot the issue of “This account is not supported in Outlook for Windows due to license” error, check if the issue arises while adding a third-party account. This is to ensure that your email provider has given you the access from external email clients.
  • Disable Cached Exchange Mode: Disabling this mode helps if you are experiencing any syncing issues.

Concluding Words on Account Not Supported in Outlook for Windows Error

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error “This account is not supported in Outlook for Windows due to the license provided.” Verifying and upgrading your Office 365 plan, checking for multiple Office installations, and ensuring Office is activated are key actions. Additionally, using the Outlook Web App can provide temporary access to your emails while you work on a permanent solution.

Frequently Asked Queries

Q1. What are the reasons for account not supported error?

Ans. The reasons include:

  • Missing desktop license
  • Subscription type
  • Delay in license activation
  • Account type
  • Multiple installations
  • IT support

Q2. Can I add a third-party email to the new Outlook?

Ans. Yes, but make sure that the external email provider gives you the access for it. If you do not have the access for adding the account, it will cause issues.

Q3. What are the steps to enable an Outlook account?

Ans. The simple steps include: 

  1. Launch Outlook and choose File > Add Account.
  2. Enter your email address and choose the Connect button.
  3. If asked, you have to provide your password and select OK.
  4. Hit Finish.

Q4. How can I reactivate my Outlook account?

Ans. In order to check what your account status is or to reactivate it, you can simply go to the Microsoft Services account reset page. Follow the instructions given to reactivate it. 

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