Microsoft Outlook warning that could see you lose email access

Microsoft Outlook users are being warned they may need to alter their email checking habits in the coming months. Microsoft has announced it will soon prevent access to your inbox via Outlook.com, Hotmail.com and Live.com due to outdated security on these browser-based email sites.

This means you'll need to download a new app to continue using Outlook on Windows 11, Windows 10, iPhone, Mac and Android. "To help keep Outlook personal email accounts secure, starting September 16, 2024, Microsoft will no longer support Basic Auth, the method in which a person provides only their username and password to sign into their account," Microsoft stated on its website.

"As of September 16, 2024, Outlook will require that all those with a Microsoft email account use a mail or calendar app or the Outlook.com website which supports modern auth, such as the latest versions of Outlook, Apple Mail, or Thunderbird." While it appears Microsoft won't force two-factor authentication via SMS or an authenticator app, you will need to use a version of Outlook that incorporates 'modern auth' technology.

The company says this includes "the free Outlook apps for iOS, Android, Outlook for Mac, or Outlook for Windows." "With Modern Authentication methods we apply additional backend process/tokens that users may not notice that add an extra layer of security," Microsoft explained. "Anyone who is attempting to use an application which does not support modern authentication will no longer be able to access their Outlook.com, Hotmail or Live.com email from those applications," reports the Express.

Microsoft has also announced that the 'light' version of the Outlook Web App will be discontinued after 19 August 2024, stating: "As we accelerate our security efforts to help better protect our customers, we are retiring the light version of the Outlook web app. This means that after 2024 customers will need to run the latest versions of a supported browser to run Outlook.com."

In addition, there's another imminent change that could impact how some users interact with Outlook. It seems unlikely that many people use Outlook.com to manage their Gmail accounts - a case of Microsoft software handling Google emails - but for those who do, this functionality will cease on 30 June.

The company has advised that individuals can still access their Gmail accounts via the Outlook for Windows or Outlook for Mac applications. While not all Outlook users will be directly affected by these updates, it's important to be aware that your email access methods might need to change in light of these upcoming deadlines. To avoid any unexpected login issues, users should ensure they transition to a supported Outlook access method promptly, the firm says.