How to Change Primary Account in Outlook on Windows 11

The new Outlook for Windows brings a modern look to your inbox. It supports Microsoft 365, Outlook.com, Hotmail, and Gmail accounts. The app also includes features like email signatures, external email accounts, out-of-office automatic replies, email sorting, subscription management, email forwarding, setting default From address, backing up your mailbox, changing the reading pane, opening a new window for a message, language translations, and turn text predictions on or off.

Why change your primary account?

The primary account is the first one you set up. It controls the privacy settings for your entire Outlook experience. You might want to change it if you have a new main email address or need to update your privacy rules.

What happens when you are done?

Once you finish these steps, Outlook will restart. The new account will be your primary one, and its specific privacy settings will now apply to the app.

How to change the primary account

First, open the new Outlook app on Windows 11. You can find it by clicking Start, then All apps, or by searching for “Outlook” in the search box.

When the app opens, click the Settings button. This is the gear icon located in the top right corner.

In the Settings menu, click the Accounts tab on the left. Then, select Email accounts on the right.

Find the account you want to become the primary one. Click the Manage button next to that account.

On the account details page, click the Set as primary account button.

Outlook will ask you to confirm the change. Click Continue. The app will restart to apply your new settings.

Summary

Changing your primary account in Outlook is easy. It helps you manage your emails better and keeps your privacy settings accurate. Simply go to Settings > Accounts > Email accounts, click Manage on your preferred account, and select Set as primary account.

Reference: Microsoft