Microsoft Outlook: Set up for laptops or desktops

Set Up Microsoft Outlook on a Laptop or Desktop Computer

This guide explains how students, faculty, and staff can set up their SMSU email account in Microsoft Outlook on a Windows or macOS laptop or desktop computer.

The first‑time setup process is similar across operating systems, though screens and wording may vary slightly depending on your version of Outlook.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook

1. Locate and open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
   • You can use your computer’s search function, or
   • Find Outlook in your list of installed applications

If this is your first time opening Outlook, a welcome screen will appear automatically.

Step 2: Enter Your SMSU Email Address

1. On the Outlook welcome screen, enter your SMSU email address using the correct format:
   • Students: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
   • Faculty and Staff: StarID@minnstate.edu
2. Select Continue.

Step 3: Sign In With Your StarID Credentials

1. You will be redirected to the Microsoft sign‑in page.
2. Re‑enter your starid@go.minnstate.edu or starid@minnstate.edu.
3. Enter your StarID password.
4. Select Sign In.

Step 4: Complete Multi‑Factor Authentication

If multi‑factor authentication is set up on your account:

1. Follow the on‑screen prompts to approve the sign‑in.
2. This may include entering a code, approving a notification, or confirming via phone.

Once authentication is complete, Outlook will finish configuring your account.

Setup Complete

After sign‑in and verification, your SMSU email account will be fully set up in Microsoft Outlook and ready to use.

Need Help?

If you experience any issues setting up Outlook, contact the Technology Resource Center (TRC) for assistance:

• Email: TRC@smsu.edu
• Phone: 507‑537‑6111

The TRC can help with Outlook setup, login issues, or multi‑factor authentication problems.

Additional Resources