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How to Fix Outlook for Mac Not Remembering Secondary From Address

Huda Qurayshi Oct 9, 2026 868 views

Question details

Users need to send emails using a secondary or delegated email address, but the desktop application fails to save it for quick access.

How to Fix Outlook for Mac Not Remembering a Secondary From Address

Product: Outlook for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Replying to messages sent to distribution lists or sending new messages using a delegated secondary email address.
Observed behavior: The new Outlook for Mac does not retain the delegated From address in the recent-address list and limits From-address changes when replying.

Before you start

Verify that your primary email account has the required 'Send As' or 'Delegate' permissions for the secondary address granted by your IT administrator.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Select the Delegated From Address

Since the new Outlook for Mac does not currently save the delegated address in the recent list, you must manually display the From field and select the address for each message.

This limitation specifically affects the new Outlook for Mac (version 16.81.1 and similar). Until Microsoft releases a permanent fix, manual selection remains the most reliable method.

Open a New Message

Launch Outlook for Mac and click on 'New Message' or choose to reply to an existing email.

Display the From Field

If the 'From' field is not visible at the top of your composition window, navigate to the 'Options' tab in the ribbon and click 'Show From'.

Select the Delegated Address

Click the dropdown arrow next to your primary email address in the 'From' field and choose your secondary or delegated email address from the list.

Send the Message

Compose your email normally and click 'Send'. The email will be delivered using the secondary address, provided you have the correct permissions.

Manually Select the Delegated From Address

Microsoft Investigation: Microsoft is actively investigating this recent-address list limitation in the new Outlook for Mac and may provide a solution in a future update.

Solution 2

Use Outlook on the Web as a Workaround

Switching to the web version of Outlook is an effective workaround, as it properly supports retaining delegated addresses in the recent-address list.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Outlook for Mac remember my delegated From address?

The 'New Outlook' for Mac (specifically around version 16.81.1) has a known limitation where it does not retain secondary or delegated 'From' addresses in the recent-address list. Users must manually select the address each time.

Do I need special permissions to use a secondary From address?

Yes, your account must have 'Send As' or 'Delegate' permissions granted by your organization's Exchange administrator to successfully send emails from a secondary address.

How do I show the From field in Outlook for Mac?

When composing a new email or replying, navigate to the 'Options' tab in the top ribbon and select 'Show From'. This will display the From field, allowing you to switch between authorized email addresses.

Will Microsoft fix this recent-address list issue?

Microsoft is currently investigating this limitation in the New Outlook for Mac. They are expected to address the behavior and restore the feature in a future software update.

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