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What Is the Term for Non-Primary Email Addresses in Microsoft 365?

Khadija Khan Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know the correct, universal terminology used in Microsoft 365 for non-primary email-related objects, as terms like GAL or EUII do not accurately describe them.

What Is the Term for Non-Primary Email Addresses in Microsoft 365?

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Identifying and categorizing different types of non-primary email addresses in a Microsoft 365 administrative environment.
Observed behavior: There is no single universal acronym for all non-primary emails; they are categorized based on their specific object type, such as aliases, distribution lists, or groups.

Before you start

Identify the exact purpose of the non-primary email address, as Microsoft 365 assigns different technical terms based on whether the address belongs to a single user, a broadcast list, or a collaborative group.

Solution 1Recommended

Understanding Aliases and Proxy Addresses

Use these terms when referring to extra email addresses assigned to a single, existing user mailbox.

In Microsoft 365, additional email addresses connected to one specific user are typically called 'aliases'. Technically, within the Exchange Admin Center and Active Directory, these are referred to as 'proxy addresses'. Any message sent to an alias is automatically routed to the user's primary mailbox.

Navigate to Exchange Admin Center

View Mailbox Aliases

Select a user mailbox and click on 'Manage email types' to see both the primary email address and any configured aliases (proxy addresses).

Understanding Aliases and Proxy Addresses

Alias Limitations: A single Microsoft 365 mailbox can hold up to 400 aliases, but they all share the same inbox and login credentials.

Solution 2

Differentiating Group and Contact Recipient Types

Use these specific terms when the non-primary email address is used for broadcasting messages or external communication rather than a single user.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does GAL mean in Microsoft 365?

GAL stands for Global Address List. It is the master directory view that contains all users, contacts, and distribution groups within an organization. It is not an acronym for the email addresses themselves, but rather the directory where they are displayed.

Does EUII refer to email aliases in Microsoft 365?

No. EUII stands for End User Identifiable Information. It is a data privacy and classification term used to describe information that can identify a specific user, and it is not a term used for aliases, distribution lists, or email groups.

Can I send an email from a Microsoft 365 alias address?

Yes. Microsoft 365 allows users to send emails using their alias addresses. This can be enabled by administrators in the Exchange Admin Center, allowing users to select the alias from the 'From' drop-down menu in Outlook.

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