Email Hosting
( Desktop ) IMAP Email Setup Guide – Outlook Desktop (Windows & macOS)
This guide explains how to manually configure an email account using IMAP in Microsoft Outlook on a desktop computer.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Your full email address
- Your email password
- IMAP and SMTP server details from your IT administrator
Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook
- Launch Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
- If Outlook opens to an existing mailbox, go to:
- File → Add Account (Windows)
- Outlook → Settings → Accounts → Add Account (macOS)
Step 2: Start Manual Account Setup
- Enter your email address.
- Click Advanced options.
- Check Let me set up my account manually.
- Click Connect.
Step 3: Select Account Type
- When prompted to choose an account type, select IMAP.
Step 4: Enter IMAP Settings (Incoming Mail)
Fill in the Incoming mail details:
Protocol: IMAP
Server: imap.yourdomain.com
Port: 993
Encryption method: SSL/TLS
Username: your full email address
Password: your email password
Step 5: Enter SMTP Settings (Outgoing Mail)
Fill in the Outgoing mail details:
Server: smtp.yourdomain.com
Port: 465
Encryption method: STARTTLS or TLS
Username: your full email address
Password: your email password
Step 6: Complete Setup
- Click Next or Sign In.
- Outlook will test the account settings.
- Once successful, click Done.
Step 7: Verify Mailbox Sync
- Wait for Outlook to finish syncing.
- Your inbox folders should now appear.
Recommended Settings
- Download email for the past: All
- Use cached Exchange mode: Disabled (IMAP accounts)
- Leave messages on server: Enabled
Troubleshooting
If setup fails:
- Confirm IMAP and SMTP server names and ports
- Verify your password
- Ensure IMAP access is enabled on your email account
- Check firewall or antivirus interference
- Contact IT support if the issue persists support@hostnasi.co.tz


