Academic Computing Technologies (ACT)

How to Add a Shared Calendar from a Shared Mailbox in Outlook on Windows

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This guide will walk you through the steps to add a shared calendar from a shared mailbox in Classic Outlook, New Outlook, and Outlook on the web on Windows. A shared calendar allows your team to view and manage appointments collaboratively. Before you begin, ensure ACT has granted you access to the shared mailbox.

For Classic Outlook (Desktop App)

Classic Outlook is the traditional desktop version of Outlook, familiar to most long-time users. Follow these steps to add a shared calendar:

Step 1: Open Outlook and Navigate to the Calendar

  1. Launch Outlook on your Windows computer.
  2. At the bottom-left corner, click the Calendar icon (it looks like a small calendar) to switch to the Calendar view.

Step 2: Verify the Shared Mailbox is Added

  1. After ACT adds you as a member of the shared mailbox, close and restart Outlook.
  2. In the left pane, under My Calendars, look for the shared mailbox. It typically appears automatically if you have full access permissions (e.g., as a listed mailbox below your personal account).
    • Note: If you don’t see the shared mailbox, contact ACT via our service request system (https://www.fullcoll.edu/service-requests/) to confirm your permissions. You may need to manually add it (see "Troubleshooting" below).

Step 3: Access the Shared Calendar

  1. In the left pane, expand the shared mailbox by clicking the small arrow next to its name (if collapsed).
  2. Check the box next to the Calendar under the shared mailbox to display it.
  3. The shared calendar will now appear in your Calendar view. You can toggle it on or off by checking/unchecking the box.

Troubleshooting: Manually Add the Shared Mailbox If the shared mailbox doesn’t appear automatically:

  1. Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
  2. Select your email account, then click Change.
  3. Click More Settings > Advanced tab > Add.
  4. Enter the shared mailbox email address (e.g., [email protected]), click OK, then follow the prompts to finish.
  5. Restart Outlook, then repeat Steps 2 and 3 above.
For New Outlook (Desktop App)

New Outlook is the modern, streamlined desktop version of Outlook with a refreshed interface. Here’s how to add a shared calendar:

Step 1: Open Outlook and Switch to Calendar View

  1. Open the New Outlook app on your Windows device.
  2. In the left sidebar, click the Calendar icon (a calendar symbol) to switch to Calendar view.

Step 2: Locate the Shared Mailbox

  1. After ACT grants you access, close and restart Outlook.
  2. In the left pane, look under Shared with me for the shared mailbox.
    • Note: Unlike Classic Outlook, New Outlook nests shared mailboxes here rather than as a separate account. If it’s not visible, ensure ACT has added you as a member.

Step 3: Add and View the Shared Calendar

  1. Expand the shared mailbox by clicking the arrow next to its name (if collapsed).
  2. Check the box next to Calendar to add it to your view.
  3. The shared calendar will display alongside your personal calendar. You can toggle its visibility by checking/unchecking the box.

Troubleshooting: If the Calendar Isn’t Available

  • The New Outlook app may not fully support all shared mailbox features yet (e.g., calendars might not sync if permissions are limited). If the calendar doesn’t appear:
    1. Switch to Classic Outlook temporarily (toggle off "New Outlook" in the top-right corner).
    2. Follow the Classic Outlook steps above, or contact ACT (Academic Computing Technologies) via our service request system (https://www.fullcoll.edu/service-requests/) to verify your access level.
For Outlook on the Web (Browser-Based)

Outlook on the web lets you access your email and calendars through a browser without installing software. Here’s how to add a shared calendar:

Step 1: Log In and Go to the Calendar

  1. Open your web browser on your Windows computer and go to outlook.office.com.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.
  3. In the left sidebar, click the Calendar icon (a calendar symbol) to switch to Calendar view.

Step 2: Add the Shared Calendar

  1. In the left pane, find and click Add Calendar (usually near the top or under your existing calendars).
  2. Select From directory from the options.
  3. Type the shared mailbox email address (e.g., [email protected]) in the search box, then select it when it appears.
  4. Choose Calendar from the dropdown (if prompted), then click Add or Open.
  5. The shared calendar will appear in your Calendar view under Other calendars or Shared calendars.

Step 3: View and Manage the Calendar

  1. Check the box next to the shared calendar’s name in the left pane to display it.
  2. It will show alongside your personal calendar. Toggle it on or off as needed.

Troubleshooting: If the Calendar Doesn’t Appear

  • If the shared mailbox or calendar isn’t listed, it’s likely a permissions issue. Contact ACT (Academic Computing Technologies) via our service request system (https://www.fullcoll.edu/service-requests/) to confirm you’ve been granted access. Unlike the desktop app, you can’t manually add mailboxes in the web version.

Key Notes for All Versions

  • Permissions: You need at least "Full Access" or specific calendar permissions to view and manage the shared calendar. Contact ACT via our service request system (https://www.fullcoll.edu/service-requests/) if you encounter issues.
  • Sync Time: After being added to a shared mailbox, it may take a few minutes (or a restart of Outlook) for it to appear in the desktop apps, or a browser refresh for the web version.
  • Functionality: In Classic Outlook, you can create, edit, and manage appointments in the shared calendar (if permitted). In New Outlook and Outlook on the web, some features (like editing) may be limited as of March 2025—check for updates from Microsoft.

Now you’re ready to collaborate using the shared calendar! If you have questions or run into problems, reach out to ACT (Academic Computing Technologies) through our service request system at https://www.fullcoll.edu/service-requests/.

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