Problem:
Outlook and Microsoft 365 services are widely used in schools and universities. However, many students report a frustrating situation: every time they try to log into Outlook Web, instead of going directly to their Microsoft account, they are redirected to a Microsoft login page linked to their school’s Google account.
Common symptoms include:
- Entering your email only to be redirected to a different login portal (such as a school-branded Microsoft login page).
- Outlook looping between Google sign-in and Microsoft login without granting access.
- Inability to use personal Outlook/Hotmail accounts while signed into a school Google account in the same browser.
- Getting “account not found” or “unauthorized” errors when trying to sign in.
This problem often happens because many schools and universities use single sign-on (SSO) or have linked their Google Workspace accounts with Microsoft 365 for email and collaboration tools. As a result, Outlook detects the organizational domain (like @school.edu) and automatically redirects you to Microsoft’s identity platform.
Solution:
Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix the unwanted redirection to Microsoft login problem:
1. Check Which Account You’re Using
- Make sure you are entering the correct account. If you’re trying to access a personal Outlook/Hotmail account, ensure you’re not typing your school email address.
- If your school uses a Google email but is linked to Microsoft 365, you must log in through the school’s Microsoft portal, not directly through Outlook.com.
2. Sign Out of Other Accounts
- If you’re logged into multiple accounts in Chrome (personal Gmail + school account), Outlook may automatically detect the school domain and redirect.
- Try logging out of all accounts and then logging in only with your personal Microsoft account.
3. Use Private/Incognito Mode or a Different Browser
- Open Chrome in Incognito mode (Ctrl + Shift + N) and sign in with your Microsoft credentials.
- Alternatively, use another browser (Edge, Firefox, or Safari) for your personal Outlook account while keeping your school account open in Chrome.
4. Clear Browser Cookies and Cache
- Outlook and Microsoft 365 rely on authentication cookies. Old or conflicting cookies from your school’s Google account may cause the redirect loop.
- In Chrome: Menu → Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear browsing data → Cookies & Cached files.
- Restart the browser and try logging in again.
5. Use a Direct Login Link
Sometimes Outlook auto-detects your organization’s login portal. To bypass this, use direct links:
- For personal Outlook/Hotmail: https://outlook.live.com/
- For Microsoft 365 school accounts: https://office.com (then select Outlook).
6. Add Accounts Separately in Outlook App
If the web version keeps redirecting, try using the Outlook desktop or mobile app:
- Add your personal Microsoft account separately from your school account.
- This ensures both accounts stay logged in without conflicting.
7. Ask Your School IT Department (if needed)
If your school uses Google email addresses linked to Microsoft 365, only your IT administrators can confirm how the login is configured. If you’re unable to access Outlook with your school email, contact them for the correct login process.
Final Thoughts
The unwanted redirection to Microsoft login when using school Google accounts is usually not a bug, but a result of how your school’s IT team has set up account linking and single sign-on. The key is to ensure you’re using the correct account and manage your browser sessions carefully.
If you’re logging in with a personal Outlook/Hotmail account, use Incognito mode or a separate browser to avoid conflicts with your school’s Google sign-in. If it’s your school email that’s redirecting, follow the official login process or contact your IT department for assistance.
