The Microsoft 365 services are attached to an account during an automated process which is started at the end of the Claim or New Hire process. This means that users MIGHT not be able to sign in to email until they have waited 2 hours after NetID Claim / UI New Hire.

Once the Microsoft services are fully settled, desktop email clients and the Outlook website at outlook.office.com can be used to send and receive messages.

Accounts that existed before the University transitioned to Microsoft services, such as those of returning former students, do not use the NetID Claim process, and thus may not have a mailbox automatically provisioned. Your mailbox is provisioned after you register for classes (usually 1 to 2 days). Please see this article for undergraduate to graduate transition (https://answers.illinois.edu/illinois/62783

If it seems like your University account has not been provided with email even after waiting 48 hours, or if you are newly hired or enrolled and having any other trouble with your University email, contact the Technology Services Help Desk at consult@illinios.edu or 217-244-7000.