Maximum Emails Sent

Question

Hello,

I started using my Outlook today and have sent 15 messages.

I just tried to send another, and it says that it can not be sent because the maximum number of emails for the day has been reached. When I look it up, it shows that for a free account, the maximum amount of emails that can be sent a day is 300. I tried calling Microsoft customer service, but that appears not to be possible. I have treid both the app and online version.

Thank you

Answer 1

Hi, I'm John!

The daily sending limit in Outlook isn’t a fixed number for everyone. It depends on your account type and how trusted your account is.

Microsoft adjusts limits based on factors like account activity and reputation, security setup (such as having 2FA enabled), and sending behavior (for example, bulk vs normal use).

This can happen if the system detects unusual activity, or if your account hasn’t been fully verified.

If you haven't already, the best place to start is making sure your account is fully verified, check that your security info (like your phone number or alternate email) is up to date at https://account.microsoft.com Once that’s done, the limits often lift within 24 hours.

For more detailed guidance please see "How can I increase sending limits?" section here: https://support.microsoft.com/office/sending-limits-in-outlook-com-279ee200-594c-40f0-9ec8-bb6af7735c2e

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I really hope this information is helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Regards,

John J.D.

Answer 2

Outlook.com sending limits are not a fixed 300 messages per day for all free accounts. The actual limits vary based on usage history and account reputation, and new or low‑reputation accounts are given a lower temporary quota.

Key points from the documented behavior:

1. Outlook.com enforces daily sending limits and per‑message recipient limits to protect against spam.
2. For Microsoft 365 subscribers, the documented maximums are:
   • Up to 5,000 recipients per day
   • Up to 500 recipients per message
   • Up to 1,000 “non‑relationship” recipients per day (people not emailed before)
3. For non‑subscribers (free accounts), limits are explicitly stated to be lower and can vary based on usage history.
4. If the account is new or has only recently started sending, Outlook.com may apply a low sending quota as a temporary restriction, which is automatically increased as the account establishes credibility.

This explains why sending is blocked after only about 15 messages even though general guidance mentions higher numbers for other account types. The system is applying a lower, dynamic limit to the account at this time.

What can be done:

1. Wait for the quota to reset
   • Daily sending limits reset after a period (typically the next day). After reset, sending should work again within whatever limit currently applies to the account.
2. Build account reputation gradually
   • Continue normal, low‑volume, legitimate use over time (once the quota resets). As credibility is established, Outlook.com automatically raises the sending quota toward its normal limits.
3. Review sending behavior
   • Avoid sending large batches or many messages to new recipients in a short time, as this can keep limits low.
4. If problems persist
   • Use the Outlook.com in‑product Help to contact support: select Help in the Outlook.com menu bar, enter the issue, then under Still need help? choose Yes to reach support options.

For more detail on how Outlook.com limits work and why they can be lower for some accounts, see the sending‑limits documentation below.

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References:

• Sending limits in Outlook.com
• Can't send or receive email in Outlook.com