How to Log into Your WVU Retiree Email Account for the First Time

Retirees access their retiree email account through the Outlook Web App. Use the steps below to sign into your retiree email account for the first time and set up your password.

How to log into your retiree account

An email will be sent by Microsoft Online Services Team to the email you provided upon retirement. The subject of this email will be New or modified user account information. This email contains your retiree email username and a temporary password. You should have these ready when you log into your retiree account for the first time.

If you can't find this email, contact the ITS Service Desk to confirm that you have a retiree email account and/or have your password reset. 

1. Go to outlook.com.

2. In the upper-right corner of the Microsoft Outlook page, click the Sign in link. This will take you to a Microsoft Sign in page.
   Note: If you are already signed into Outlook with another account, click + Use another account 

3. In the Sign in box, enter your full retiree email address. It will be your WVU Login username followed by @retiree.wvu.edu (for example, jadoe0012@retiree.wvu.edu). 

4. Click Next.

5. Enter your temporary password and click Sign in. You will be asked to update your password.

6. In the Current password field, enter your current temporary password.

7. Enter a new password in the New password field and again in the Confirm password field. The new password must be at least seven characters. In addition, a strong password is required. It must have a combination of at least three of the following:

   • Uppercase letters

   • Lowercase letters

   • Numbers

   • Symbols

8. Click Sign in. You will see a More information required screen.

9. Click Next.

10. You will see a don't lose access to your account! screen. This screen will prompt you to set up a backup authentication method in case you need to reset your password. You must select at least one option to continue, but we recommend selecting both to ensure you can verify your identity if you ever need to reset your account:

    • Authentication Phone: Select your country or region followed by your telephone number including area code. You'll have the option of receiving a text message or phone call if you need to reset your password.

    • Authentication Email: Provide an authentication email address (not your primary work email). If you ever need to reset your password, a message can be sent to this email address. Once you provide an address, click email me. Log into the email account you provided. You should have an email with the subject West Virginia University account email verification code. This email will contain a numeric code. Enter this code into the prompt on your retiree email account setup screen.

11. After completing one or both authentication options, click Finish.

12. Microsoft will present informational screens, which you can click through or close.

13. You will see a Microsoft 365 screen that shows your Outlook apps. When you open Outlook for the first time, you will receive a prompt to set your preferred language and your time zone. Setting the correct time zone is important, especially if you plan on using the calendar and meeting functions. If you remain in this area, you'll want to choose Eastern Time (US & Canada). 

After completing these steps, you will be able to access your retiree email by going to outlook.com and entering your retiree email and password. Instructions on how to transfer contacts from your WVU email account can be found in the article How to Export your WVU Mail Contacts to Your Retiree Account.