If your business sends a lot of emails — for marketing, customer support, or internal communications — there’s a change coming from Microsoft that you need to know about. But don’t worry. We’re already on it.
From 5 May 2025, Microsoft Outlook (covering addresses like @outlook.com, @hotmail.com, and @live.com) is tightening up email authentication rules for organisations that send more than 5,000 emails per day.
These changes are aimed at cutting down spam and phishing, protecting users, and making sure legitimate senders like you don’t get lumped in with the bad guys.
What’s Changing?
Outlook will begin enforcing three key email authentication protocols. If these aren’t properly set up, your emails could start landing in Junk — or eventually, not be delivered at all.
The new requirements are:
- SPF (Sender Policy Framework) – Confirms that the servers sending emails from your domain are authorised to do so.
- DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) – Adds a digital signature to verify that your message hasn’t been altered.
- DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance) – Builds on SPF and DKIM to instruct email providers on how to handle messages that fail checks, while giving you reporting tools.
Why Does It Matter?
If your email isn’t properly authenticated:
- Your messages could end up in spam folders.
- Your domain could be spoofed, hurting your brand and damaging trust.
- Your deliverability could suffer, making customer engagement harder.
This is a big deal for anyone relying on bulk email — from newsletters and recruitment campaigns to sales outreach and customer updates.
The Good News?
You don’t need to worry about any of this — we’ll handle it for you.
At Dial A Geek, we specialise in making sure your business communications are compliant, secure, and reliable. Whether you’re using an in-house mail server or third-party tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or Salesforce, we’ll:
- Audit your DNS records.
- Set up and verify SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
- Ensure alignment across your domains and platforms.
- Monitor ongoing deliverability and adjust policies as needed.
- Manage list hygiene and advise on best practice.
We’ll also make sure your emails have valid “From” addresses, clear unsubscribe options, and aren’t at risk of being flagged for bad sending behaviour.
Why Now?
Outlook is giving high-volume senders a grace period. From 5 May, non-compliant emails will go to Junk. Eventually, they’ll be blocked altogether. This is your window to get ahead of it — and we’ll make sure you do.
Already Covered by a Vendor?
Even if you use a third-party platform to send emails, the responsibility still sits with your domain. It’s your DNS records that need to be set up correctly. We’ll liaise with your provider to make sure everything’s sorted.
Ready to Stay Compliant and Keep Your Emails Flowing?
Dial A Geek has already helped over 1,000 businesses across Bristol and the UK stay compliant, protect their brand, and keep their tech working smoothly.
If you’re sending high volumes of email — or planning to — book a meeting with Gildas Jones today. Let’s make sure your messages keep landing where they belong.