How to Share an Inbox Folder in Outlook Web

Learn how to share your Inbox or other email folders in Microsoft Outlook on the web and assign specific access permissions to colleagues.

May 14, 2026 By Levi Houk

This guide walks you through sharing an email folder, such as your Inbox, with another user in Microsoft Outlook on the web. By following these steps, you can grant specific access levels to colleagues so they can read or manage your emails.

This applies to anyone using the Outlook web interface who needs to delegate access or share specific folders with team members.

Accessing folder permissions

Step #1: Right-click the folder you want to share, such as your Inbox, in the left-hand navigation pane. — Right-click the folder you want to share, such as your **Inbox**, in the left-hand navigation pane.

Step #2: Select Sharing and permissions from the context menu. — Select **Sharing and permissions** from the context menu.

Adding a user

Step #3: In the Permissions dialog, click the + (Add) icon to search for a user. — In the Permissions dialog, click the + (Add) icon to search for a user.

Type the name or email address of the person you want to share the folder with.

Step #5: Select the correct user from the dropdown suggestions. — Select the correct user from the dropdown suggestions.

Assigning permission levels

Once added, the user will default to having no access. You must specify their permission level to finalize the process.

Step #7: Click the permission level dropdown next to the user's name, which initially displays None. — Click the permission level dropdown next to the user's name, which initially displays **None**.

Step #8: Select the appropriate permission level, such as Reviewer. — Select the appropriate permission level, such as **Reviewer**.

Changes to permissions are typically saved automatically, but if you see an apply or save button in your specific version of Outlook, be sure to click it.

Common permission levels

Permission Level	Access Granted	When to use
Owner	Full read, write, and delete access. Can manage folder permissions.	When co-managing a shared inbox or delegating full mailbox control.
Editor	Can read, create, modify, and delete items.	When an assistant or team member needs to process and manage your email.
Reviewer	Read-only access.	When someone needs to monitor incoming emails without making changes.
None	No access to folder contents.	When revoking previous access or adding a user before a role has been defined.