Microsoft 365 blocks automatic forwarding to external addresses by default
Since 2020, auto-forwarding to external domains is blocked by default in M365 to prevent data leaks.
Try this first
- 1Open Defender > Anti-spam outbound policy
- 2'Automatic forwarding' is set to 'Automatic - System-controlled'
- 3For exceptions: build a separate policy for specific users
- 4Always ask why forwarding is needed, a shared mailbox is often better
When to bring us in
Forwarding to personal mail is almost always a data leak, decide deliberately and log it.
See also
- Our emails land in spam for some recipientsAlmost always an SPF, DKIM, or DMARC setting that is wrong or missing, or a sender name that mimics a well-known brand.
- Someone reports receiving phishing emails "from us"Read: spoofing. Someone is abusing your sender name, not necessarily your actual mailbox.
- An email bounces (NDR): delivery failedThe NDR text usually states the exact reason. Reading it is step one.
None of the above fits?
Describe your situation below. We pass your input plus the steps you already saw to our AI and return tailored next-step advice. If it's too risky to DIY, we'll say so.
Or skip the DIY entirely
Our Managed IT clients do not look these things up. One point of contact, a fixed monthly price, resolved within working hours.