How to Connect Salesforce to Outlook in 5 Minutes

If your team lives in Outlook, connecting it with Salesforce can transform your workflow.

You’ll be able to log emails, sync events, and view Salesforce data right inside Outlook, without switching tabs or copying data manually.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Install and set up the Salesforce Outlook Integration
• Log emails and access Salesforce data within Outlook
• Configure Einstein Activity Capture (EAC) for automatic syncing

Step 1: Install the Salesforce Outlook Add-In

To get started:

1. Go to the Microsoft AppSource.
2. Search for Salesforce.
3. Install the official Salesforce add-in.

After installation, Salesforce tools will appear in your Outlook toolbar or sidebar.

What You Can Do:

• Log emails directly to leads, contacts, and opportunities
• Search or create Salesforce records
• Send templated emails using Salesforce templates
• View relevant CRM data without leaving Outlook

Step 2: Configure Outlook Integration in Salesforce

1. In Salesforce Setup, search for “Outlook Integration.”
2. Click Outlook Integration and Einstein Activity Capture.
3. Enable the Outlook Integration toggle.
4. Follow the guided setup to connect user accounts.

You can also choose to enable Enhanced Email, allowing users to log emails as Email Messages instead of Tasks.

Step 3: Enable Einstein Activity Capture (EAC)

What is Einstein Activity Capture?

Einstein Activity Capture automatically syncs Outlook emails, events, and contacts with Salesforce. It replaces Lightning Sync, offering improved automation and visibility.

How to Set It Up

1. In Setup, search for Einstein Activity Capture.
2. Click Get Started, then authorize the connection.
3. Select Office 365 or Microsoft Exchange as your email client.
4. Name your configuration (e.g., Outlook EAC Setup) and click Next.

Sync Settings

Configure what and how data syncs:

• Emails: Automatically sync emails between Outlook and Salesforce.
• Events: Choose one-way or two-way syncing.
• Contacts: Enable only if necessary. Define sync direction and filters carefully.

Add Users or Profiles

Select who should have EAC access by assigning profiles or individual users.

Exclude Certain Email Addresses or Domains

Prevent sensitive or irrelevant emails (like internal discussions) from syncing by adding exclusion rules.

Set Default Activity Sharing

Control visibility for captured activities:

• Everyone — full transparency across the team
• Private — users see only their own activities
• Public Groups — share activities based on predefined groups

Step 4: Monitor with the EAC Dashboard

Once live, Einstein Activity Capture provides a dashboard summarizing all synced emails, events, and contacts. This you insight into activity volume and data quality.

Wrap It Up

Integrating Salesforce with Outlook bridges the gap between communication and CRM data. Your sales and service teams can now manage relationships, track interactions, and keep records updated. All without leaving their inbox.