Thank you for providing such a detailed overview of your situation—it's frustrating when software updates make something that used to be simple feel impossible.
Let me break down what's happening and give you practical advice based on the most recent versions of Outlook:
The Issue
- Cox no longer provides email hosting, so you’re stuck with a “Cox-branded Yahoo” mailbox.
- Yahoo mail is now heavily ad-driven unless you pay.
- The latest Microsoft Outlook 365 app (sometimes called “New Outlook”) appears to have removed, hidden, or broken the usual “Add Account” process for non-Microsoft accounts.
- Online guides are outdated or point to menus/settings that don’t appear in your app.
- The “safe senders” and other power features are missing in this new interface.
- You’ve updated and reinstalled with no luck.
The “New Outlook” Problem
Microsoft has started rolling out a new Outlook app (the 'New Outlook for Windows'), and it’s a totally different beast. Many power-user or advanced mail management features found in “classic” Outlook for Windows are missing or heavily redesigned—including robust account setup and mailbox management.
What’s Changed?
- The new app looks and behaves more like Outlook.com (webmail), with a huge focus on Microsoft/Outlook/Exchange/Hotmail accounts.
- Adding non-Microsoft (e.g., Yahoo, Gmail, IMAP) accounts is much more limited or hidden.
- The “classic” Outlook desktop is now being phased out as of 2024 for consumers, but is still available for advanced use cases.
Your Options
1. Switch Back to “Classic” Outlook (if possible)
If you see a toggle at the top right for “Try the New Outlook” or “Switch to Classic Outlook,” use it to revert to the old version. In the classic app, account management is under:
File > Account Settings > Account Settings > New
Here, you can add Yahoo with your credentials.
2. Add Yahoo to New Outlook (if supported)
In some versions, you can still add Yahoo accounts, but the steps are a bit wonky:
- Open New Outlook.
- Click your profile picture or initials at the top right (sometimes it’s a circle or your user icon).
- If available, look for “Add account” or “Add another account.”
- If not, check under “Settings” (the gear icon) > “Accounts” or “Manage accounts.”
If this doesn’t appear, Microsoft has either disabled or is restricting this feature.
3. Use Outlook Web
- Go to Outlook.com, sign in, and try adding your Yahoo/Cox email in the web client via “Settings > View all Outlook settings > Sync email > Add a connected account.”
- This sometimes works even when the Windows app does not.
4. Use a Different Email App
If features are missing or the new Outlook simply won’t work:
- Try “Thunderbird” (free, open source, supports full Yahoo IMAP, and strong account rules).
- Or, download the “Outlook for Mac” or mobile versions (they sometimes have better multi-account support).
5. Safe Senders & Features
You’re correct: The “new” Outlook is missing many legacy features like Safe Senders, custom rules, and detailed filtering. Microsoft says these are “coming soon” or are only for business customers. If you need advanced control, you must either use classic Outlook or another email client.
In Summary
- “New Outlook 365” for Windows is currently a downgrade for power users wanting multi-account support.
- If the toggle is there, go back to Classic Outlook for full account controls.
- If there is no “Add account” option anywhere, Microsoft has not (yet) implemented it in your version. This is a known complaint.
- Consider alternative Windows mail apps if you need more control.
If you let me know whether you see a “Switch to Classic” toggle, I can guide you step-by-step. And if you'd like screenshots for any step, just ask!
Hang in there—unfortunately, Microsoft’s latest changes have made many loyal users feel the same frustration you’re experiencing.
If you’d like, I can look for up-to-date official Microsoft support contacts or forums for escalation—just let me know!