Outlook Web App (OWA) is the email client used to access NHSmail over the internet. It is available in two versions: a standard version and a light version. The standard version of OWA offers full functionality, while the light version has fewer features and is available on older browsers that do not support the standard version of OWA. However, the light version has a simpler appearance and can be used on more recent browsers for those who need to use accessible technologies such as screen readers
This guide explains which browsers are supported by the standard and light versions and lists the feature differences between the two
Supported browsers
| Web browser | OWA version supported |
|---|---|
| Internet Explorer 7 | Light |
| Internet Explorer 8 | Standard |
| Internet Explorer 9 | Standard |
| Internet Explorer 10 | Standard |
| Internet Explorer 11 | Standard |
| Chrome (most up-to-date version) | Standard |
| Firefox (most up-to-date version) | Standard |
| Safari 5 | Light |
| Safari 6 or later | Standard |
Supported functionality
| Feature | OWA Standard | OWA Light | OWA Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility for blind/low vision users | Not available | Available | Applies to all |
| Advanced search | Available | Not available | |
| Apps | Available (Enabled by admin) | Not available | |
| Calendar options | Available | Limited | Calendar |
| Conversation view | Available | Not available | |
| Create and edit personal distribution lists | Available | Not available | |
| Create and edit mailbox rules | Available | Not available | |
| Drag-and-drop | Available | Not available | Calendar |
| Delivery and read receipts | Available | Not available | |
| Favorites | Available | Not available | Contacts |
| Mailtips | Available | Not available | |
| Monthly calendar views | Available | Not available | Calendar |
| Notifications and reminders | Available | Not available | Tasks |
| Instant Messaging and Presence | Available | Not available | IM/P |
| Open a shared calendar | Available | Not available | Calendar |
| Play sound when message arrives | Available | Not available | |
| Reading pane | Available | Not available | |
| Right-click menu | Available | Not available | Applies to all |
| S/MIME encryption | Available | Not available | Applies to all |
| Scheduling assistant | Available | Not available | Calendars |
| Share calendars | Available | Not available | Calendars |
| Share folders | Available | Not available | |
| Spelling checker | Available | Not available | |
| Weekly calendar views | Available | Not available | Calendars |
Further browser information
For more information on the differences between Outlook Web App (OWA) Standard and Light, refer to the detailed comparison from Microsoft that can be found here.
