OWA Standard vs. OWA Light

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	Email
Apps	Available (Enabled by admin)	Not available	Email
Calendar options	Available	Limited	Calendar
Conversation view	Available	Not available	Email
Create and edit personal distribution lists	Available	Not available	Email
Create and edit mailbox rules	Available	Not available	Email
Drag-and-drop	Available	Not available	Calendar
Delivery and read receipts	Available	Not available	Email
Favorites	Available	Not available	Contacts
Mailtips	Available	Not available	Email
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	Email
Reading pane	Available	Not available	Email
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	Email
Spelling checker	Available	Not available	Email
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.

Updated on 09/04/2019

Supported browsers

Supported functionality

Further browser information

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