When you open the Windows Mail app or Outlook to configure Email Security, you may receive an error — This setting can’t be applied to any of your accounts when trying to change some settings. In this post, we are sharing what it means and what you can do about it when you receive it on Windows Mail App or Outlook.
This setting can’t be applied to any of your accounts
The first thing you should know is that it is not an error. It’s a clear message that the settings are not available for the accounts you have on the Windows Mail app or Outlook.
Why is Email security not available for your email account?
The Email security section allows you to change options for S/MIME Digital signature and Encryption. These options are only available for account types that support these features. You can configure it by going to Settings > Email security. However, if you do not see any option but only a message that says This setting can’t be applied to any of your accounts., then it’s because none of the accounts configured in Windows Mail support it.
If your account would have supported it, then this is how it will look. Here, you can choose to always sign with S/MIME, automatically select certificates, and turn on Encryption for all the emails.
That said, if it is already on for you, but you cannot see it in Windows Mail, then you have few options. You can try to reinstall the Windows Mail app or check if you have the certificates installed. If it is enabled, you can configure it according to the options shown in the above image.
Pre-requisite for S/MIME Digital signature and Encryption
If you doubt that if Windows Mail supports it, then yes, it does. However, S/MIME is enabled only for Exchange accounts. You can’t use S/MIME signing and encryption with a personal account such as Outlook.com.
Second, you should have valid Personal Information Exchange (PFX) certificates installed on the device. To get these certificates, it is best to contact your IT admin. They should be able to create PFX certificate profiles in Configuration Manager or Microsoft Intune.
What do you mean by Encrypt Email Messages?
S/MIME or Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions is a widely used and accepted protocol for sending digitally signed and encrypted messages. Many businesses make sure to encrypt their Emails using S/MIME, or if you are using Office 365, then you have Information Rights Management.
If you are using Outlook, then it is available in the Trust Center in options. You can import certificates and choose how to encrypt emails.
I hope the post was able to help you understand why you received the error. This setting can’t be applied to any of your accounts—error for the Windows Mail app. If you were trying to figure it out because of curiosity, then I hope you understand it.
However, if you have an Exchange account for which the S/MIME is enabled, then check with the pre-requisites.
