Upcoming changes to Exchange Online email rate limits

From: Division of Information Technology

Virginia Tech will be implementing new email sending limits for Exchange Online users. These new limits will allow the university to get ahead of similar limits that Microsoft is planning to impose in early 2025. The new limits will enable most normal email usage while limiting the ability of attackers to use compromised VT email accounts at the university to spread phishing attacks.

On March 10, 2025, at 10 a.m., we will establish the following limits to sending email from employee accounts:

• Recipients per hour: 2,000

• Recipients per day: 2,000

If you hit one or both limits you will be added to Microsoft’s Restricted Users list, which will block your ability to send emails. Administrative intervention will be needed to reinstate your email sending privileges. Contact 4Help IT Support online at 4help.vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-4357 to have your email privileges reinstated. 

If you have a recurring need to perform bulk email sending using your Virginia Tech Exchange Online account, you have options. Please see Understanding Bulk Email (vt.edu) for details. 

If you frequently send bulk email, plan your sends so that they don’t exceed this limit. If you are placed on Exchange Online’s Restricted Users list and cannot send email, contact 4Help IT Support online at 4help.vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-4357.

To evaluate options for bulk email sending, please see Understanding Bulk Email (vt.edu) for details. 

For individual assistance or questions, contact 4Help IT Support online 4help.vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-4357.