[header] How to set up microsoft outlook [title] Enable imap mail in gmail. [step] Imap allows two-way communication from your email client and is less prone to message loss. Imap is also better for checking email on multiple devices, which is becoming more and more common. 
Messages read in your outlook client will be marked as read in your gmail inbox as well, and vice versa. [substeps] Sign into gmail and click the gear icon in the upper-right corner.