Add Bcc in Outlook

When composing an email in Microsoft Outlook, you might need to send a copy of the message to someone without the main recipients knowing. This is where the Blind Carbon Copy (Bcc) feature comes in handy. However, the Bcc field is not visible by default in Outlook. Here’s how you can add and use the Bcc field in Outlook to discreetly send copies of your emails.

For Outlook Desktop Applications

1. Open Outlook: Start by opening your Outlook application on your desktop.
2. Compose a New Email: Click on “New Email” to start drafting your message.
3. Options Tab: In the Ribbon at the top, click on the “Options” tab. This tab is located next to the “Message” tab.
4. Bcc: Within the “Options” tab, you will find a button labeled “Bcc”. Click on this button.
5. Bcc Field Appears: After clicking the “Bcc” button, the Bcc field will appear below the “To” and “Cc” fields in your new email window.
6. Enter Bcc Recipients: You can now enter the email addresses of those you wish to Bcc in this field, separated by commas or semicolons, depending on your Outlook settings.
7. Complete and Send Your Email: Finish composing your email as usual, including adding any attachments, and then click “Send”.

For Outlook on the Web (Outlook.com)

If you’re using Outlook on the web (formerly known as Outlook.com), the process is slightly different:

1. Log Into Outlook.com: Go to Outlook.com, log in with your credentials, and navigate to your inbox.
2. Compose a New Message: Click on “New message” to start a new email.
3. Show Bcc: Below the “To” field, you’ll see a link that says “Show Bcc”. Click on this link.
4. Bcc Field Appears: The Bcc field will then appear where you can enter the email addresses of those you want to Bcc.
5. Complete Your Email: Fill in the rest of your email, including the message body, any attachments, and the “To” and “Cc” fields if necessary.
6. Send Your Email: Once you’re ready, click “Send” to dispatch your email.

Important Considerations

• Usage of Bcc: Use the Bcc field judiciously. It’s primarily intended for situations where you want to keep the recipient list private, such as when sending emails to a large group of people or when you don’t want the main recipients to see who else is receiving the email.
• Email Client Variations: The steps to enable Bcc might slightly vary depending on the version of Outlook you’re using (e.g., Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, Outlook for Microsoft 365, etc.) or the device (Outlook on the web vs. desktop application).
• Potential Issues: Sometimes, emails sent using the Bcc field might be flagged as spam by the recipients’ email services, as the recipient’s address is not visible in the “To” or “Cc” fields. This is because spammers often misuse the Bcc field to send unsolicited emails.

By following these steps, you can easily use the Bcc feature in Outlook to send discreet copies of your emails. Remember, the Bcc field is a tool that requires thoughtful use to maintain the privacy and trust of your email communications.