Skip to content
Follow
Windows

How to Enable Bcc in Outlook for Windows 11

Richard
Written by
Richard
Aug 26, 2023 Updated Aug 13, 2026 3 min read
How to Enable or Disable Closing Warnings in Windows Terminal
How to Enable or Disable Closing Warnings in Windows Terminal

The Bcc field in Outlook for Windows 11 hides email addresses so other people on your email cannot see them. Bcc stands for Blind Carbon Copy, and it lets you send a message to a group without sharing anyone’s personal contact details.

Every person listed in the To or Cc boxes can see each other, but anyone placed in the Bcc box stays completely hidden. This trick stops your contact list from leaking when you send updates to multiple people at once.

⚡ Quick Answer

In New Outlook, click the “New mail” button, then click “Bcc” next to the To field in the composition window. To always show Bcc, go to Settings , then Mail, then Compose and reply, and check “Always show Bcc” for your account.

New Outlook vs. Classic Outlook

Enabling Bcc in Outlook for Windows 11 differs depending on whether New Outlook or Classic Outlook is active. Determining the correct software edition is the first step.

How to show the Bcc field in New Outlook

Open the Outlook app from the Start menu . Click ‘New mail’.

Show or hide Bcc field in Outlook
Show or hide Bcc field in Outlook

Look to the right of the To field inside the message window. Click the ‘Bcc’ button.

Show or hide Bcc field in Outlook
Show or hide Bcc field in Outlook

The field appears immediately for the active message.

Show or hide Bcc field in Outlook
Show or hide Bcc field in Outlook

How to always show the Bcc field

Keep the field visible across all future messages by clicking the 'Settings' (gear icon) at the top right.

Add Gmail to Outlook app in Windows 11
Add Gmail to Outlook app in Windows 11

Click Mail, then Compose and reply.

Compose and reply settings menu in the new Outlook for Windows
Compose and reply settings menu in the new Outlook for Windows

Select the preferred account and check Always show Bcc.

Settings menu option to always show Bcc in new Outlook emails
Settings menu option to always show Bcc in new Outlook emails

Save the modifications. Note that this configuration applies per account.

Bcc Best Practices and Privacy Risks

Protecting recipient privacy requires understanding best practices alongside potential communication risks.

Troubleshooting Missing Bcc Options

Troubleshooting steps resolve missing options when enabling Bcc in Outlook for Windows 11.

Summary

Maintaining private email communications relies on this valuable tool. Activating Bcc in Outlook for Windows 11 takes minimal effort.

Can I set Bcc to be on by default for all emails?

Yes, Bcc can appear by default within Outlook for Windows 11. Navigate to Settings, select Mail, and open 'Compose and reply'. Tick the 'Always show Bcc' box for the specific email account. The Bcc field populates automatically during new message composition or replies.

Can I set Bcc to be on by default for all emails?

Configuring this preference happens inside the settings menu. Go to Settings, click Mail, then open 'Compose and reply'. Check the 'Always show Bcc' box for the chosen email account. Saving the update makes the Bcc field show up automatically whenever composing a new message or replying to an existing thread.

Does the recipient know if they are Bcc'd?

Recipients placed in the Bcc field remain invisible to other Bcc recipients. They see only the sender alongside anyone designated in the 'To' or 'Cc' fields. Maintaining anonymity across large distribution lists makes Bcc an essential privacy safeguard.

Why is the Bcc option missing in my Outlook version?

A missing Bcc option usually stems from a simplified view hiding advanced fields. Confirm the interface displays the 'Compose' window. Users running Classic Outlook should examine the 'Options' tab within the ribbon to toggle Bcc visibility.

How to enable BCC in Outlook 🪟 Windows 11?

Displaying the BCC field in Microsoft 365 email on Windows 11 requires opening a new message and clicking 'Options' on the ribbon. Selecting 'Bcc' enables the field for subsequent emails. Updating the Outlook app resolves persistent visibility failures.

Was this guide helpful?

📬 Get new Windows tips in your inbox
One email when we publish something worth your time. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Tags: #Productivity
Was this helpful?
Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

2850 articles → Twitter

📚 Related Tutorials

How to Switch Between Classic and Simplified Ribbons in Outlook
Windows How to Switch Between Classic and Simplified Ribbons in Outlook
How to Enable Daily Agenda Emails in Outlook for Windows 11
Windows How to Enable Daily Agenda Emails in Outlook for Windows 11
How to Enable Out of Office Replies in Outlook for Windows 11
Windows How to Enable Out of Office Replies in Outlook for Windows 11
How to Enable Email Forwarding in Outlook for Windows 11
Windows How to Enable Email Forwarding in Outlook for Windows 11

No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *