The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To send an email in Outlook, open a new message, enter at least one recipient and a subject, write the message, then select Send. The exact buttons differ slightly between New Outlook, classic Outlook for Windows, and Outlook on the web, but the basic process is the same.
Send an email in Outlook
- Open Outlook and select New mail, New Email, or New message.
- Enter the recipient’s address in the To field. Outlook usually suggests matching contacts as you type; select the correct suggestion or finish entering the full address.
- Use Cc to send a visible copy to additional people. Use Bcc when recipients should not see the other addresses. If these fields are hidden, select Cc or Bcc beside the To line.
- Type a short description in the Subject field.
- Write the message in the large editing area. You can use the formatting toolbar to change fonts, add lists, insert links, or apply bold and italic formatting.
- Optionally attach a file, add an image, or change the message options.
- Review the recipients, subject, attachments, and message. Select Send.
How to send an email in New Outlook for Windows
New Outlook is the current Windows application with a web-style interface.
- Select New mail in the upper-left corner.
- In the To box, enter one or more recipients. Select Cc or Bcc if needed.
- Enter the subject and type your message.
- Select Attach file from the message toolbar to add a document or image. Choose a recent file, browse your computer, or select a cloud location when available.
- Check whether Outlook has added an attachment warning or recipient warning.
- Select Send.
If you close the message without sending it, Outlook normally saves it in Drafts. Open the draft later, finish editing, and select Send.
How to send an email in classic Outlook for Windows
In the desktop version of classic Outlook, select Home > New Email, or press Ctrl+N from the Mail view.
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
- Select New Email.
- Enter recipients in To, Cc, or Bcc. To display Bcc if it is hidden, open the Options tab and select Bcc.
- Enter a subject and compose the message.
- On the Message tab, select Attach File to add a local file. You can also drag a file from File Explorer into the message window.
- Use the Options tab for delivery and tracking choices, such as requesting a delivery receipt or read receipt, if your organization allows them.
- Select Send.
A message that has not been sent is usually stored under Drafts. If Outlook is offline, the message may remain in Outbox until the account reconnects and sends it.
How to send an email in Outlook on the web
Go to Outlook on the web and sign in with your Microsoft account or work or school account.
- Select New mail.
- Enter the recipient, subject, and message.
- Select the paperclip or Attach button to add a file.
- Review the message and select Send.
Outlook on the web saves unfinished messages automatically. Find them in the Drafts folder in the left navigation pane.
Use To, Cc, and Bcc correctly
| Field | What it does | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| To | Sends the message to the main recipients. Everyone can normally see the other To and Cc addresses. | People expected to read or act on the email. |
| Cc | Sends a visible copy without making that person the primary recipient. | People who need awareness but do not need to respond. |
| Bcc | Sends a copy while hiding each Bcc address from the other recipients. | Mailing a group without exposing personal addresses. |
Do not use Bcc as a substitute for checking the recipient list. Accidentally placing someone in Bcc can remove useful context, while putting a private address in To or Cc can expose it to everyone on the message.
Attach a file or insert an image
Select Attach file or the paperclip icon, then choose the file. Outlook may upload a large file to OneDrive or another connected cloud service instead of adding it directly. The recipient may receive a sharing link rather than a traditional attachment.
Rank #2
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
- 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
- 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.
Before sending, check:
- The file name is correct.
- The file is actually listed below the subject or in the message header.
- The sharing permission allows the recipient to open it.
- The attachment does not contain confidential information intended for someone else.
To place a picture inside the message rather than as a separate file, put the cursor in the message body and use Insert > Pictures, where that option is available. You can also paste an image into the message.
Send a reply or forward a message
Open the email you want to act on and choose one of these commands:
- Reply: responds to the sender.
- Reply all: responds to the sender and the other original recipients. Use it only when everyone needs the response.
- Forward: sends the message to a new recipient. Check the quoted content and attachments before forwarding.
Enter any new recipients, add your response above the quoted text, and select Send.
Schedule an email instead of sending it immediately
In New Outlook or Outlook on the web, open a new message and select the arrow beside Send. Choose Schedule send, select a suggested time or a custom time, and confirm.
In classic Outlook for Windows, open the message’s Options tab, select Delay Delivery, set Do not deliver before, and close the dialog. Select Send. The message remains in Outbox until the specified time, and classic Outlook generally needs to be running and connected for the scheduled delivery to occur.
Rank #3
- Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
- Full-Size Wireless Keyboard: Comfortable, quiet typing on a familiar keyboard layout with palm rest, spill-resistant design, and media keys. This wireless keyboard and mouse logitech has easy-access to media keys
- Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
- Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
- Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.
Send an email without S/MIME encryption
If your organization uses S/MIME, Outlook may encrypt messages automatically. S/MIME encryption is different from a digital signature: the encryption checkbox protects the contents, while the signing checkbox verifies the sender and message integrity. Removing the signature does not turn off encryption.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsNew Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web
To turn off automatic S/MIME encryption:
- Select Settings (⚙️) > Mail > S/MIME.
- Clear Encrypt contents and attachment for all messages I send.
This setting applies to new messages, replies, and forwards. To change only the current message, select Options > More Options while composing, clear Encrypt this message (S/MIME), select OK, and send the message.
Classic Outlook for Windows
- Go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Email Security.
- Under Encrypted email, clear Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages.
- Select OK to save the setting.
For one message, open the compose window and select Options > Encrypt. Choose the non-encrypting option if your organization provides one. The available choices depend on the configured Microsoft Purview or IRM policy.
Turning off the S/MIME default does not guarantee that a message will be unprotected. A mandatory sensitivity label or an organization policy can still apply protection or prevent you from removing it. Also, Outlook’s Normal, Personal, Private, and Confidential sensitivity classifications do not themselves remove encryption.
Send a protected email with Microsoft Purview
Where the organization has configured Microsoft Purview Message Encryption or IRM, use Options > Encrypt while composing. Depending on the policy, Outlook may offer choices such as Encrypt and Do Not Forward.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #4
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Do not try to combine S/MIME encryption and Purview protection casually. Microsoft treats them as separate protection mechanisms; an S/MIME signature or encryption may need to be removed before IRM protection can be applied, and S/MIME should not be applied to an IRM-protected message.
If the Encrypt button is missing in classic Outlook, IRM may not be configured for the account or organization. New Outlook’s Microsoft 365 Message Encryption support also depends on the qualifying Microsoft 365 subscription and server configuration.
What to do when Outlook will not send the message
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The message stays in Outbox | Check the internet connection, make sure Work Offline is not enabled in classic Outlook, and select Send/Receive. Large attachments can also delay sending. |
| Outlook says the address is invalid | Remove the suggested contact and type the complete address manually. Check for spaces, missing characters, or a misspelled domain. |
| The recipient cannot open the attachment | Confirm the file uploaded successfully and that the recipient has permission to access a cloud link. For a sensitive file, use the organization’s approved sharing method. |
| An encrypted message cannot be sent | The recipient may not have a certificate capable of decrypting S/MIME mail. Outlook can warn when it cannot verify that all recipients can decrypt the message; remove the recipient, retry the check, or use an organization-approved alternative. |
| The Encrypt command is unavailable | IRM or Purview may not be enabled for the account. A mandatory sensitivity label may also be controlling protection. |
| An external encrypted message will not open in classic Outlook | Microsoft has documented a current issue for some classic Outlook builds with the error “Sorry, we’re having trouble opening this item… Cannot read the item.” Try opening the message in New Outlook or Outlook on the web. |
Final checks before selecting Send
- Confirm the recipient list, especially when using Reply all.
- Make sure the subject explains the purpose of the email.
- Check that every promised attachment is present.
- Remove confidential text or attachments that the recipients should not receive.
- Check whether the message is signed, S/MIME-encrypted, or Purview-protected.
- Read the first and last paragraphs again for names, dates, amounts, and requested actions.
FAQ
How do I send an email in Outlook for the first time?
Open Outlook, select New mail or New Email, enter an address in To, add a subject and message, then select Send.
Where is the Send button in Outlook?
It is normally at the top or bottom of the compose window. In New Outlook and Outlook on the web, it appears at the bottom of the message pane. In classic Outlook, it is on the Message tab.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteCan I send an email to several people without showing their addresses?
Yes. Open the Bcc field and place the recipients there. Put your own address in To if Outlook requires a visible primary recipient.
Best Value
- 【Lag-free & Efficient】Stable and reliable connection of wireless keyboard and mouse is up to 10m(33ft). This combo share a nano USB receiver, no need to take up additional USB ports (Also the wireless keyboard and mouse can also be used separately). Plug and play, no software needed,convenient and efficient.
- 【Quiet & Type in Comfort】Wireless keyboard come with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time.Our wireless keyboard adopts a silent structure. Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience.The wireless mouse is quiet without any clicking sound also.So whether at home or in the office, you can use this combo as you please without worrying about disturbing others.
- 【Full Size Keyboard】This keyboard saves desktop space while retaining its full size.The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and search, to help you improve work efficiency.
- 【Auto Power Saving Function】Wireless keyboard and mouse have a smart auto-sleep mode to save power for long battery life. They will enter sleep mode after stop using a while(Refer to the instructions for details). Unplug the receiver or after the PC shutdown, they will enter sleep mode too.You can press any keys to wake. (battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions)
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】This silent wireless mice provides 3 adjustable DPI (800/1200/1600) to meet your different needs in terms of sensitivity.The compact lightweight design of wireless mouse and a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking. Very suitable for office and daily use.
Why is my Outlook email stuck in Outbox?
The usual causes are an offline connection, a failed sign-in, a large attachment, or a service problem. Check the connection, disable Work Offline in classic Outlook, and try Send/Receive.
How do I send an email later in Outlook?
In New Outlook or Outlook on the web, select the arrow beside Send and choose Schedule send. In classic Outlook, use Options > Delay Delivery.
Does setting an email to Normal remove encryption?
No. Normal, Personal, Private, and Confidential are sensitivity classifications. They are separate from S/MIME encryption and Microsoft Purview or IRM protection.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why can’t I remove encryption from an Outlook email?
Your organization may require a sensitivity label or protection policy. If S/MIME is configured, clear the encryption option in the S/MIME settings or message options, but organizational rules may still prevent unprotected sending.
The Bottom Line
For a normal Outlook email, select New mail, fill in To, Subject, and the message body, add any attachments, review the recipients, and select Send. If the message is encrypted or protected, change the S/MIME or Purview option only when your organization’s policy allows it.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
