How to Add Bcc in Outlook

Need to email a group while keeping addresses private from each other? Knowing how to add Bcc in Outlook lets you do exactly that without extra tools. This article shows the precise clicks required in the desktop client, Outlook on the web, and the mobile apps.

Where the Bcc Field Appears in Outlook

The Bcc field is hidden by default in every Outlook version to keep the interface clean. Once enabled, it stays visible for that message window until you close it. You can use Bcc on any account type, including Microsoft 365, Exchange, Outlook.com, and IMAP accounts. No add-ins or paid upgrades are required.

Before you start, make sure you have the latest version of Outlook installed. Older 2016 or 2019 builds may show slightly different ribbon labels, but the Bcc option remains available.

How to Add Bcc in Outlook Desktop App

1. Open a new message and locate the ribbon

   Launch the Outlook desktop application and click New Email on the Home tab. In the new message window, look at the top ribbon and click the Options tab.

   

2. Enable the Bcc field

   In the Show Fields group, click the Bcc button. The Bcc line now appears directly below the Cc field. Type or paste the hidden recipients into this box.

3. Send the message

   Fill in the subject and body as usual, then click Send. Every recipient in the Bcc field receives the email, but no one can see those addresses.

How to Add Bcc in Outlook on the Web

1. Start a new message in the browser

   Go to outlook.office.com or outlook.live.com and sign in. Click the New mail button on the left sidebar to open the compose pane.

2. Expand the address fields

   Click the small down arrow next to the Cc field label. The Bcc line appears underneath. Enter the addresses you want to hide.

3. Send without exposing addresses

   Complete your message and press Send. Recipients in Bcc remain invisible to everyone else on the thread.

Tips and Common Mistakes When Adding Bcc

• Double-check that you have not placed any Bcc addresses in the To or Cc fields by accident.
• If the Bcc button is grayed out, close and reopen the message window; this usually resolves ribbon refresh issues.
• On mobile, tap the three-dot menu in the compose screen and select Bcc; the field does not appear automatically.
• Remember that some corporate policies may log Bcc usage. Always follow your organization’s email guidelines.
• Test with your own secondary address first to confirm the field works as expected.

FAQ

Can I set Bcc as the default field in Outlook?

No built-in setting forces Bcc to appear on every new message. You must enable it manually each time or use a VBA macro for automation.

Does Bcc work the same in Outlook for Mac?

Yes. On Mac, click the three-dot icon in the new message toolbar and choose Bcc Recipients to reveal the field.

Will recipients know they were added via Bcc?

They will not see other Bcc addresses, but they can usually tell the message was not addressed directly to them if the To field contains someone else.

Conclusion

Mastering how to add Bcc in Outlook takes less than thirty seconds once you know the exact menu locations. Use the steps above for whichever Outlook version you open most often.