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Are you searching for a simple way to add BCC to Outlook? In this guide, we’ll show you the differences between CC and BCC and thoroughly explain how BCC works in Outlook. 

We’ll also show you how to add BCC to Outlook emails and permanently add BCC to Outlook for convenience. 

We’ll also discuss the advantages of using BCC and provide some advice on how to use it effectively. 

Let’s begin. 

What Does BCC Mean in Email?

When sending out emails, it’s important to understand the BCC meaning and how to use it effectively. So, what does blind carbon copy mean?

Blind carbon copy is what BCC stands for. Recipients added to the “Bcc” field receive the email just like any other recipient, but others can’t see their email addresses.

This means the recipients listed in the “To” and “Cc” areas can’t view the other recipients included in the “Bcc” field for the email.

For example, let’s say you’re throwing a party and have to send out email invitations to every guest to plan a surprise party for a friend. But you want the guest list to remain private.

In this situation, you can use BCC in Outlook to ensure that each guest receives the email without seeing the email addresses of other attendees. 

This will ensure everyone’s privacy is protected and keep the surprise. 

PRO TIP
Based on the example above, you can BCC yourself to keep track of the invitations sent and avoid having multiple copies of the same email in your inbox. 

Also read: How to Add a Gmail Account to Outlook? 

How Does BCC Work in Outlook?

The “Bcc” field in Outlook is hidden, so you can’t see it when creating a new message or replying to an email.

The main difference between the “Cc” and “Bcc” fields is the recipient’s privacy. When you enter an email address in the “Cc” field, it’ll be visible to anyone who receives that email. However, the BCC feature hides any email addresses you enter in the “Bcc” box. Recipients can view the primary recipient listed in the “To” or “Cc” line, but they can’t read the BCC email addresses.

Here’s how to BCC in Outlook on Windows:

  • Open the Windows version of Outlook. 
  • Click “New mail.”
Outlook New mail
  • Click “Bcc” in the “To” box. 
Outlook Bcc
  • When you click the “Bcc,” it’ll open a field to enter the recipient’s email address. 
Add Bcc to Outlook email

That’s how to add BCC to an Outlook email. After that, send your emails normally as you always do. 

How to add BCC to classic Outlook

There are different versions of Outlook, so the BCC’s location can differ. Here’s how to add BCC to the classic Outlook email:

  • Open Outlook. 
  • Click “New Email” to compose a new email. 
  • Click “Options” and select “Bcc” in the “Show Fields” section. This will display the BCC box. 
  • Enter the recipient’s address manually or select from your address book. 
How to add BCC to classic Outlook

Also read: Simple Guide on How to Clear Outlook Cache

Fun Fact
Do you know where CC or carbon copy originated? 

During the typewriter era, before copy machines and computers, the only way to make an exact copy of a typewritten document was to use a carbon copy. 

The typewriters typed on the original document with a sheet of carbon paper underneath it, which copied the content onto a blank page below. 

A typewriter would usually add “CC to: Name” at the end of the letter as a courtesy to the primary recipient.

How to add BCC in Outlook permanently

Here’s how to BCC in Outlook permanently:

  • Open Outlook. 
  • Click the gear icon at the top right corner of the window. 
  • Click “Mail” and select “Compose and reply.”
Outlook mail settings
  • Check “Always show Bcc” under Message format. 
Outlook always show Bcc

Benefits of Using BCC

Now that you know how to use BCC in Outlook, here is how to turn its benefits to your advantage:

1. Avoid “Reply All” overload

If you email a group and don’t expect everyone to respond, use BCC to avoid flooding the recipients with unnecessary replies. This prevents recipients from clicking “Reply All” and filling their inboxes with irrelevant replies. 

2. Maintain professionalism

Using BCC shows professionalism and respect for recipients’ privacy when sending emails to numerous parties, especially in business or professional situations.

3. Avoid email harvesting

You lower the chances for spammers to maliciously collect and use email addresses using BCC instead of CC. 

4. Avoid misusing email addresses 

Ensure that recipients’ email addresses aren’t visible to unauthorized individuals. Blind carbon copy ensures that the email reaches only the designated recipients and that the privacy of their email addresses is maintained.

Numerous viruses and spam can now pass through email address books and mail files. Even though BCC acts as an anti-spam precaution, it’s best to use reputable anti-malware software.

We recommend using Auslogics Anti-Malware to safely remove malware, spyware, and viruses from your computer. 

This program is developed to complement your primary antivirus. So you won’t have any compatibility issues. Learn more: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews. 

Related: How to Only Get Alerts for Certain Emails in Outlook?

BCC in Outlook: Explained

Throughout this guide, we’ve learned how to add BCC in Outlook, which is an important skill for maintaining professionalism and privacy in email communication.

We hope that our step-by-step guide on how to use BCC in Outlook has made the process easier for you.

Now, we’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on using BCC in Outlook? Do you have any tips to share?

Leave your comments below and kindly share this article with people you think would find it helpful!

FAQ

BCC recipients are those you add to the “Bcc” field. These people get emails just like any other recipient, but their email addresses are hidden. That means other recipients won’t know if you sent the emails to other recipients. Because of that, BCC recipients can’t reply to emails. 
To find the blind carbon copy in Outlook, open your Outlook and click “New mail.” Then, click “Bcc” at the far right in the “To” field. This will open a BCC address field. Follow the same process on your Outlook mobile app. However, click the drop-down arrow in the “To” field to open the “Bcc” field. Note: If you’re using Classic Outlook, click “New Email” and select “Options.” Click “Bcc” in the “Show Fields” section. 
The number of email addresses you can BCC in Outlook depends on the limitations your email service provider has set. It also depends on the version of Outlook you’re using. That means Outlook doesn’t have a specific limit on how many recipients you can BCC on an email. So, if you’re using email service providers like Mailchimp or CovertKit, check their policies or limitations to ensure your email is delivered successfully.