How to Add and Use Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) in Outlook Messages

When you want to send an email to multiple people but keep the recipients hidden from each other, Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) is your best friend. Using BCC in Outlook helps maintain privacy and prevents those endless “Reply All” chains. Here’s how to add and use BCC in your Outlook messages.

What is BCC?

BCC stands for Blind Carbon Copy. It allows you to send an email to multiple people without revealing the other recipients’ email addresses. Only the sender can see who’s on the BCC list—everyone else remains in the dark.

Why Use BCC?

• Protect privacy: Hide recipients’ email addresses from each other.
• Avoid clutter: Prevent unnecessary “Reply All” responses.
• Professionalism: Send announcements or newsletters without exposing a full contact list.

How to Add BCC in Outlook

On Outlook Desktop App

1. Create a new email: Click New Email in the Home tab.
2. Show BCC field:
   • In the new message window, go to the Options tab.
   • Click BCC.
   • A BCC field will now appear below the “To” and “CC” fields.
3. Add recipients: Enter email addresses in the BCC field.
4. Write and send your message: Fill out the subject and body, then hit Send.

On Outlook Web (Outlook.com)

1. Compose a new email: Click New Message.
2. Show BCC field:
   • Click on the … (More options) next to the “Cc” field.
   • Select Show Bcc.
3. Enter BCC addresses: Type email addresses into the BCC field.
4. Finish and send: Add your message and click Send.

Pro Tips

• You can leave the “To” field blank, but some email systems may flag this as spam. To avoid this, put your own email in the “To” field and everyone else in BCC.
• Use BCC for group emails, newsletters, or announcements—not for back-and-forth discussions.

What Recipients See

People listed in the “To” and “CC” fields will not see the BCC addresses. BCC recipients won’t see who else received the email, either.

In summary:
Using BCC in Outlook is simple but powerful. It keeps email addresses private, reduces unnecessary replies, and keeps your communications professional. Next time you’re sending a group email, don’t forget the BCC field.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!