To encrypt an email in Microsoft Outlook, typically you follow these steps:
- Open Outlook and create a new email message.
- Go to the Options tab in the email compose window.
- Click on the Encrypt button or menu.
- Choose the desired encryption option such as "Encrypt Only" or "Do Not Forward."
- Compose your email and send it.
The recipient will receive the email as encrypted and may need to sign in or use a one-time passcode to view it, depending on their email service. Encryption ensures the message contents and attachments are protected from unauthorized access during transit and storage. More advanced encryption using S/MIME requires getting an encryption certificate, importing it into Outlook, and sharing your certificates with recipients to enable end-to-end encryption. This process varies slightly between Outlook desktop, Outlook Web App, Microsoft 365, and Outlook on Mac, but the general flow is consistent. Would you like detailed step-by-step instructions for a specific version of Outlook or setup with S/MIME? Summary of the simplest common method for Outlook desktop:
- New Email > Options > Encrypt > Select "Encrypt Only" > Send email
