How To Encrypt Email Sent In Microsoft Outlook

A widely utilized email platform, Microsoft Outlook prioritizes the protection of message privacy and confidentiality through robust email encryption options. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in implementing email encryption within Outlook, encompassing both Microsoft 365 Message Encryption and encryption alternatives for Outlook 2019 and 2016. Please see How to Recall an Email in Microsoft Outlook, and How to Block ZIP/RAR Attachments in Outlook.
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How To Encrypt Email Sent in Microsoft 365 Outlook
Microsoft 365 subscribers have access to a robust email encryption solution from Microsoft. Follow these steps to implement email encryption:
Start a new email by selecting ‘New Email‘ in Outlook.

Go to the ‘Options‘ tab and choose ‘Encrypt.’ Pick the desired encryption option with specific restrictions, such as ‘Encrypt-Only‘ or ‘Do Not Forward.’

Microsoft 365 Message Encryption is included in the Office 365 Enterprise E3 license. The ‘Encrypt-Only’ feature is exclusively available for Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise users who use Exchange Online. Please see How to Cancel Office 365 Family Subscription.
How to Encrypt Email in Outlook 2019 and 2016
Open a new email in Outlook 2019 or 2016 by clicking on ‘New Email.’ Navigate to ‘Options‘ and proceed to ‘Permissions.’

Select the encryption option aligning with your requirements, such as ‘Do Not Forward.’
How To Encrypt a Single Outlook Message
In situations favoring selective encryption, users can encrypt individual messages by adhering to these steps:
When crafting an email, navigate to the ‘File‘ option.

Proceed to choose ‘Properties.’

Opt for ‘Security Settings.’

Mark the ‘Encrypt message contents and attachments’ checkbox.

Compose your message and then click ‘Send.’
How To Encrypt All Outgoing Messages in Outlook
To bolster the security of email communication, Outlook allows users to automatically encrypt all outgoing messages. Follow these steps:
Navigate to the ‘File‘ tab. In the File settings, choose ‘Options.’

Within the options menu, go to ‘Trust Center‘ > ‘Trust Center Settings.’

Access the ‘Email Security‘ tab and check the box for ‘Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages.’

For further customization, such as choosing a specific certificate, click on ‘Settings.’
Conclusion:
Securing your digital communication is foundational, and the implementation of email encryption in Outlook is a vital step. Whether opting for Microsoft 365 Message Encryption or utilizing features in Outlook 2019 and 2016, adherence to these step-by-step instructions empowers users to establish a secure communication environment, safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of messages.
FAQs
Outlook provides an option to fortify your email communication further by encrypting all outgoing messages by default. To do this, click on the ‘File’ tab, select ‘Options,’ go to ‘Trust Center’ > ‘Trust Center Settings,’ access the ‘Email Security’ tab, and check ‘Encrypt contents and attachments for outgoing messages.’
Absolutely! For scenarios where selective encryption is preferred, you can encrypt individual messages in Microsoft Outlook. While composing an email, click on the ‘File’ tab, select the ‘Encrypt message contents and attachments’ option, compose your message, and click ‘Send.’ This feature allows you to apply encryption selectively based on your communication needs.
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