How to Enable BCC in Outlook | Show the Hidden Bcc Field

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Enabling the hidden Bcc field in Outlook takes one click in the Options tab on desktop, or a toggle in Settings for New Outlook and the web version.

The Bcc field in Outlook stays hidden by default to keep the compose window clean, but knowing how to enable BCC in Outlook takes about five seconds once you know which tab or menu your version uses. The steps differ between Classic Outlook for Windows, the New Outlook app, Outlook on the Web, and the Mac version — and the mobile apps hide it differently still. Below you’ll find the exact path for every version, plus how to make Bcc stick so you never have to hunt for it again.

Why Is Bcc Hidden in Outlook?

Microsoft hides the Bcc field by default to reduce clutter in the compose window. Most people send email without ever needing blind carbon copy, so the field stays out of sight until you turn it on. This applies across every supported version: Microsoft 365, Outlook 2021, 2019, and 2016 all ship with Bcc off by default. The field is still fully functional — it just needs one toggle to appear.

Enabling Bcc in Outlook: Steps for Every Version

Each version of Outlook places the Bcc toggle in a different spot, but the principle is the same. Here is the exact menu path for every supported client.

Classic Outlook for Windows

This is the traditional desktop app included with Microsoft 365 and standalone Office licenses. Open a new email message and follow these steps:

  1. Click the Options tab in the ribbon at the top of the window.
  2. In the Show Fields group, click Bcc.
  3. The Bcc line appears directly below the Cc field in the message header.

That’s it for a single message. But if you close the email window after clicking Bcc — without saving the draft — the Bcc line stays visible for every new message you open afterward. This is the key step most people miss.

New Outlook for Windows

The New Outlook app, which Microsoft is gradually rolling out to Microsoft 365 subscribers, uses a Settings toggle instead of a ribbon button. To turn on Bcc permanently:

  1. Click the Gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
  2. Go to Mail > Compose and reply.
  3. Under Message format, check the box labeled Always show Bcc.
  4. Click Save.

The Bcc field now appears in every new message you compose. No need to toggle it per email.

Outlook on the Web

The browser-based version at outlook.office.com or outlook.live.com works exactly like New Outlook for Windows. Open Settings via the gear icon, navigate to Mail > Compose and reply, and check Always show Bcc. Click Save, and the field appears below Cc in all future emails.

Outlook for Mac

Mac users get a dedicated Bcc button similar to the Classic Windows ribbon. Open a new message and:

  1. Click the Options tab in the top toolbar.
  2. Click the button labeled BCC.

The Bcc field appears below the Cc line for that message. To make it stick permanently, close the message window after clicking BCC without saving — the same trick that works in Classic Outlook for Windows.

Outlook Mobile Apps

The iOS and Android apps hide Bcc behind an expand icon next to the recipient field. When composing a new email, tap the small arrow or Add recipients line near the To field. A dropdown reveals the Bcc field alongside Cc and From. Tap it and enter the address. The setting does not persist between messages on mobile — you expand the field each time.

Bcc Settings Across Outlook Versions

The table below summarizes where to find the Bcc toggle in every version of Outlook and whether the setting persists.

Outlook Version How to Enable Bcc Default State
Classic Outlook (Windows) Options tab > Show Fields > Bcc Hidden
New Outlook (Windows) Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Always show Bcc Hidden
Outlook on the Web Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Always show Bcc Hidden
Outlook for Mac Options tab > BCC button Hidden
Outlook for iOS Tap arrow in To field > Bcc Hidden per message
Outlook for Android Tap arrow in To field > Bcc Hidden per message
Outlook.com (free) Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > Always show Bcc Hidden

Microsoft’s official documentation confirms these steps apply to all current versions. The full details are available on Microsoft’s Bcc support page.

Common Bcc Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even after enabling Bcc, a few setup errors trip people up. This table covers the most frequent ones and the one-line fix.

Mistake Why It Happens How to Fix It
Bcc enabled but doesn’t stick for new messages Classic Outlook requires closing the window after toggling Bcc to save the preference After clicking Bcc in the Options tab, close the email window without saving — the Bcc line persists in future messages
Using Classic steps on New Outlook New Outlook lacks the ribbon-based Bcc button; it uses a Settings toggle instead Go to Settings > Mail > Compose and reply > check “Always show Bcc”
Thinking mobile Outlook doesn’t offer Bcc Mobile apps hide the field behind an arrow or expand icon next to the To field Tap the small arrow or “Add recipients” line to reveal Bcc, Cc, and From
Worried Bcc addresses might leak to other recipients Confusion about how blind carbon copy works Bcc is truly blind — other recipients see only To and Cc addresses; Bcc names appear only in the sender’s Sent Items

Enable Bcc in Any Outlook Version Fast

The single fastest path depends on which Outlook you use:

  • Classic Windows or Mac: Open a new message, click the Options tab, and press Bcc / BCC. Close the window without saving to lock it in.
  • New Outlook or Web: Open Settings (gear icon), go to Mail > Compose and reply, and check Always show Bcc. Click Save once and you’re done.
  • Mobile: Tap the arrow next to the To field in a new message. The Bcc field shows up immediately — no settings change needed.

Once Bcc is visible, adding a recipient works exactly like the To field. The person on that line receives the email without anyone else knowing they were copied. Check your Sent Items folder afterward to confirm the address was recorded on your end.

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