Outlook Auto BCC: How to Set It Up

Outlook does not have a built-in setting to automatically BCC every email you send, but you can achieve the same result using a rule, a template, or a third-party add-in. This article explains the practical methods for Outlook on Windows, Mac, and the web, so you can choose the one that fits your workflow.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a run or ride. The formulas are:

• Pace = Time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km) — result in minutes per kilometer.
• Speed = Distance (km) ÷ (Time (minutes) ÷ 60) — result in kilometers per hour.

Variables: t = total time in minutes, d = distance in kilometers. If you use miles, convert distance to km (1 mile = 1.60934 km) or use the same unit consistently.

Worked Example

Using the default values: t = 30 minutes, d = 5 km.

1. Pace = 30 ÷ 5 = 6.00 min/km
2. Speed = 5 ÷ (30 ÷ 60) = 5 ÷ 0.5 = 10.00 km/h

So the calculator returns a pace of 6.00 min/km and a speed of 10.00 km/h.

Why You Might Want Auto BCC

Auto BCC is useful when you need a copy of every outgoing email for record-keeping, compliance, or team visibility. Common use cases include:

• Sales teams that want a CRM to capture all sent emails.
• Managers who need to monitor client communication.
• Individuals who want a personal archive of everything they send.

Outlook’s native options are limited, but the methods below cover most needs.

Method 1: Use a Rule (Windows Only)

Outlook for Windows has a rule-based workaround. It’s not a true “auto BCC� but it applies a BCC to messages you send that match conditions you set.

1. Go to File → Manage Rules & Alerts.
2. Click New Rule → Apply rule on messages I send.
3. Set conditions (e.g., “sent to� a specific person, or “with specific words� in the subject). If you want it for all emails, leave conditions blank.
4. Click Next, then check BCC the people (or CC).
5. Click the underlined people link to choose the BCC recipient.
6. Finish the wizard and enable the rule.

This rule works only in the desktop client, not on Outlook Web or mobile. Also, it only triggers when you click Send, so you won’t see the BCC field while composing.

Method 2: Use a Template with BCC Pre-filled

If you want to see the BCC field and control it before sending, create a template that already includes your BCC address.

1. Open a new email.
2. Go to Options → Show BCC (if not visible).
3. Enter the BCC address.
4. Click File → Save As → choose Outlook Template (*.oft).
5. When composing, use New Items → Choose Form → select your template.

This doesn’t automatically apply to every email, but it gives you a one-click start with the BCC already filled.

Method 3: Third-Party Add-ins

Several add-ins add true auto-BCC functionality to Outlook. They typically install a button that lets you set a global BCC address for all outgoing mail. Examples include Auto BCC and CodeTwo (not an endorsement; many options exist). These tools work on Windows and sometimes Mac, but they may require a subscription or one-time payment. Always check compatibility with your Outlook version.

Outlook on Mac and Web

Outlook for Mac and Outlook on the web do not support the rule-based BCC method. For those platforms, your best options are:

• Use a template (works on Mac, not on web).
• Use a third-party add-in that supports Mac or web.
• Manually type the BCC address each time (tedious but reliable).

On Outlook Web, you can show the BCC field by clicking the BCC button in the compose window, but there’s no automation.

Common Mistakes and Limitations

• Rules don’t apply to messages you reply to or forward unless you set the rule to “on messages I sendâ€� and it includes those actions.
• Rules are client-side — they only run when Outlook is open on the machine where the rule is set.
• BCC is hidden from recipients — that’s the point, but remember it’s not a secure way to hide the address from IT admins.
• Don’t use BCC for large mailing lists — use a distribution list or a mail merge tool instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I auto BCC all outgoing emails in Outlook?

Not with a single built-in setting. The rule method works for all sent emails if you leave conditions blank, but it only works in Outlook for Windows desktop. For Mac and web, you need a template or add-in.

Does the rule method work on Outlook Web?

No, rules are not available in Outlook on the web. You can only use templates or third-party tools, or manually add the BCC.

Will the BCC recipient see each other?

No, BCC recipients cannot see other BCC addresses, and they cannot see the To/CC recipients’ addresses either (unless those are visible in the email body).

Can I set different BCC addresses for different senders?

Yes, with the rule method you can create multiple rules with different conditions and different BCC addresses. For example, one rule for emails to clients, another for internal emails.

Is there a way to auto BCC in Outlook for Mac?

Outlook for Mac doesn’t support rules for BCC. Your options are templates or third-party add-ins that specifically support Mac. Some add-ins work, but check compatibility with your Outlook version.

Does auto BCC affect email deliverability?

No, BCC is a standard email feature and does not affect delivery. However, if your BCC address is a mailbox that is full or has issues, you might get a bounce notification, but the original email still goes to the intended recipients.

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in t | Time to run | min | 30 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 5 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2