How to Add the BCC Field in Outlook 2013 (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you use Microsoft Outlook 2013 for email, you may want to send emails without showing recipients to each other. This is where the BCC (Blind Carbon Copy) field comes in handy. By adding BCC, you can keep recipients’ email addresses private and maintain professional email etiquette.

This guide explains how to show and use the BCC field in Outlook 2013, step by step.


What Is the BCC Field?

  • BCC stands for Blind Carbon Copy.

  • It allows you to send an email to multiple recipients without letting them see who else received the message.

  • Unlike the CC field, BCC keeps email addresses hidden for privacy.

Using BCC is particularly useful when sending newsletters, announcements, or mass emails.


Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook 2013

  1. Launch Outlook 2013 on your computer.

  2. Click New Email in the Home tab to create a new message.


Step 2: Show the BCC Field

  1. In the new email window, go to the Options tab on the ribbon.

  2. Look for the Show Fields group.

  3. Click BCC.

The BCC field will now appear below the CC field in your email window.


Step 3: Add Recipients to the BCC Field

  1. Click inside the BCC field.

  2. Type the email addresses of the recipients you want to hide.

  3. Separate multiple addresses with a semicolon (;).

Recipients added to BCC will receive the email but won’t see each other’s addresses.


Step 4: Compose and Send Your Email

  1. Enter the To field (if needed). This can be yourself or a main recipient.

  2. Add a subject and write your email message.

  3. Click Send when ready.

✅ Tip: Always double-check the BCC field to ensure privacy before sending.


Step 5: Make BCC Always Visible (Optional)

Outlook 2013 remembers your choice for each new message. If you frequently use BCC, it will stay visible after you enable it once.


Tips for Using BCC in Outlook 2013

  1. Use for Privacy: Prevents recipients from seeing each other’s email addresses.

  2. Avoid Spam Filters: Sending mass emails with too many BCC recipients may trigger spam detection.

  3. Combine with CC and To: Use BCC for hidden recipients and To/CC for visible recipients.

  4. Check Email Etiquette: Avoid overusing BCC in internal communications to prevent confusion.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I BCC myself in Outlook 2013?
Yes, you can add your own email to the BCC field to keep a copy hidden from other recipients.

Q2: Does BCC work for all email accounts?
Yes, it works for Outlook, Exchange, Gmail, and most standard email accounts configured in Outlook 2013.

Q3: Is there a limit to the number of BCC recipients?
Yes, some email providers limit the number of recipients per message. Check your provider’s policy to avoid delivery issues.


Conclusion

Adding the BCC field in Outlook 2013 is simple and essential for maintaining privacy and professionalism when sending emails. By following the steps above, you can show the BCC field, add hidden recipients, and send emails safely. Whether for business or personal use, using BCC ensures email addresses stay confidential.

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