Ensuring you always receive a copy of your own sent messages in Outlook 365 requires adjusting a single setting. This guide will walk you through exactly how to automatically cc yourself in outlook 365 using a simple rule or a direct setting, saving you from manually adding your email every time you send a message.
Many people want a copy of their sent emails for record-keeping or to confirm delivery. Instead of typing your email into the CC field each time, you can set Outlook to do it automatically. This article covers the fastest methods, including a built-in rule and a less-known option in Outlook settings.
We’ll start with the most straightforward approach, then show you alternative ways if you prefer different setups. By the end, you’ll never miss a sent message again.
Why Automatically Cc Yourself In Outlook 365
Automatically CCing yourself ensures you have a permanent record of every email you send. This is useful for tracking conversations, proving you sent something, or simply keeping your inbox organized.
Without this setting, you might forget to CC yourself on important emails. The automatic rule works in the background, so you don’t have to think about it. It also helps if you use multiple devices and want all sent emails in one place.
Another benefit is that it prevents accidental loss of sent emails. If you delete a sent item from your Sent Items folder, the CC copy remains in your Inbox. This adds an extra layer of security for your communications.
How To Automatically Cc Yourself In Outlook 365
The most reliable method to automatically CC yourself in Outlook 365 is by creating a rule. This rule applies to all outgoing messages, adding your email address to the CC field. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Open Outlook And Access Rules
First, launch Outlook 365 on your computer. Click on the File tab in the top-left corner. Then, select Manage Rules & Alerts from the drop-down menu. This opens the Rules and Alerts dialog box.
If you don’t see this option, look for Info > Manage Rules & Alerts under the Account Information section. The exact path may vary slightly depending on your Outlook version, but it’s always under File.
Step 2: Create A New Rule
In the Rules and Alerts window, click New Rule. This launches the Rules Wizard. Choose Apply rule on messages I send from the list of templates. Then, click Next to proceed.
You will see a list of conditions. Since you want to CC yourself on every email, you don’t need to select any conditions. Simply click Next again. A warning will appear asking if you want the rule to apply to every message you send. Click Yes to confirm.
Step 3: Set The Action To Cc Yourself
Now, under the What do you want to do with the message? section, check the box for CC the message to people or public group. Then, click the underlined link that says people or public group in the bottom pane.
A dialog box will open. Type your email address in the field and click Add. You can also select from your contacts. Once added, click OK. Your email should now appear in the rule description.
Step 4: Finalize The Rule
Click Next to see any exceptions. You can skip this step unless you want to exclude certain emails. For example, you might not want to CC yourself on replies to specific people. If not, just click Next.
Finally, give your rule a name like “Auto CC Myself” and check the box Turn on this rule. Click Finish. The rule is now active. Test it by sending yourself a test email. You should receive a copy in your Inbox.
Note: This rule works for all accounts configured in Outlook 365. If you have multiple email addresses, ensure you add the correct one.
Alternative Method Using Outlook Settings
Some versions of Outlook 365 have a built-in option to automatically CC yourself. This method is simpler but may not be available in all editions. Check your version first.
Step 1: Go To Mail Settings
Click File > Options > Mail. Scroll down to the Send messages section. Look for a checkbox that says CC myself on messages I send. If you see it, check the box.
This option is present in Outlook for Microsoft 365 and some Outlook 2019 versions. If you don’t see it, use the rule method above. The setting is straightforward and requires no additional steps.
Step 2: Save And Test
Click OK to save the changes. Now, every new email you send will automatically include your email in the CC field. Replies and forwards may not be affected, depending on your version.
This method is faster than creating a rule, but it’s less customizable. You cannot exclude certain emails or add multiple recipients. For most users, the rule method offers more control.
Using Outlook Web App (Outlook On The Web)
If you use Outlook 365 through a web browser, you can also set up automatic CC. The process is similar but located in different menus.
Step 1: Access Settings
Log in to Outlook on the web. Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings. Then, select View all Outlook settings at the bottom of the panel.
Step 2: Create A Rule In The Web Version
In the Settings window, go to Mail > Rules. Click Add new rule. Give your rule a name, such as “Auto CC.” Under Add a condition, choose Apply to all messages (or leave it blank).
Under Add an action, select CC someone. Enter your email address and click Save. The rule will now apply to all outgoing emails from your web account.
This method works exactly like the desktop rule but is managed online. It syncs across all devices using the same Outlook account.
How To Automatically Cc Yourself In Outlook 365 For Mac
Outlook for Mac has a slightly different interface. The rule creation process is still available but with different steps.
Step 1: Open Preferences
In Outlook for Mac, click Outlook in the menu bar and select Preferences. Then, click Rules under the Email section.
Step 2: Create A New Rule
Click the + icon to add a new rule. Name it “Auto CC.” Under When a new message arrives, select Sent messages from the dropdown. Then, under Do the following, choose CC message and enter your email.
Click OK to save. The rule will apply to all outgoing messages. Test it by sending an email to yourself.
Note: The Mac version may not have the built-in “CC myself” setting. The rule method is your best bet.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the rule doesn’t work as expected. Here are common problems and solutions.
- Rule not applying: Ensure the rule is enabled and set to apply to all messages. Check the rule order in the Rules and Alerts window.
- Duplicate copies: If you also have the built-in setting enabled, you might get two copies. Disable one of them.
- Rule not working for replies: By default, rules apply to new messages only. To include replies, add a condition for “sent to me” or use a different rule.
- Email not appearing in Inbox: Check your Spam or Junk folder. Sometimes automatic CCs get filtered.
- Multiple accounts: Create separate rules for each email account in Outlook.
If you still face issues, try restarting Outlook or running the rule manually to test it. You can do this by selecting the rule and clicking Run Rules Now.
Best Practices For Managing Automatic Cc
Once you set up automatic CC, consider these tips to keep your inbox organized.
- Create a folder to automatically move CC emails. Use a rule to move them to a “Sent Copies” folder.
- Use categories or flags to mark CC emails for easy identification.
- Regularly clean up old CC emails to avoid clutter.
- If you use multiple devices, ensure the rule is set up on each one or use the web version for consistency.
Automatic CC is a powerful tool, but it can fill your inbox quickly. Plan how you’ll manage the extra emails before enabling it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Automatically CC Myself In Outlook 365 Without A Rule?
Some versions have a built-in option under File > Options > Mail > Send messages. Check the box “CC myself on messages I send.” If unavailable, use the rule method described above.
2. Will The Automatic CC Work For Replies And Forwards?
By default, the rule applies to new messages only. To include replies, modify the rule condition to “sent to me” or create a separate rule for replies.
3. Can I Automatically CC Multiple People Including Myself?
Yes, in the rule action, you can add multiple email addresses. Just separate them with semicolons or add them one by one.
4. Does The Automatic CC Work On Outlook Mobile Apps?
No, mobile apps do not support rules. You must set up the rule on the desktop or web version, and it will apply to emails sent from your account regardless of device.
5. How Do I Remove The Automatic CC If I Change My Mind?
Go to File > Manage Rules & Alerts, select the rule, and click Delete. Or uncheck the built-in setting in Options.
Final Thoughts On Automating Cc In Outlook 365
Setting up automatic CC in Outlook 365 is a simple process that saves time and ensures you never miss a sent email. Whether you use the rule method or the built-in setting, the result is the same: a copy of every outgoing message lands in your Inbox.
Remember to test the rule after creating it. Send a test email to yourself or a colleague to confirm it works. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section above.
This feature is especially useful for professionals who need to track communications, freelancers managing multiple clients, or anyone who wants a backup of sent emails. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in email management.
Now you know exactly how to automatically cc yourself in outlook 365. Try it today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having a copy of every email you send.