TL;DR
How to forward an email as an attachment in Outlook: Use the right-click menu or drag-and-drop method on desktop. In Outlook desktop, use Ctrl + Alt + F as the shortcut. On Outlook Web, manually attach emails when composing a new message. This method helps preserve email metadata and is useful for reporting spam or phishing.
If you’re looking up Outlook how to forward as attachment, you’re likely trying to send the full original email, including headers and metadata. This method is especially useful when reporting phishing, spam, or needing to share a message thread with IT or a legal team.
Forwarding as an attachment preserves the integrity of the original message, keeping formatting, links, timestamps, and sender information intact. Microsoft Outlook supports this feature across desktop and web platforms, though the steps differ slightly depending on which version you use.
Why Forward Emails as Attachments in Outlook?
Forwarding an email as an attachment is different from standard forwarding. Instead of copying the content into a new message, it sends the entire email file (.eml) as an attachment. This ensures:
- Full header information is retained
- Metadata is preserved for tracking and security
- The original email is unaltered and easily identifiable
- Ideal for reporting abuse, legal discovery, or support issues
It’s also the preferred method for reporting phishing emails to organizations like Microsoft or your IT department.
How to Forward as Attachment in Outlook Desktop (Windows)
To forward an email as an attachment in the desktop version of Outlook:
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut
- Select the email in your inbox
- Press Ctrl + Alt + F
- A new email window opens with the message attached as an .eml file
- Add the recipient and send
Method 2: Right-Click Menu
- Right-click the email
- Select Forward as Attachment
- Compose and send the message
Method 3: Drag and Drop
- Open a new email
- Drag the message from your inbox into the message body
- The email is attached automatically
How to Forward as Attachment in Outlook Web (Outlook on Office.com)
Outlook Web does not have a dedicated “Forward as Attachment” button, but you can attach emails manually:
- Open a new message at Outlook Web
- In the message list, drag the email you want to attach into the body of the new email
- It will appear as an .eml file
- Fill in the recipient and subject, then click Send
Note: Some browsers may restrict drag-and-drop features. Make sure your browser is up to date.
Forwarding Multiple Emails as Attachments
You can attach multiple messages at once:
- Hold Ctrl and click each email you want to forward
- Press Ctrl + Alt + F or drag them into a new message
- Each selected email will appear as a separate .eml attachment
This is ideal when submitting multiple emails for security review or archiving.
How to Forward as Attachment in Outlook for Mac
- Select the message
- Click Message in the menu bar
- Choose Forward as Attachment
- Or, drag the email into a new message window
Shortcut support may vary by Outlook version on Mac, so dragging is often the simplest method.
Use Cases for Forwarding Emails as Attachments
- Phishing or spam reporting
- Legal or compliance requests
- Technical support issues
- Saving email proof with headers
- Training purposes or documentation
It’s a common request in corporate environments to forward emails this way rather than using standard forwarding.
Best Practices When Forwarding as Attachment
- Do not alter the original message to preserve authenticity
- Label the message clearly in the subject (e.g., “Phishing email attached”)
- Use secure channels if the message contains sensitive content
- Avoid forwarding in bulk unless required for documentation
Security Tip: Why Metadata Matters
Email metadata includes the sender’s IP, path through mail servers, and time stamps. This data is crucial for:
- Investigating email abuse
- Identifying forged headers
- Helping security teams trace issues
Standard forwarding strips this data. Forwarding as an attachment keeps it intact.
How to Change Default Forwarding Behavior in Outlook
Outlook allows you to set the default action when forwarding emails.
In Outlook Desktop:
- Click File > Options
- Go to the Mail tab
- Under Replies and forwards, set preferences
- Outlook does not allow setting “forward as attachment” as default, but you can use rules or VBA scripts for automation (advanced users only)
FAQ: Outlook How to Forward as Attachment
What is the shortcut to forward as attachment in Outlook?
Press Ctrl + Alt + F in Outlook for Windows.
Can I forward multiple emails as attachments?
Yes. Select multiple emails and use the shortcut or drag them into a new message.
Why should I forward emails as attachments?
It preserves full headers and metadata, useful for IT, legal, or reporting purposes.
Does Outlook Web support forwarding as attachment?
Not directly. Use drag-and-drop to manually attach emails to a new message.
Can I forward as attachment in Outlook mobile?
No. This feature is not currently supported on mobile apps.
Will recipients see the email as a file?
Yes, it will appear as an .eml attachment that they can open in most email clients.
Conclusion: Use Outlook’s Forward as Attachment Feature Like a Pro
Knowing Outlook how to forward as attachment is a valuable skill for handling emails professionally and securely. Whether you’re reporting suspicious activity, complying with policy, or just trying to send an exact copy of an email, this method ensures accuracy and preserves key information.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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