Help Center

All Categories

    How to Send an Encrypted Email in Outlook

     

    Applies to: Outlook Desktop (Windows) and Outlook on the Web

    If you need to send sensitive information by email — financial data, student records, or anything covered by FERPA — you should encrypt it before sending. Encryption works the same way whether you're using the Outlook desktop app or the web version, though the button is in a slightly different place in each.

    Outlook Desktop App

    1

    Open Outlook and click New Email to start a new message.

    2

    In the compose window, click the Options tab on the ribbon.

    3

    Click Encrypt, then select Encrypt-Only from the dropdown.

    4

    You'll see a small "Encrypted" notice appear above the message. Finish writing your email and click Send.

    Tip: If the Encrypt button isn't on the Options tab, right-click the ribbon, choose Customize the Ribbon, go to Main Tabs > Options, and enable the Permissions group.

    Outlook on the Web

    1

    Go to outlook.office.com and sign in with your Drury account.

    2

    Click New mail in the top-left of the ribbon.

    3

    With the new message open, click Options at the top of the compose window.

    4

    Select Encrypt, then Encrypt again from the dropdown.

    5

    Finish composing your message and click Send.

    What the Recipient Sees

    • ✓If they also use Outlook, the message opens normally with a lock icon next to the subject.
    • ✓If they use Gmail or another mail client, they'll see a notice with a button to read the message.
    • ✓Clicking that button takes them to a sign-in page where they verify with a one-time passcode before the message opens.

    Troubleshooting

    I don't see an Encrypt button in Outlook desktop.

    Right-click the ribbon, select Customize the Ribbon, go to Main Tabs > Options, and check the box for the Permissions group. If it's still missing, submit a ticket.

    The recipient says they can't open the encrypted message.

    They need to click the link in the notification email and verify with the one-time passcode sent to their inbox. This works for any email address, not just Outlook.

    Questions about sending encrypted email? Submit a ticket to the Technology Services Help Desk and we'll get you sorted out.

    Was this article helpful?

    Yes No

    Thank you for your feedback!

    ×
    Select company

    You are related to multiple companies. Please select the company you wish to login as.