How to Forward Emails as Attachments by Default in Outlook

Step by step instructions on how to forward all emails as attachments

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by Heinz Tschabitscher
A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997.
Updated May 30, 2019

When a message is forwarded in Outlook, the forwarded email appears in the body of the new message. If you don't want a forwarded email to be quoted in the message, forward the email as an attachment. Normally you would choose this option each time you forward a message, but you can set up Outlook to attach forwarded emails as an EML file automatically each time you forward a message.

Instructions in this article apply to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010; and Outlook for Office 365.

Forward Emails as Attachments by Default in Outlook

To set up Outlook to forward emails as EML file attachments automatically:

  1. Go to the File tab and select Options.

    The File menu in Outlook.

  2. Select the Mail category.

    Viewing the mail options in Outlook.

  3. In the Replies and forwards section, select the When forwarding a message dropdown arrow and choose Attach original message.

    Selecting to always attach original message as the default in Outlook.

  4. Select OK.