How to Send an Email as an Attachment in Outlook Print

Overview

When you forward an email normally, important hidden information such as message headers, timestamps, and routing data are removed. Attaching the original email as a file keeps all this information intact, allowing support to:

• Trace where a message came from or why it was delayed
• Identify spoofing, spam, or malware issues
• View the email exactly as you received it

Part 1 - New Outlook (Windows and Mac)

Method 1 - Forward as Attachment

1. In your mailbox, select the email you need to send
2. Click the More Actions menu (three dots on the toolbar)
3. Choose Forward as Attachment
4. A new message will open with the selected email attached
5. Add a short note describing the issue and click Send

Method 2 - Drag and Drop

1. Click New Mail to start a new email
2. Resize your windows so you can see both the new message and your inbox side by side
3. Drag the email from your inbox into the body of the new message
4. Confirm the email appears as an attachment (.eml file)
5. Add your description and click Send

Part 2 - Classic Outlook (Legacy Desktop Version)

Method 1 - Keyboard Shortcut

1. In your inbox, select the email you wish to send
2. Press Ctrl + Alt + F to forward it as an attachment
3. Add recipients and a description, then click Send

Method 2 - Ribbon Menu

1. Select the message
2. On the Home tab, click More (or More Respond Actions)
3. Choose Forward as Attachment
4. Add your notes and click Send

Method 3 - Attach Item

1. Click New Email
2. On the Message tab, click Attach Item, then select Outlook Item
3. Browse to the folder and select the message you wish to attach
4. Click OK, add your comments, and click Send

Method 4 - Drag and Drop

1. Click New Email
2. Drag the original email from your message list into the body of the new email
3. Verify the attachment appears, then click Send

Best Practice for Support Requests

• Use a subject line such as: Attached Original Email for Troubleshooting - [Short Description]
• Include when the issue occurred and any visible error messages
• Always attach the message rather than forwarding it inline to preserve the original format

Notes

• If you do not see the Forward as Attachment option in New Outlook, use the Drag and Drop method instead
• You can attach multiple messages by selecting them all before dragging
• You can also save an email to your desktop as a .msg or .eml file and attach it manually
• Review the email before sending to ensure no sensitive or personal data is included
• Confirm the attachment appears as a single file (.eml or .msg) before clicking Send