Stop email forwarding in Outlook

Forwarding mail can be defined as the exercise of re-sending mail from one mailbox to another. Although good for the sender, it can be confusing for recipients as the email you forward will show two addresses. This can cause issues. So, it’s a better idea to prevent email forwarding. Like other popular email services, Microsoft Outlook offers a way to its users to prevent email forwarding. Here’s how! Let’s cover the process in a bit detail now.

1] Open Microsoft Outlook Account

Launch Microsoft Outlook application and log in to your account.

Next, click on the ‘New Email’ button, located just below the ‘File’ tab.

2] Expand Permissions Menu

When the Message window opens, type something in the main body of the window and switch to the ‘Options’ tab. Go to the ‘Permission’ section, hit the drop-down arrow located below it to expand the menu.

3] Check ‘Do not forward’ option

From the list of options displayed under ‘Permission’ menu, choose ‘Do not forward’ option.

Once done, an information message will appear on your computer screen bearing the following message – ‘Do not forward – Recipient can read this message, but cannot forward, print, or copy content. The conversation owner has full permission to their message and replies. Permission granted by …’ Once checked, send the email by hitting ‘Send’ button. Now, When someone receives an email that has been marked as ‘Do Not Forward’, the email in his/her inbox will display a symbol (red circle with a minus sign), indicating that the email is restricted. Also, if the recipient attempts to forward this restricted message, he’ll be prompted by an error message stating ‘You cannot perform this action, permission to this message is restricted’.

Please note that if you cannot locate ‘Do not forward’ option under ‘Permissions’ or the section itself is missing from Outlook ribbon then, you’ll need to enable it by editing the policy settings in the Azure portal. Related read: How to forward email or disable unauthorized forwarding in Outlook.com.