Introduction

When you "forward an email as an attachment," you are sending the original message as a separate file (usually with a .eml or .msg extension) instead of embedding its contents into a new email body. This preserves the full email headers and technical details, including routing information, sender authenticity data, timestamps, and metadata.

Why this matters

Forwarding an email normally (by clicking "Forward") often strips or alters key technical information. This can make it difficult for support teams to:

• Trace the path the email took across servers

• Verify whether the message is legitimate or spoofed

• Diagnose delivery or security issues

Forwarding as an attachment ensures nothing is lost or modified, which is essential when reporting spam, phishing, or troubleshooting email problems.

Instructions by Email Platform

Microsoft Outlook (Desktop)

1. Open the email you want to forward.

2. In the ribbon, click More (three dots) or go to the Home tab.

3. Select Forward as Attachment.

4. A new email will open with the message attached as a .msg file.

5. Enter the recipient and send.

Alternative method:

• Drag and drop the email from your inbox into a new message window.

Microsoft Outlook (Web / Outlook.com)

1. Select the email in your inbox (do not open it).

2. Click the three dots (More actions).

3. Choose Forward as attachment.

4. Compose and send your message.

Windows Mail (Mail app on Windows)

The built-in Mail app has limited support for forwarding as an attachment.

Workaround:

1. Open the email.

2. Use Save As (if available) to save the message locally.

3. Create a new email.

4. Attach the saved file.

If this option is unavailable, consider accessing your account via Outlook Web or another email client.

Gmail (Web)

1. In your inbox, select the email(s) by ticking the checkbox.

2. Click the three dots (More) above the message list.

3. Select Forward as attachment.

4. A new compose window will open with the email attached as a .eml file.

5. Enter recipient and send.

Alternative method:

• Drag and drop the email into the compose window to attach it.

Gmail (Mobile App)

Forwarding as an attachment is not supported directly in the mobile app.

Workaround:

• Use a desktop browser, or

• Access Gmail via a mobile browser in desktop mode

Proprietary or Custom Webmail Systems

If you are using a custom or ISP-provided webmail interface, look for options such as:

• "Forward as attachment"

• "Attach original message"

• "Download message" (then reattach manually)

If these options are not available, contact your email provider for guidance or use a different client that supports this feature.

Additional Tips

• File types: Attached emails are typically .eml (standard) or .msg (Outlook-specific).

• Multiple emails: Some platforms (like Gmail) allow attaching multiple emails at once.

• Security reviews: This method is often required when reporting phishing or suspicious emails.

• Do not copy-paste: Copying content removes critical technical data.

When Should You Use This?

Use "forward as attachment" when:

• Reporting spam or phishing emails

• Troubleshooting delivery failures

• Working with IT support or security teams

• Verifying sender authenticity