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How to Read Your Outlook Email in Plain Text to Avoid Privacy Threats

Immunize Outlook against many email threats with this one setting

By Heinz Tschabitscher Heinz Tschabitscher Writer University of Vienna A former freelance contributor who has reviewed hundreds of email programs and services since 1997. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on January 3, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Outlook Word Excel Powerpoint

What to Know

View plain text: File > Options > Trust Center > Email Security > Read all standard mail in plain text.View in HTML: select text > We converted this message into plain text format > Display as HTML.Outlook 2007: Tools > Trust Center > E-mail Security. 2003: Tools > Options > Preferences > E-mail Options.
This article explains how to read mail in plain text in Outlook. Instructions apply to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003; and Outlook for Microsoft 365.

Read All Mail in Plain Text Only in Outlook

To have all emails rendered and displayed in plain text in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010: Go to the File tab and select Options. In the Outlook Options dialog box, select the Trust Center category. Select Trust Center Settings. In the Trust Center dialog box, go to the Email Security category. In the Read as Plain Text section, select the Read all standard mail in plain text check box. To read electronically signed messages in plain text, select the Read all digitally signed mail in plain text check box. Select OK. In the Outlook Options dialog box, select OK.

Read an Individual Message Using Rich HTML Formatting

When Outlook is configured to show messages in plain text only, you can selectively choose which messages to read in HTML format. Select the message you want to read in HTML format. Either display the message in the Reading pane or open the message in a separate window. Select We converted this message into plain text format. Select Display as HTML.

Read All Mail in Plain Text Only in Outlook 2007

To make Outlook 2007 render all messages in secure plain text: Select Tools > Trust Center. Go to E-mail Security. In the Read as Plain Text section, select the Read all standard mail in plain text check box and select the Read all digitally signed mail in plain text check box. Select OK.

Read All Mail in Plain Text Only in Outlook 2003

To have Outlook 2003 display all messages in secure plain text: Select Tools > Options. Go to the Preferences tab. Select E-mail Options. Select the Read all standard mail in plain text check box and select the Read all digitally signed mail in plain text check box. Select OK. Select OK.

Why Read Emails in Plain Text

Email messages and newsletters with rich HTML formatting contain elements that may come with risks. These risky HTML messages may contain viruses or slow down your computer. These messages may also pose a privacy risk by contacting remote servers when you open the message. Make reading email in Outlook more secure and protect your privacy by reading messages in plain text only. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Forward an Email as an Attachment in Outlook How to Recall an Email in Outlook How to Prevent Outlook From Downloading Images Automatically How to Change the Default Font and Size in Outlook How to Purge Deleted Outlook Email How to Prevent Outlook From Answering Read Receipt Requests How to Insert a Link in an Email With Mac OS X Mail How to Save an Outlook Email as a PDF How to Delete an Address From the Outlook Autocomplete List How to Clear the Outlook Cache How to Change Email Format to HTML or Plain Text in Outlook How to Streamline Conversations in Outlook How to View a Message in HTML With Express and Live Mail How to Export Emails From Outlook How to Fix Outlook Search When It's Not Working How to Add Your Outlook.com Email to Outlook for Windows Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies