How to: Open an email message that was encrypted with Purview Message Encryption


Introduction

You may open emails as normal by using Outlook. For other domains, follow the onscreen instructions to read the email.

Instructions

Opening emails in Outlook

Opening encrypted email messages in Outlook on the web, the Outlook desktop app, and the Outlook mobile app may be opened as any other email would be.

NOTE: Replying to an encrypted message through Outlook will automatically encrypt the reply message as well.

Outlook email reply showing a banner that reads "Encrypt: This message is encrypted. Recipients can't remove encryption."

Opening emails in a different email provider

Opening encrypted emails from a different provider such as Yahoo, Gmail, or Apple Mail require extra steps.

NOTE: These steps also apply to mobile applications such as the Gmail app or the iOS Mail app.

  1. Open the encrypted email message.

    Gmail inbox with an encrypted email message selected.

  2. Click Read the message.

    Body of an encrypted email message with a "Read the message" button.

  3. Sign in to your email account by clicking Sign in with [your provider], or sign in using a one time passcode that will be sent to you from Microsoft.

    Microsoft sign-in screen with wording "Sign in to view this message". A "Sign in with Google" button is shown. Another option shown is "Or, sign in with a one-time passcode".

    If signing in with a one-time passcode, check your email for another message containing the passcode.

    NOTE: This passcode will expire after 15 minutes. If your passcode expires, you can request a new one.

    A new email showing a one-time passcode from Microsoft.

    Type the passcode into the text box and click Continue.

    Microsoft screen to enter a one-time passcode, showing a field for the code and a "Continue" button.

Outcome

You are able to read the contents of the email message and respond.

NOTE: You may not be able to print or forward the message, depending on the encryption settings used.

The decrypted email message with a banner stating "Encrypt: This message is encrypted. Recipients can't remove encryption."

View the Microsoft support article Open encrypted and protected messages for additional information.