Outlook, Microsoft's free webmail service, has been around for more than two decades, providing email addresses for millions of users around the World.
Formerly known as Hotmail and Windows Live, Outlook remains as one of the most popular email providers, and that's because it's fast, it's easy to use, and has a slick interface.
But emailing is only one part of what your Outlook account can do. Microsoft has added features such as Calendars, Address Books and integration with Office applications. But what you may not know is that you can also send fax from Outlook email addresses thanks to Internet fax.
This new way of faxing has proven to be an essential tool for businesses that rely on this technology on a daily basis, Letting them save the time and money they'd be spending with a traditional fax solution.
What Do You Need?
If you want to fax from Outlook we need two things:
- An Outlook.com email address
- An online fax service.
To get a free email address, just head over to Outlook.com and click on "Create a free account", then follow the steps to complete your registration. We suggest you create a new email address just for dealing with faxes. It will prevent clutter and lost faxes in the long run.
This way of faxing is compatible with all Outlook versions for PC and Mac computer, it integrates with all iterations of the app: Outlook 2013, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, and Outlook 365. And even if future versions come out it will still be compatible.
Now, since Microsoft Outlook doesn't have a built-in faxing option, we need a third-party provider that is able to convert emails into fax and vice versa. That's why we need an online fax service. Today, these services let you do more than just basic faxing. You can schedule faxes, access faxes on Windows Vista, integrate faxing with Office 365 and even send faxes through faxing apps for iPhone. All without the need of complicated software.
As you may have guessed, these services are paid via a monthly subscription. But as you'll see below, there are ways you can get started for free!
Internet fax providers will also give you a secure free fax number that you can use to receive fax from Outlook. Unlike what happens with a fax machine, faxes will arrive automatically to Microsoft Outlook after being converted to PDF. These services make sending and receiving faxes with your email inbox a breeze!
Sending a Fax from Outlook
Step 1: Create a new email message
The easiest way to send a fax from Outlook is to do it right from an email message. Follow these steps to set up and send your file to a fax machine.
Log in to your Outlook account and click on "+ New Message" to start composing your email fax.
Step 2: Enter the Recipient's Number
Now you need to type in the "To:" field the number of the recipient, including an exit code and an international code if you are send a fax internationally. Then add "@yourfaxservice.com" next to it. Add the country or area code if needed.
Keep in mind that you'll need to replace @yourfaxservice with the actual domain of your provider. If you don't know the domain of your provider, refer back to your welcome email or FAQ section.
As an example, if you use MyFax's domain, it would look like this:
Step 3: Cover Page
If you need to precede your document with a fax cover sheet, you can type its contents on the Subject line and/or the Body of the message, depending on the service you are using.
The design used for your cover sheet has to be configured on your online fax account. You can choose between multiple templates.
Step 4: Attach Your Fax Contents
Click on the "Attach" link on your Outlook window (its icon is the paperclip), and then click on "Browse this computer" or "Browse cloud locations", depending on where your file is located.
Online fax services are able to send a fax converting hundreds of different file types, including popular ones such as PDF, TXT, DOC, XLS, JPG or HTML, just to name a few. Once you've found the file, click Open and wait a moment until it's attached to the email.
Step 5: Check Information & Click Send
Now your fax is configured and ready to be sent. Proofread the message, especially the fax recipient number and make sure everything's OK, just click on Send.
Your Outlook fax service will send you a confirmation email once your fax document has been successfully transmitted. In case the fax number is busy, the service will try sending the fax again.
Fax online with Outlook is the easiest way to speed up your business communications. The free email service integrates perfectly with online faxing and it gives you free space to store your documents in the cloud, with One Drive.
If you want to replace your fax machine with an easier and more cost effective process, just give these services a try. It is free and you can cancel at any time.
How to Receive Fax on Outlook
Receiving faxes on your Outlook inbox is just a matter of configuring your online fax account properly. At the moment of creating your account, Select the Outlook email address where you want to receive incoming faxes. This address will be linked to your virtual dedicated fax line, and will be available to receive faxes all day, every day, automatically.
If at any point you want to change the address linked to your fax number, you can simply head over to your fax settings and change it, no need to add complicated steps. Some services let you link up to 5 different Outlook addresses to a single number, this can be very convenient if you are in a situation where multiple people need to check for faxes.
Once you have the fax reception settings configured, you can start receiving faxes directly in your Outlook inbox. Here's how to manage incoming faxes efficiently:
- When a fax arrives, it appears in your inbox just like any other email. Look for emails with subject lines or indicators that identify them as faxes.
- Typically, the fax arrives as an attachment in a common file format, such as PDF or TIFF. Click the attachment to view or download the faxed document. Print only what you need.
- Take advantage of Outlook's tools for organizing messages. Just like other e-mail, you can create folders or use Outlook's tagging and categorizing features to organize your received faxes. Create dedicated folders for different recipients, clients, or providers to keep your faxes easy to find.
Choosing The Best Outlook Fax Service
The first thing you'll need to fax from Outlook is to create an account with a service of your choice. Usually, these services are paid through a monthly subscription that lets you send and receive an allotted number of pages per month. This affordable subscription also includes a local or toll-free fax numbers to receive fax on Outlook as well.
A good Internet fax provider must work with all regular email addresses, it should be able to send faxes with free email client services as well as proprietary ones.
But don't start paying for a plan just yet! Reputable online fax providers like RingCentral Fax, just to name some, let you create a free account, which is basically a basic plan totally free for 30 days. It's time to get rid of you fax machines!
FAQ
Can I send a fax from Microsoft Outlook 365?
Yes, you can send a fax from Microsoft Outlook 365 using a fax service like RingCentral or eFax. Most fax services allow you to send faxes via email or by using a fax server.
What is a fax server?
A fax server is a dedicated server that allows you to send and receive faxes electronically, without the need for a physical fax machine.
What is online fax service?
An online fax service is a fax service that allows you to send and receive faxes over the internet, without the need for a physical fax machine.
Final Words
By taking advantage of the faxing capabilities of Outlook, businesses can enjoy the convenience and efficiency of sending faxes digitally. It eliminates the need to print, scan, or physically transmit documents, saving hours of your time. Additionally, digital faxing offers enhanced security and privacy, ensuring that sensitive information is transmitted securely.
In conclusion, Outlook's integration with Internet fax services opens up a whole new world of possibilities for users. Not only can you manage your emails and calendars, but you can also send faxes seamlessly from your Outlook email address. It's a cost-effective and time-saving solution that empowers businesses to modernize their faxing processes and embrace the digital era.
Paolo Basauri is a seasoned expert in technology, widely recognized for his insightful articles and expertise in the field of faxing. With a passion for cutting-edge advancements, he delves into the latest tech trends, demystifying complex concepts for readers of all backgrounds.
