This lesson explains to first-time users of Outlook in easy-to-follow steps how to create an e-mail. Users who are already familiar with creating e-mail, can skip this lesson.

First, click Mail in the left Navigation Pane to get started creating a new e-mail.

1. Let's click New.  

   Click the New button located in the upper left.
   The window for entering a new message is displayed.

   

2. Let's address the e-mail  

   In the To box, type in the e-mail address or name of the person you want to send the e-mail to.

   Example: someone@microsoft.com
   

3. Type in a subject.  

   In the Subject box, type in a title for the e-mail.

   Example: Hello
   

4. Let's type in a message  

   In the message field, type in the body of the e-mail.

   Example: How are you?

5. Let's send  

   Click the Send button to send the e-mail.

   

6. The message is sent  

   Click Sent Items. If you see an e-mail with the same subject, you were successful.
   If the Outbox is in bold, there is a chance the e-mail was not sent. Click the Send/Receive button.

Let's avoid using environment-dependent characters in an e-mail Environment-dependent characters are characters whose appearance might change depending on the environment in which the e-mail is read (for example, whether it is read on a Windows-based PC, Macintosh, or cellular phone, or PHS, and what e-mail application is used to read it). e.g. Characters that can only be used in Unicode. There is no guarantee that the sender of the e-mail and its recipient share the same environment. Let's avoid using environment-dependent characters when there is a chance that the recipient will receive the e-mail in an environment other than that of a personal computer.