How to Send a Fax via Email Outlook 2026

Yes, you can send a fax via email in Outlook without a fax machine. Modern online fax services allow you to compose an email in Outlook, enter a recipient's fax number in the "To" field, attach your document, and click Send. Your email is automatically converted into a fax and delivered to the recipient's fax machine or email inbox. Services like Comfax, eFax, and MyFax integrate seamlessly with Outlook 365 and other email platforms, eliminating the need for physical fax hardware while maintaining security and compliance for business use.

1. Comfax: Best for Outlook Email Faxing in 2026

Comfax is a cloud-based online fax service that enables you to send and receive faxes via email directly from Outlook without requiring a physical fax machine. Comfax integrates natively with Outlook 365, Outlook.com, and Microsoft email accounts, making it one of the most seamless solutions for business professionals who need reliable faxing capabilities within their existing email workflow.

How Comfax Works with Outlook

To send a fax via email in Outlook using Comfax, you compose a new email message, enter the recipient's fax number followed by the Comfax domain extension, add your document attachment, and send. Comfax automatically converts your email into a professional fax and delivers it to the recipient's fax machine or email inbox. Incoming faxes are delivered directly to your Outlook inbox as email attachments, allowing you to manage all communications in one unified interface.

Key Features

• Native Outlook Integration: Send faxes directly from Outlook without switching applications
• Email-to-Fax Conversion: Automatic conversion of emails into professional faxes
• Fax-to-Email Delivery: Receive incoming faxes as PDF attachments in your inbox
• Document Support: Compatible with PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, and image formats
• Mobile Access: Send and receive faxes on iOS, Android, and web browsers
• Secure Transmission: End-to-end encryption and HIPAA compliance for regulated industries
• Number Portability: Option to bring your existing fax number or choose a new one
• Cloud Storage Integration: Compatible with OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox

Pros

• Seamless Outlook email integration — no separate software required
• Works on any device with internet access and email capability
• No fax machine, printer, or dedicated phone line needed
• Professional fax delivery with full audit trail
• Secure for healthcare (HIPAA), legal, and financial documents
• Schedule faxes for later delivery
• Affordable subscription plans with no long-term contracts

Cons

• Requires an active subscription (free trial available)
• Dependent on internet connectivity
• Fax number assignment varies by region

Best For: Professionals using Outlook 365, small to mid-sized businesses, remote workers, and anyone seeking how to send a fax via email Outlook without traditional fax hardware.

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2. eFax: Enterprise-Grade Faxing from Outlook

eFax is a widely-used online fax service that enables send a fax via email Outlook with enterprise-level features. Plans start from $5.99/month, and eFax supports all major Microsoft email platforms including Outlook 365, Outlook.com, Live.com, MSN.com, and Hotmail.com. Users can send up to 10 document attachments per fax and schedule transmissions for future delivery.

How eFax Works

To send a fax via email using eFax and Outlook, compose a new email, enter the recipient's fax number followed by @send.efax.com, add a subject line and cover message, attach up to 10 files, and click Send. Received faxes appear in your Outlook inbox as PDF attachments from the sender's fax number.

Key Features

• Send faxes from any Microsoft email account
• Support for up to 10 file attachments per transmission
• Schedule faxes to send at a later time
• Mobile faxing via iOS and Android apps
• Cloud storage integration (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Secure document handling for compliance-heavy industries
• Affordable entry-level pricing with no long-term contracts

Pros

• Low starting cost ($5.99/month)
• Compatible with multiple Microsoft email domains
• Easy-to-use Outlook integration
• Multiple file attachment support
• Strong reputation with established user base

Cons

• Requires account setup and verification
• Some users report occasional delivery delays
• Limited feature depth compared to enterprise solutions

Best For: Small businesses, freelancers, and professionals seeking affordable send a fax via email solutions with flexible scheduling and multi-file capabilities.

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3. MyFax: Simple Email-to-Fax for Outlook Users

MyFax offers online fax service starting at $5/month with no long-term contracts. It integrates directly with Outlook and other email platforms, allowing users to send and receive faxes via email without fax machine hardware. The service converts incoming faxes into PDF attachments delivered to your email inbox.

How MyFax Works

Open Outlook, start a new email, enter the recipient's fax number with the MyFax domain, add a subject and message, attach your document (PDF, DOC, or other formats), and click Send. MyFax converts the email into a fax transmission. Incoming faxes arrive as PDF attachments in your Outlook inbox.

Key Features

• Simple email-based faxing from Outlook
• Receive faxes as PDF attachments
• Support for multiple document formats
• No fax machine or printer required
• Cloud integration with OneDrive and similar services
• Mobile app for iOS and Android
• Secure transmission and regulatory compliance support

Pros

• Affordable pricing with month-to-month flexibility
• Straightforward setup and user interface
• PDF attachment delivery to email
• Works on desktop and mobile devices
• Secure for confidential documents

Cons

• Fewer advanced features than enterprise competitors
• Limited scheduling options
• Smaller community than established providers

Best For: Individuals and small teams needing simple, affordable how to send fax via email solutions with minimal setup complexity.

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4. Google Fax via Gmail: Free Email-to-Fax Option

Google Fax (available through Gmail) allows users to send a fax via email for free using a pay-per-fax model. While not native to Outlook, it provides a no-cost alternative for occasional faxing. Users compose a Gmail email to a special fax number format, attach documents, and send. However, integration with Outlook requires forwarding emails to Gmail, reducing workflow efficiency compared to direct Outlook faxing services.

How to Use

Forward emails from Outlook to your Gmail account, then compose a fax message in Gmail with the recipient's fax number in the special format, attach your document, and send. Faxes are transmitted via the service.

Pros

• Free to use with Gmail account
• Pay-per-fax model (no subscription required)
• Works from any email client
• Suitable for occasional, lightweight faxing

Cons

• No native Outlook integration
• Requires Gmail forwarding workflow
• Limited fax number availability
• Per-fax charges add up with frequent use
• Cannot receive faxes directly
• Not ideal for professional or compliance-heavy use

Best For: Occasional users seeking how to send a fax via email for free without subscription commitments.

5. Microsoft Fax Service Partners: Enterprise Integration

Microsoft does not operate its own online fax service but partners with approved vendors to deliver faxing capabilities within Outlook 365 and other Microsoft 365 applications. Enterprise customers can integrate certified fax partners through the Microsoft AppSource marketplace. These solutions embed faxing directly into Outlook workflows with single sign-on (SSO) and compliance certifications.

Integration Model

Enterprise organizations install fax partner applications through Microsoft 365 admin center, which then become available as add-ins within Outlook. Users send a fax via email by clicking the fax add-in button within their email composition window.

Key Features

• Single sign-on (SSO) integration with Microsoft 365
• Compliance certifications (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)
• Bulk user provisioning for enterprises
• Central administrative controls and audit logs
• Mobile support through Microsoft apps
• Data residency options for regulated industries

Pros

• Seamless Outlook 365 integration for enterprise users
• Compliance and security aligned with Microsoft standards
• Centralized management for large organizations
• SSO reduces password management burden

Cons

• Requires Microsoft 365 enterprise subscription
• Partner availability and pricing vary
• Setup and deployment require IT involvement
• Less suitable for individual or small business use

Best For: Large enterprises with existing Microsoft 365 investments seeking compliance-certified send fax from Outlook 365 solutions.

How We Ranked These Services

We evaluated online fax services and how to send a fax via email Outlook solutions based on: (1) Outlook integration quality — native email compose support, no separate software; (2) Pricing — starting cost, contract flexibility, and value; (3) Features — document support, scheduling, mobile access, cloud integration; (4) Security — encryption, compliance certifications, audit trails; (5) Ease of use — setup complexity, user interface, learning curve; (6) Reliability — uptime, delivery speed, customer support; (7) User feedback — community reviews and real-world usage reports. We excluded services lacking confirmed Outlook compatibility or current pricing information.

Step-by-Step: How to Send a Fax via Email in Outlook 2026

Step 1: Choose and Set Up an Online Fax Service

Select an online fax service such as Comfax, eFax, or MyFax that integrates with Outlook. Visit the provider's website, sign up for an account, choose your fax number or port an existing one, and verify your email address. Most services offer free trials or low introductory rates.

Step 2: Verify Your Outlook Email Address

During setup, confirm that the fax service has registered your Outlook email address (e.g., yourname@outlook.com). This allows the service to recognize incoming fax transmission requests from your Outlook inbox.

Step 3: Prepare Your Document

Ensure your document is in a supported format: PDF, DOCX, DOC, XLS, XLSX, JPG, PNG, or TIFF. Save it to your computer or a cloud service (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox). Most services accept multiple attachments per fax.

Step 4: Compose a New Email in Outlook

Open Outlook (desktop, web, or mobile app) and click "New Email" or "Compose." The fax-sending process mirrors standard email composition.

Step 5: Enter the Recipient's Fax Number in the "To" Field

In the "To" field, type the recipient's fax number followed by your fax service's domain. Examples:

• eFax: 15551234567@send.efax.com
• MyFax: 15551234567@myfax.com
• Comfax: [Check your account for domain — typically provided during setup]

You can also add multiple recipients by separating addresses with semicolons.

Step 6: Add a Subject Line (Optional Cover Page)

Enter a subject line that will appear as the fax cover page title. Many services convert the subject into cover sheet header information.

Step 7: Compose Your Fax Message

Type a brief message in the email body — this becomes your fax cover sheet content. Keep it concise and professional.

Step 8: Attach Your Document

Click "Attach" or the paperclip icon, select your document(s) from your computer or cloud storage, and upload. Most services allow 1 to 10 attachments per transmission.

Step 9: Review and Send

Double-check the recipient's fax number format, verify attachments are included, and review your message. Click "Send." Your fax service converts the email into a fax transmission within seconds to minutes.

Step 10: Monitor Delivery Status

Many services send a delivery confirmation email to your Outlook inbox indicating whether the fax was successfully transmitted. Check this confirmation to verify successful delivery.

How to Receive Faxes in Your Outlook Inbox

When someone sends a fax to your service-assigned fax number, it is automatically converted to a PDF attachment and delivered to your Outlook email inbox just like a regular email. Look for incoming faxes in your main inbox. If they appear in Spam or Junk folders, add the sender's fax number to your Contacts or mark messages as "Not Spam" to improve future delivery to your primary inbox.

You can then download, print, forward, or save received faxes directly from Outlook to your computer or cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.).

Send Fax from Outlook 365: Key Considerations

No Native Fax Machine Required

Outlook 365 does not include built-in faxing — you must use a third-party online fax service. This eliminates the need for physical fax hardware, dedicated phone lines, ink, and paper. Cloud-based solutions are more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and accessible from any device with internet access.

Internet Dependency

Send a fax via email Outlook requires active internet connectivity. Offline Outlook drafts cannot be converted to faxes until you reconnect and send.

Security and Compliance

Choose a service offering end-to-end encryption, HIPAA compliance (for healthcare), GDPR compliance (for EU users), and SOC 2 certification if handling sensitive documents. Professional faxing maintains audit trails and secure transmission logs.

File Format Support

Verify your service supports your document types. Most accept PDF, DOCX, DOC, XLS, XLSX, JPG, PNG, TIFF. Convert unsupported formats before sending.

Recipient Compatibility

Your fax service converts emails into standard fax format, compatible with any fax machine or fax-to-email service on the receiving end. The recipient needs only a functioning fax number or fax service — they receive the transmission as a standard fax.

How to Send a Fax via Email for Free

Free options for send a fax via email are limited in 2026, but include:

Google Fax (Pay-Per-Fax)

Google Fax in Gmail charges only for each fax sent (typically $1–3 per fax). No subscription required. However, Outlook users must forward emails to Gmail first, reducing efficiency.

Free Trials

Comfax, eFax, and MyFax offer free trial periods (typically 7–30 days) to test functionality before committing to paid plans. This is the best way to evaluate services directly within Outlook at no cost.

Limitations of Free Services

Free or pay-per-fax models lack:

• Assigned fax numbers for receiving faxes
• Unlimited transmission volume
• Professional cover sheets and branding
• Advanced scheduling and routing
• Compliance certifications for regulated industries

For serious business use, subscription plans ($5–$30/month) provide unlimited faxing and incoming fax numbers.

Send Fax from Computer Without a Fax Machine: Desktop & Mobile

Desktop (Windows & Mac)

Outlook desktop on Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS can send faxes via email using any integrated online fax service. Simply follow the email-to-fax address format in a new email message. No additional software or hardware is required.

Web Browser

Outlook.com (web version) and Outlook on the Web (Outlook 365 cloud) support fax sending through email-to-fax addresses. Compose an email in your browser and send to the fax service's domain.

Mobile Devices

iPhone, iPad, Android, and other mobile devices running Outlook mobile app can send faxes via email. Most online fax services offer native mobile apps for improved experience, including document scanning from your phone camera.

Document Scanning

Use your phone's built-in camera app or a dedicated scanning app (Microsoft Lens, Adobe Scan, Prizmo) to digitize paper documents, then attach to an email in Outlook and send as a fax.

FAQ

How can I send a fax via email?

To send a fax via email, sign up for an online fax service like Comfax or eFax, then compose an email in Outlook with the recipient's fax number followed by the service's domain (e.g., 15551234567@send.efax.com), attach your document, add a subject line, and click Send. The service converts your email into a standard fax transmission.

Does Microsoft have a fax option?

Microsoft does not provide a native faxing service within Outlook 365. However, Microsoft partners with approved fax vendors through Microsoft AppSource, allowing enterprise customers to integrate certified online fax services as Outlook add-ins. Individual users must subscribe to third-party providers like Comfax, eFax, or MyFax.

Can I send a fax from Gmail?

Yes. Google Fax allows you to send a fax via email from Gmail using a pay-per-fax model (typically $1–3 per fax). Compose an email in Gmail to the fax number in the special format, attach your document, and send. However, Outlook users must forward emails to Gmail first, which reduces workflow efficiency compared to direct faxing from Outlook using dedicated services.

Can I send a fax via email using eFax?

Yes. eFax is one of the most popular online fax services for send a fax via email Outlook. Plans start at $5.99/month. To send a fax, compose a new email in Outlook, enter the recipient's fax number followed by @send.efax.com, attach your document, and click Send. eFax supports all major Microsoft email accounts and delivers faxes within minutes.

How do I send a fax through Outlook 365 without a fax machine?

To send a fax via email Outlook 365 without a fax machine: Subscribe to an online fax service (Comfax, eFax, MyFax, etc.), compose a new email in Outlook 365, enter the recipient's fax number with the service domain in the To field, attach your document, and send. The service converts your email into a professional fax transmission delivered to the recipient's fax number within minutes. No physical fax hardware, printer, or dedicated phone line is required.

What is the best way to send faxes from my computer for free?

The most practical free option is Google Fax through Gmail using the pay-per-fax model (no subscription). Alternatively, try free trials from Comfax, eFax, or MyFax (typically 7–30 days). For ongoing use, subscription services ($5–$15/month) provide unlimited faxing and are more cost-effective than pay-per-fax for frequent business use.