Summary
This article describes how to apply a sensitivity label to the email messages that you compose in the Web or Desktop versions of Outlook Office 365.
Context
Sensitivity labels allow you to classify and protect your email message content. Sensitivity labels ensure that email messages labeled as "Restricted - Encrypted" are automatically encrypted and not shareable outside of the intended list of recipients. Public, Sensitive, and Protected labelling makes the receiver aware of the level of sensitivity placed on the message by the sender, so they can act appropriately when forwarding the message or sharing its contents.
With the latest updates to Microsoft 365, securing email messages to recipients inside or outside of USNH is seamless.
Sensitivity Labels
| Label |
Explanation |
Description |
| Public |
This information is publicly shareable without any need for oversight. |
No visible label applied. |
| Sensitive |
This message has sensitive content. Do not share. |
Text applied to the email:
- This document contains sensitive material, please be careful with how you share it.
|
| Protected |
Please treat this as private, do not share. Required by institutional policy to be protected. |
Text applied to the email:
- This document has private and protected content
|
| Restricted |
This message is marked Confidential and encrypted. |
Text applied to the email:
- This document has highly confidential and restricted content. It is not to be shared outside USNH and cannot be printed or downloaded.
|
| Restricted - HIPAA |
Currently (March 2026) only for use with Teams Meetings involving HIPAA content. Other scopes (documents, etc.) will be added at a later date. |
In a Teams Meeting this label restricts who can bypass the lobby, who can present, when participants can chat, and blocks copying from the meeting chat. This label also enables end-to-end encryption and watermarking for shared video and content. |
Follow the links for your expected outcome:
How-To
Task: Apply a Sensitivity Label in Classic/Legacy Outlook (Desktop)
Instructions
Step 1 - On the Home tab, select New Email.
Step 2 - In the header of the new message, to the right of the Subject line, click the No Label (shield icon) drop-down to expand the Sensitivity list of labels.
Step 3 - Choose the label that applies to your message from the Sensitivity Label drop-down list. Refer to the Sensitivity Label table above for guidance.
Outcome
The sensitivity label you selected appears in the InfoBar just above the Send button of your email message.
Back to top
Task: Apply a Sensitivity Label in Outlook on the Web or new Outlook
Instructions
Step 1 - Click New Mail or New message.
Step 2 - In the upper right of the new message, click the shield icon with a question mark in it to expand the Sensitivity list of labels.
Step 3 - Choose the label that applies to your message from the Sensitivity Label drop-down list. Refer to the Sensitivity Label table above for guidance.
Outcome
The sensitivity label you selected appears in the InfoBar just above the Send button of your email message.
Back to top
Further Readings
Outlook: Opening an email message labelled Restricted - Encrypted
Office 365: Applying Sensitivity Labels
Teams: Requesting a Sensitivity Label for your Teams Site
SharePoint: Requesting a Sensitivity Label for your SharePoint Site
Need additional help?
Submit an Email Services support request with as much detail as possible, or visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.
For assistance concerning site creation, content sharing, file synchronization, or other common SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or Office app activities, we recommend our Microsoft 365 Learning sites:
Learn more about the great tools our Microsoft 365 Learning sites offer!