Fix Attachments Not Showing in Outlook: Step-by-Step Guide
Jul 24, 2025 am 08:14 AMSometimes it’s hard to verify whether a file was properly attached to an Outlook email. You may also run into problems when trying to view attachments received from others. Here’s how to resolve issues when Outlook isn’t displaying attachments.
How to Fix Missing Attachments in Outlook
If you're experiencing difficulties attaching files or viewing those sent by others, try the following solutions:
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Restart Outlook. When attachments aren’t visible in a received email, close and reopen Outlook. This often prompts the application to refresh and re-download content from the server.
This step can also help if you're unable to attach files while drafting a message.
Confirm with the sender. The person who sent the email might have mistakenly omitted the file, uploaded it incorrectly, or shared a link instead of an attachment. Reach out to them to verify and request a resend if necessary.
Locate the paperclip symbol. Can’t find where to add an attachment in your Outlook version? Look for the paperclip icon, typically found above or below the message composition area.
Drag files directly. If the attachment button isn’t visible, simply drag the file from your computer and drop it into the email compose window. This method works across most versions of Outlook.
Use the pop-out feature. When replying to an email with attachments, click the pop-out icon (usually an arrow) in the compose window. This opens your reply in a separate window, allowing you to view the original message and its attachments simultaneously.
Click 'Show all'. On Outlook.com, image attachments may not all appear at once to avoid clutter. To view every attachment, click Show all [#] attachments located beneath the visible images.
Verify your internet connection. The email body may have downloaded while online, but attachments require an active connection to load. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, then reopen the email.
Change the file extension. For security reasons, Outlook blocks executable files like .EXE. If you need to send such a file safely, compress it into a ZIP folder first. Alternatively, ask the sender to rename the extension before sending—you’ll need to restore it after downloading.
Temporarily disable antivirus software. Some antivirus programs interfere with attachment loading. While this protection helps prevent malware, it can occasionally block safe files. Disable the software briefly to test if it’s causing the issue (remember to re-enable it afterward).
Request adjusted security settings. In corporate environments, Exchange Server policies might restrict attachments. If this affects your work, contact your IT department or system administrator to request appropriate adjustments.
Update the Outlook application. While not applicable to the web version, desktop users should ensure their Outlook app is up to date. Updates often include fixes for known bugs, including attachment-related problems.
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Opt for alternative sharing methods. This workaround might become your go-to for large files.
Outlook has a default 20 MB attachment limit. For larger files—such as videos, software installers, or photo collections—use cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive. Share the file via a link instead.
Messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or VoIP apps such as Line also support quick file transfers with minimal effort.
Why Are Outlook Attachments Missing?
Missing attachments in Outlook are commonly caused by software settings, overzealous antivirus tools, device constraints, or poor internet connectivity. A slow or unstable connection may allow the email text to load while leaving attachments stranded.
To forward an email as an attachment: open the message, click the three-dot menu next to the subject, choose Other reply actions > Forward as attachment, enter the recipient's email, add a note if desired, and hit Send.
- How do I attach a file in Outlook? Open a new message, then go to Message > Attach File or Insert > Attach File, depending on your version. Browse your device, select the file (document, image, etc.), and insert it into the email.
- What is the maximum attachment size in Outlook? Outlook 2013 and newer versions limit attachments to 20MB. For larger files, upload to a cloud service (e.g., OneDrive, Dropbox) and share the link via email.
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