Having issues with Outlook not allowing you to attach files? You’re not alone. Many users experience this issue, and it can be pretty frustrating. Unfortunately, there is no easy one-size-fits-all solution to this problem. The good news is that it can usually be fixed with a few simple steps. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of Outlook not allowing attachments and provide solutions to help you fix the issue.
From understanding why it happens to adjust settings and more, we have all the information you need to get your Outlook working correctly again. So read on to learn how to fix Outlook not allowing attachments and get your Outlook up and running again.
Causes of Outlook Not Allowing Attachments
There are many possible causes of Outlook not allowing attachments, and each issue can have different solutions. Here are the four most common causes and solutions:
Outlook Attachment Size Limit
The most common cause of Outlook not allowing attachments is that the attachment size limit has been exceeded. By default, Outlook allows you to send files up to 20MB in size, though you can adjust this limit to meet your needs. To increase the attachment size limit in Outlook, go to File > Options > Advanced. Under “Outlook Attachments,” increase the “Attachment size limit (in KB)” value to the desired size.
Outlook Blocked File Types
Another common issue is that Outlook is blocking certain file types. By default, Outlook blocks file extensions that can contain malicious code. To check the list of blocked file types, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Attachment Handling. Review the list and make any necessary changes.
Outlook File Extension Settings
Sometimes, Outlook may block specific file extensions even if they’re not on the list of blocked file types. This can happen if the file extension has been added to the list of “unsafe” file extensions in Outlook’s settings. To check the list of blocked file extensions, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > File Block Settings. Review the list and make any necessary changes.
Outlook Security Settings
Finally, Outlook’s security settings can also affect its ability to send attachments. To check the security settings, go to File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Email Security. Review the settings and make any necessary changes.
How to Fix if Outlook is not Allowing Attachments
Step 1: Enable the Exchange Online Protection (EOP) Attachment Filter
If you’re using Outlook with an Exchange Online plan, you may need to enable the Exchange Online Protection (EOP) Attachment Filter. To do this, open the Outlook Web App and go to Settings > Options > Mail > Attachment Filter > Enable.
This should enable the attachment filter and resolve the issue.
Step 2: Unblock Attachments in Outlook
If you’re using Outlook to send emails with attachments, you may need to unblock the attachments. To do this, open Outlook and go to File > Options > Trust Center > Attachment Handling.
Under the “Attachment security” section, click “Unblock attachments” and then click “OK.”
Step 3: Check the Outlook and Exchange Server’s Protocol Settings
You should check the Outlook and Exchange server’s protocol settings. To do this, open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
Select the account you’re having trouble with, and then go to More Settings > Advanced and ensure the “Outlook Anywhere” option is checked.
Step 4: Stop Antivirus Program from Blocking Attachments
If you’re using an antivirus program, it may be preventing you from sending attachments. To stop the antivirus program from blocking attachments, open the antivirus program and go to the settings.
Look for an option that says “Allow sending of attachments,” and make sure it’s checked.
Step 5: Check the Outlook Attachment Size Restriction
Another reason Outlook may not allow attachments is due to a size restriction. To check the size restriction, open Outlook and go to File > Options > Advanced.
Under the “Outlook Attachments” section, you can find the “Maximum attachment size” option. Make sure it’s set to a reasonable file size.
Step 6: Check the Outlook Email Sending Limit
If you’re using Outlook with an Exchange server, you may have an email sending limit. To check the limit, open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
Select the account you’re having trouble with and then go to More Settings > Advanced. Under the “Outgoing server” section, check the “Maximum number of emails to be sent in a single session” option.
Step 7: Reinstall Outlook Application
If none of the above steps have fixed the issue, you may need to reinstall the Outlook application. To do this, open Control Panel and go to Programs > Uninstall a program.
Select Outlook and then click Uninstall. Once Outlook is uninstalled, reinstall it from the official Microsoft website.
Step 8: Use an Alternative Email Client
If you’re still having trouble with Outlook not allowing attachments, consider using an alternative email client. Many different email clients are available, such as Mozilla Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, and more.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble sending attachments in Outlook, the first step is to identify the cause of the issue. Outlook has several settings that can affect its ability to send attachments, such as the attachment size limit, blocked file types, file extension settings, and security settings. Once you’ve identified the cause of the issue, you can make the necessary changes to resolve the problem.
Advice for Future Prevention
To prevent Outlook from blocking attachments in the future, it’s essential to keep all settings up to date. Be sure to check the attachment size limit, file types, extensions, and security settings regularly to ensure that Outlook is configured correctly. Additionally, be sure to scan all attachments for malware before sending them.
Recommendations
If you still have trouble sending attachments, consider using a third-party file-sharing service. Services like Dropbox and Google Drive make it easy to securely share large files without worrying about Outlook’s attachment size limit or security settings.
In conclusion, Outlook not allowing attachments is a common issue caused by several factors. To fix the issue, identify the cause and make the necessary changes. Additionally, keep all settings up to date and consider using a third-party file-sharing service for larger files.
We hope this article has helped you troubleshoot and fix the Outlook not allowing attachments issue. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to comment below.
Miles Morgan is a Boston-based author with a particular interest in technology and its potential to change the world. He has been writing since he was a child and his work has been published in various magazines and newspapers.