How to Fix It When Attachments Aren't Showing in Outlook

Sometimes it's hard to tell when you've correctly attachment a file to an Outlook email. You may also occasionally have problems viewing attachments sent to you by others. Here's what to do when you can't see attachments in Outlook.

How to Fix Attachments Not Showing in Outlook

Try these tips if you're having trouble adding or viewing email attachments in Outlook:

1. Reload Outlook. If you can’t see attachments in an email you received, close Outlook and re-open it. Sometimes this can force the email client to redownload the files from the server.

   Refreshing the app is also helpful or you're unable to attach files to an email you want to send.

2. Check with the sender. The original sender may have uploaded the files incorrectly or forgot to add them to the email in the first place. It's also possible they emailed you a link to the file instead of attaching it. Message them and ask that they send the files again.

3. Look for the paperclip icon. Can't figure out how to upload an attachment in your version of Outlook? The option to attach files always appears as a paperclip above or below the email compose box.

   If a message contains an attachment, a paperclip will be visible in the email preview.

4. Drag and drop files. If you can’t see the attachment option for whatever reason, you can attach files by dragging and dropping them into Outlook. Locate the file you want to attach on your computer and drag it into the compose box.

5. Use the pop-out option. If you’re trying to view attachments in an email while composing a reply, select the pop-out option in the compose box (it usually looks like a small arrow). That way, you can see the original email and attachments while you compose your message in a separate window.

6. Select 'Show all'. If you’re reading your emails on Outlook.com, you may have noticed that you can’t see all photo attachments at once. This is so that the images don’t fill up the entire screen. Select Show all [#] attachments under the visible photos to see them all.

7. Check your internet connection. Your app may have downloaded the text of the email while you were online; however, if you’re currently offline, the attachments probably won’t load. Make sure your device is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or your data plan), then try opening the email again.

   If you're experiencing slow internet, particularly if it's a recent issue, addressing that should resolve the problem of attachments not loading.

8. Rename the file extension. Microsoft Outlook blocks attachments containing executable file types (e.g., EXE files). While this is important for security reasons, it poses a problem if you're attempting to send a genuinely safe file.

   One way around this is to pack the file in a ZIP archive and send that, instead. You can also request that the sender rename the file before they send it to you; you'll just need to change the file back to its original file extension when you receive it.

9. Disable your antivirus software. Antivirus programs can prevent email clients from loading attachments properly. This is generally a good thing since attachments are often the first place to watch for viruses, but they can also sometimes block legitimate files.

   Be sure to turn your antivirus software back on after viewing the attachments.

10. Request changes to your Outlook security settings. If you’re using Outlook in a workplace environment, the security settings may be blocking attachments. These settings can especially affect those who are using Outlook via Exchange Server. If possible, ask the administrator or tech support to adjust the security settings for you.

11. Update Outlook. This isn't necessary with the online version, but you should definitely keep Outlook up to date if you use the desktop app. Some updates are designed to fix issues, which could include problems with attachments.

12. Use a different method. This is more of a workaround than a fix, but you might actually end up preferring to share attachments this way.

    Outlook limits the size of attachments to 20 MB by default. If you need to send large files like movies, software, or entire photo albums, use a file sharing service.

    Similarly, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and other texting apps often let you send files to your contacts with just one or two taps. You can also share files over VoIP services like Skype and Line.

Causes of Missing Outlook Attachments

When you can’t see attachments in Outlook, the problem is usually associated with the app settings, your antivirus programs, or device limitations. A weak or overloaded internet connection can also cause attachments to not load properly.