Fixed: Outlook Web App Can’t Download Attachments in Windows 10

  • Some users have reported problems downloading attachments when using the web version, especially in Google Chrome.
  • The problem may be caused by ISP-imposed restrictions, such as security programs and firewalls.
  • Users can upgrade to the light version of Outlook on the Web that allows the application to work in low bandwidth, limited availability and with older web browsers.

It’s unlikely that you are unfamiliar with Microsoft Outlook’s downloadable client, and also with the Web App, which has similar functionality.

Can T Open Attachments In Outlook

If you are unable to open an attachment in outlook due to the fact that it is in a format that your computer does not recognize, this is the main reason. If you do not have the required software installed on your computer, you cannot open a .psd file. For example, you cannot open an image that you have received if you do not have Adobe Photoshop installed.

The downloadable Microsoft Outlook client and the Outlook Web App (OWA) are both familiar to Outlook users.

However, some users have reported problems downloading attachments when using the web version, especially in Google Chrome.

Causes of Outlook web app not downloading attachments

Download Attachments

In Outlook on the web, you can download multiple attachments at once, or open one at a time.

Low bandwidth: If you are accessing Outlook Web App over a network connection with low bandwidth, this may be the cause of the current error.

The VBA script should be saved and the window should be closed when it is complete.

Browser compatibility: If you try to download attachments using a browser that is not supported by Outlook Web App, you may encounter the following error.

ISP network restrictions: ISPs have methods to keep everything under control and limit certain network resources, and these ISP-imposed restrictions may be the root of the current problem.

Attachment Not Opening In Outlook

There are times when the page won’t load the attachments because of a cache or memory issue. Generally, reloading the page works the first time. It usually doesn’t take much more than one refresh to fix the issue. Hopefully, it will work, but if not, then move on.

Cache/cache/user data mismatch: Old cookies/caches/user data may be affecting Outlook Web App functionality and causing the current error.

MS Outlook web email app cannot download or preview attachments for a variety of reasons. Depending on your device, you may not be able to read the attachment. Your antivirus may also be blocking it. A corrupted file may also be responsible for the error. The following methods can be used to troubleshoot the problem.

Restriction by security programs: Security programs, such as anti-virus programs and firewalls, typically restrict network resources that they consider malicious, and if these programs have identified Outlook Web App as malicious due to an error, the restrictions created by these programs may cause the current Outlook Web App error.

Suspicious Sender: Outlook Web App uses sender filtering to weed out rogue and malicious senders, and if your sender is considered suspicious by Outlook Web App, this can cause the error we are currently experiencing.

Blocked Attachment Extension: Outlook Web App by default blocks certain types of file extensions as attachments, and if you try to download such a file as an attachment, Outlook Web App will not allow the download.

In Outlook Web Application, some extensions can be restricted from downloading. The settings can be changed so that the required extensions can be downloaded.

New UI: Microsoft often releases a new UI to add more features and improve the usability of the Outlook Web App, but sometimes the new UI may cause the current problem due to a coding error.

Incompatible Brower`s add-ons: Some add-ons are incompatible with Outlook Web App, especially AdBlock, which is known to interfere with Outlook Web App functionality, causing the current error.

How to solve the problem when Outlook Web App can’t download attachments?

Turn off the secure web browsing feature

  1. Click on the Sync and Google services option once you open Chrome and type chrome://settings/ into the link bar.
  2. To restore your settings to their original defaults, click Reset Settings.
  3. After clicking Reset Settings, the settings will be reset.
  4. A reboot will automatically occur once the process is complete.
  5. Make sure you check again by using Outlook online.

Disabling the add-ons

  1. Go to Advanced Tools – > Advanced in Chrome by clicking the three dots near the top right corner.
  2. Add-ons and extensions can be removed individually by clicking Remove.
  3. If you would like to confirm your deletion, click Delete again.
  4. You can now download the attachments from Outlook on the Web.

Running the light version of Outlook on the Web

Users can upgrade to this lite version of Outlook on the Web and then try to download attachments from that version. The light version is available for low bandwidth, limited availability, and older web browsers.

  1. Visit the Outlook Web site and sign in.
  2. In the upper right corner of your screen, click Settings.
  3. To use the Light version of Outlook Web App, select Use Outlook Web App Light version under General option, Display Options, and then Use Outlook Web App Version.
  4. Relogin after exiting your current account.
  5. The Outlook Web App light version should be used this time.
  6. You can now download the attachments from the email with the attachments.

Launch Outlook on the Web with a different Web browser

If Outlook Online is not functioning properly due to a compatibility issue with a web browser, try using a different one.

Switch web browsers like Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer if you use Google Chrome. If the problem persists, try another web browser such as Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Outlook Web App usually stops downloading attachments due to browser compatibility issues, low bandwidth, cache/cookie/user data conflicts, security software limitations, ISP network restrictions, unsupported attachment extensions, and other web browser issues.

  1. After opening a message, click on the file name of the attachment you want to open.
  2. In some browsers, the Download File Name dialog box appears.
  3. Click OK to perform the selected action, or Cancel to return to the message body.

  1. Use a file share to access the attachment.
  2. Use a file compression utility to change the file name extension.
  3. Rename the file to a different extension.
  4. Ask your Exchange server administrator to change the security settings.

If you're using Microsoft Outlook and can't open an attachment, you may need to turn off add-ons. In Microsoft Outlook, click File -> Options -> Add-ins. Under Manage, click COM Add-ins, then GO. Close Microsoft Outlook, open it again and upload the attachment again.

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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.