About Attachment Size Limits on Outlook
Before getting to learn how to attach files in Outlook, it’s essential to know what the maximum file size for Outlook attachments is. For Outlook.com and Gmail in the Outlook desktop client, the maximum attachment size is 20 MB. For Exchange, the default maximum attachment size is 10 MB. How to send large files via email? You can compress them before sending or send them via cloud services.
If you want to send a PDF to email and its file size exceeds the 10 MB maximum limit, you can use SwifDoo PDF to complete the PDF compression task.
How to Attach a File in Outlook Desktop
Microsoft Outlook can work on both Windows and Mac computers. In this section, I’ll show you the exact steps to attach a file to an email message in Outlook.
Step 1. You can open a new email or reply to an email. For new Outlook, you can select the Attach file option from the Insert tab. Here, you can choose to attach a file from your computer, cloud service, or by pasting a link. For classic Outlook, you can go to the Message tab and select the Attach File option from the Include menu. Next, choose where you want to add the attachment from.
Step 2. Click the Insert button, and then the file will appear in the email.
Alternatively, you can open the target file in File Explorer or Finder and directly drag and drop the file into Outlook to add this file attachment.
Steps to Attach a File in Outlook Web and Mobile
In addition to offering desktop versions, Outlook also has a web version and provides mobile applications for iPhone and Android. How to add attachments in Outlook web and mobile? Please read on!
#For Outlook Web
You can opt to attach a file in Outlook on the web or Outlook.com. What you need to do is sign in with your Outlook account first. Then, you can start a new email or reply/forward an email. Under the Insert tab, you can open the Attach file list and choose from Browse this computer, OneDrive, Upload and share, and Link. Next, select the target file and click Open to add the attachment file.
#For Outlook Android/iPhone
Step 1. Download Outlook from the App Store or the Google Play Store and install it on your Android or iPhone.
Step 2. Run the Outlook app and sign in with your Outlook account. Next, you can start a new email or reply to an email.
Step 3. Tap the Paperclip icon and select the Attach File option from the list. Next, you can locate a file from the target source, select the target file, and insert it.
Fix “Fail to Add Files in Outlook”
It can be frustrating when you fail to add files or other attachments in Outlook. How come? What solutions can you pick to troubleshoot that error? Don’t worry! I’ve summarized several possible causes and feasible solutions. Follow me to get the answers now!
#Potential Causes
- Exceed Outlook's maximum file size limit.
- The file is recognized as unsafe.
- Certain compatibility and profile issues.
- Overly strict antivirus software or firewall rules.
- …
#3 Workable Solutions
Fix 1. Compress the attached file.
If the file is too large, you need to use a file compressor to shrink its file size. Alternatively, you can upload the large file to a cloud service (like OneDrive) and share the attached file as a link. The PDF files may not attach to an email in Outlook if they exceed the maximum size supported by Outlook. In that case, you need to compress PDF files to reduce file sizes. SwifDoo PDF can finish the PDF compression task efficiently.
Fix 2. Send the file via the “Send to” option.
If there are some block-type rules, you can choose to send the file as a compressed folder. You need to locate the file and right-click it. Move to the “Send to” option and select the Compressed (zipped) folder option. Then, a .zip file will be created. You can attach the ZIP file in Outlook.
Fix 3. Try the web version of Outlook.
If you fail to add a file in the Outlook app, you can try to use the Outlook web version to send the same attachment.
In addition to the above solutions, you can try restarting and updating the Outlook app, reviewing antivirus and firewall settings, running Outlook in safe mode, or repairing your Office installation.
To Sum Up
Outlook offers applications for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices. Also, you can access Outlook on a web browser. Outlook enables you to send emails with attached files. How to attach a file in Outlook? You need to respect its maximum file size limits and other requirements for smooth email sending. In the content above, I show you a detailed tutorial. If you fail to add attachments in Outlook, you need to check the file size and try the other solutions mentioned above. I hope this tutorial will be helpful to you.
