How do I fix the Outlook WebApp cannot download attachments



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Outlook WebApp

Outlook Web App, now known as Outlook on the Web, from Microsoft, is a Web-based e-mail client that allows users to access Exchange Server mailboxes from any Web browser. Users can use the OWA access URL, account username, and password to access the mailbox in a Web browser. You can create and send emails with attachments using Outlook Web App and even work offline with Outlook on your desktop.

There is a problem with Outlook on the web where it stops downloading email attachments – it is limited or does not download attachments. This blog is designed to provide users with information on why the “Outlook Web App can’t download attachments” problem occurs and how to solve it.

What is the reason why Outlook WebApp cannot download attachments

What is the reason why Outlook WebApp cannot download attachments

Characters in the file name: If the file attached to the email has a question mark (?) or a plus (+) sign in its name, you may not be able to open the attachments sent.

Unknown file format: If an attachment requires a special application to open and you do not have one, you will need to download the correct program before you can open the attachment.

Incorrect file association: Failure to open attachments also occurs in one of two situations: an incorrect file association or a problem with the program required to open the attachment.

Antivirus software: An antivirus or firewall installed on your computer or device may block the download of attachments.

Compatibility issues: If the email came from a MAC computer and the attachment is not in a format compatible with Windows, this may be a problem.

Corrupted file: If you receive an error message indicating that the file is corrupt and cannot be opened, ask the sender to check that the attachment works on their end and then ask them to resend it to you.

If you’ve followed all of the above steps and nothing works, likely, the file was already corrupted before you sent it as an attachment.

To solve the problem of not being able to download attachments using Outlook Web App

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To solve the problem of not being able to download attachments using Outlook Web App

Disable Chrome’s secure web browsing features

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. In the search bar, type chrome://settings/.
  3. Click Sync and Google Services
  4. Search Safe Browsing (protects you and your device from dangerous websites).
  5. Turn it off

Turn on previewing attachments

  1. Open the Outlook web app.
  2. Click on the gear icon
  3. Select options.
  4. Click the Active View Settings button
  5. Select Always show previews (such as photos and videos).
  6. Save changes

Editor’s whitelist

  1. Open the Outlook web application
  2. Click the gear icon.
  3. Select options.
  4. Click on Filters and Reports
  5. Select Show attachments, images, and links for respected senders
  6. Save Changes

Check what types of files are sent through OWA

By default, Outlook Web App blocks attachments that have different extensions. To get around this problem, you can try two workarounds:

  • Squeeze the attachment. This also inadvertently changes the extension
  • Rename the attachment before sending and add the extension after uploading.

Note that these two workarounds work for both Outlook Web App and the client.



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Frequently Asked Questions

In the main Outlook menu, go to Tools -> Options. * In Office 2007, 2010, go to File -> Options -> Trust Center -> Trust Center Settings. Uncheck "Do not automatically download images or other content to HTML messages" and double-click "OK" to save your settings and exit.

  1. Open an email with an attachment.
  2. Select the arrow for the attachment.
  3. Select Preview to view the attachment in the message window without downloading it.
  4. Select Download to download the file to your computer.

  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 with a different extension.
  4. Ask the Exchange server administrator to change the security settings.

  1. In an email message, highlight the attachment you want to download.
  2. Press the menu button and select Download Attachment.
  3. Select the folder in which you want to save the file.

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