How to Fix Unable to Open Attachments issue in Microsoft Outlook on Windows

Users of Microsoft Outlook have reported a problem that makes it impossible for them to access the message attachments. In this issue, users are unable to double-click Outlook attachments to open them. Additionally, it doesn’t appear to work to right-click the attachment and select “Save As.” Instead, the programme displays the error message “Unable to Open Outlook Attachment.” Simple workarounds like restarting Outlook do not resolve the problem; the attachment remains inaccessible even after the application has been restarted.

MS Outlook is used by millions of people to send and receive emails. Outlook is extremely important and frequently integrated with the office software suite. The productivity as a whole is hampered by anything that prevents Outlook from operating without a hitch. The difficulty opening attachments in Outlook mail messages is one such significant issue that users encounter. There are many possible causes for this problem. We mentioned below are the ways to fix Unable to Open Attachments issue in Microsoft Outlook on Windows.

Ways to Fix Unable to Open Attachments issue in Microsoft Outlook on Windows

Run Microsoft Outlook in Safe Mode

Launch Outlook in safe mode to begin the fix. Then it will function without the integrated add-ins you have used.

1. Press CTRL + double-click the Outlook icon.
2. A confirmation prompt will appear, and you have to click on Yes.

As soon as Outlook is operating in safe mode, you should be able to open attachments. The following action is to firstly disable all Outlook add-ins before re-enabling them. To identify the problematic add-in and remove it, perform these steps one at a time for each add-in. Here’s how to approach it.

1. On Outlook, click File.
2. Click Options.
3. Now, navigate to the Add-ins tab on the left-hand panel and click to highlight it.
4. Click the drop-down beside Manage and select the option COM Add-ins.
5. Finally, click on the button Go.
6. Then uncheck all the boxes to disable the add-ins. Press OK to confirm.
7. Now, relaunch Outlook and start enabling the add-ins one by one.

Check if the File in the Attachment is Corrupt

It’s possible that the file that Outlook sent you is damaged. It will alert you to the corrupt file when you attempt to open it. Inform the sender of the problem and instruct them to send the file again via Outlook.

Disable the Anti-Virus Program Temporarily

Even though an attachment delivered to you is innocent, your anti-virus programme could occasionally flag it as harmful. Therefore, briefly turn off the antivirus programme before attempting to enter Outlook and open any attachments that were sent to you.

Be cautious, though, as spammers may attempt to give you harmful URLs via email attachments. Do not open such attachments in Outlook unless you are certain that you know the sender.

Update Windows OS

In order to resolve any difficulties that might be preventing you from opening the link in Outlook, be sure you upgrade Windows OS to the most recent version.

1. Press Windows + I to go to the settings.
2. Click on Windows Update.
3. Then click on Check for Updates.
4. To grab the latest update click on Download Now after the system searches and discovers an available update package.

Enable Outlook Attachment File Preview

Examine whether the attachment preview is turned on if you are unable to open an attachment delivered to you via Outlook.

1. Launch Microsoft Outlook and click on File.
2. Click on Options.
3. Then click on Trust Center > click Trust Center Settings. 
4. Under the Attachment Handling tab, uncheck the option Turn Off Attachment Preview.
5. Click on Attachment and Document Previewers.
6. Ensure that all the preview options have been enabled.

Upgrade Microsoft Outlook to the Latest Version

Update the Microsft Outlook to a newer version. To look for a version update,

1. Launch outlook.
2. Click on File.
3. Then click on the Office Account tab on the left-side panel.
4. Click the Update Options dropdown and select the option Update Now.

Final Words

We hope you like our article on how to Fix Unable to Open Attachments issue in Microsoft Outlook on Windows. We talked about the various root causes of the issue and potential solutions. For every fix, we offered Step-by-Step instructions. You need to fix your corrupt PST if you still can’t get rid of the error. Do not be concerned; we will also offer you the best solution for this.