# How to Fix Unable to Outlook Open Attachments on Windows

**URL:** https://www.compsmag.com/blogs/how-to-fix-unable-to-outlook-open-attachments-on-windows/
**Author:** Ayushi Chauhan
**Published:** 2022-11-21
**Updated:** 2022-11-21
**Categories:** Blogs
**Tags:** Blogs Daily, Computer Guides, guiderobert, Guides and Tutorials, guiding12, How To Guide, How To Guides, Originals How to, Software tips and tutorials, Tips, Tricks
**Reading Time:** 3 min

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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. What will we do next? No need to worry, though. To assist you in resolving the problem. We have mentioned steps below to **Fix Unable to Outlook Open Attachments on Windows**

## Ways to Fix Unable to Outlook Open Attachments on Windows

### Unrecognized File Format

Ask the sender to resend the file as an attachment in a format that your computer system can access. Install software that can open such a file format. This second option is advisable if you will be dealing with this particular file format a lot.

### Bad File Association or Problem with Program

Save the attachment to your local drive instead of trying to open it directly from the email sent to you.

Open “Explorer” or **“My Computer**“.

Right-click on the file that has been sent to you as an attachment, then choose “Properties”.

Hover on “Opens with”. Here, choose “**Change**” to see different programs from which you can choose. Click on the program you wish to use for opening your file and tap “**Apply**” or “OK”.

Can’t find your preferred program? Do not worry, just tap the “Browse” option, locate the .exe (executable) file of the program on your PC and choose “OK” to make the program your default attachment opening program.

If you want to use this particular program to open all your attachments going forward, tick the box beside the option “Always use this app to open” and select “**OK**“.

### Antivirus Programs Preventing

Go to the “**Windows notification area**” and locate the antivirus you wish to disable. The programs usually appear as icons.

Right-click the program’s icon and choose “**Disable**“, “**Shutdown**“, or “**Stop**“, depending on the program settings.

Alternatively, open the program if necessary and use its menu to disable.

### Outlook Add-ins

Launch Outlook.

Follow this path: “**File” > “Options” > “Add-ins”**.

Select “**COM Add-ins**” under the tab “Manage”.

Just beside “Manage”, you will see the “**GO**” button, select it.

## Final Words

So here we conclude our article on how to Fix Unable to Outlook Open Attachments on Windows.Microsoft Outlook is a fun email programme with lots of functionalities. Despite being useful, it can occasionally cause headaches. One such experience makes me think of the error notice “Unable to open Outlook attachments.”

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*End of Article*