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Microsoft’s web-based email client, formerly known as Outlook Web App and now referred to as Outlook on the web, enables users to access their Exchange Server mailboxes from any internet browser. To access their mailbox, users can simply enter the OWA access URL along with their account username and password in their web browser. With the Outlook web application, users can compose and send emails, including attachments, directly from their web browser. Additionally, the Outlook on the web offers offline functionality for desktop users, allowing them to work without an internet connection.

This blog addresses a common problem encountered with Outlook on the Web, where attachments in emails either stop downloading or are restricted from downloading altogether. The purpose of this blog is to inform users about the possible reasons behind the issue of “Outlook Web App not downloading attachments” and offer solutions to resolve it.

It is to be understood that these manual fixes are for trial and error use. Let us know the manual workarounds in detail.

Ways to Fix “Outlook Web App Can’t Download Attachments”

Follow these workarounds for resolving the issue where your Outlook on the Web attachments are not getting download.

  • Run Outlook on the Web on a Different Web Browser
  • Try Downloading Attachments in Zip File Format
  • Run Outlook on the Web Light Version
  • Switch Back to the Old Outlook on the Web App Interface
  • Change Google Chrome Settings
  • Try Miscellaneous Solutions
Run Outlook on the Web on a Different Web Browser

In some cases, certain web browsers may not be fully compatible with Outlook on the Web, which can affect its functionality. If you’re experiencing issues with attachment downloads, consider launching your Outlook on the Web application using a different web browser. For example, if you’re currently using Google Chrome, try switching to a different browser like Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. Sometimes, this simple change can resolve the problem, allowing you to download attachments from your received emails.

Try Downloading Attachments in Zip File Format

Sometimes, resolving the issue can be as simple as downloading the attachment as a zip file. Additionally, you can choose to download multiple or all attachments together, which may help resolve the problem.

You just need to open that email which contains multiple attachments and hit the Download all option below the linked attachments.

Note: There is another option to save the email attachments, i.e. Save to OneDrive/Save all to OneDrive for single/multiple attachments in the email. This also can help you solve the issue.

Run Outlook on the Web Light Version

Outlook on the Web offers a light version that is designed to run smoothly even in low-bandwidth situations, low accessibility environments, and with older web browsers. Users encountering attachment download issues can switch to this light version and attempt to download the attachments from there, potentially improving their experience.

To move to the light version of Outlook on the Web application, follow these steps.

  1. Login to your Outlook on the Web account. Go to the Settings option on the top right. Click Mail.
  2. Click General option, move to Display settings, click on Outlook Web App version and then select the checkbox saying Use the light version of Outlook Web App.
  3. Sign out of the current account and then log in again. This time you are using the light version of Outlook Web App.
  4. Now, go to the email with attachments and try downloading the attachments.
Switch Back to the Old Outlook on the Web Interface

When new features and interfaces are introduced, it’s possible that some glitches and errors may arise within the application. To address these issues, users can consider reverting to the previous interface of the application, which might help resolve any compatibility or functionality problems they are experiencing.

Change Google Chrome Settings

If you are a Chrome user, it’s important to be aware of potential issues related to browser extensions such as ad-blockers, the safe browsing feature, and flag configurations. These additional features may not always be fully compatible with the Outlook on the Web application, and as a result, users may need to consider disabling or removing them to ensure smoother functionality.

  • Disable Add-ons
    1. Run Chrome. Click the 3 dots on the top-right side. Go to More tools>Extensions.
      Run Chrome
    2. Select the Add-on/extension one-by-one and click Remove to remove it. Click Remove again to confirm it.
    3. Now go to Outlook on the Web application and download the attachments.
    4. Note: The process is the similar for other web browsers too.

  • Disable Safe Browsing Feature
    1. Run Chrome and type chrome://settings/ in the link bar and click Sync and Google services option.
      click Sync and Google services option
    2. Under Other Google Services section, look out for Safe Browsing option and toggle off the switch against it.
    3. Next login to your Outlook on the Web application and check if you can download the attachments now.
  • Reset Default Settings
    1. Click on 3 dots on the top right space of Chrome browser.
    2. Go to Settings>Advanced>Reset and clean up.
      Reset and clean up
    3. Click Reset settings to their original defaults.
      Reset settings to their original defaults
    4. Finally, click Reset Settings.
      Reset Settings
    5. It will take some time for completion; the browser will get relaunched automatically.
    6. Now use Outlook on the web and check again.
Try Miscellaneous Solutions

Users can try the following as well on their end.

  • Ensure proper network connection
  • Ensure server health
  • Verify attachment extension
  • Check if the sender is not blocked with extensions (Suspicious email sender)
  • Check for bad cookies/cache
  • Troubleshoot ISP network issues

We hope that you got some help to fix the issue where “Outlook Web App can’t download attachments.”

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Final Words

This blog explores various potential causes behind attachment download issues in the Outlook on the Web application and offers corresponding solutions for each of these challenges.