Fix: Outlook web app can’t download attachments

Read time 6 minutes

Outlook Web App, now known as the Outlook on the web, from Microsoft, is a web-based email client that allows users to access Exchange Server mailboxes from any web browser. User can utilize OWA access URL, account username and password to access the mailbox on the web browser. You can create and send emails along with attachments using Outlook web application and can even work offline by using Outlook on the web offline on your desktop.

There is an issue related to Outlook on the Web whereby it stops downloading the attachments from the emails – it is restricted or downloads no attachments. This blog is aimed to provide the users with information regarding reasons for the issue “Outlook Web App can’t download attachments” and its fixes.

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

Some web browsers may not be compatible with the Outlook on the Web and thus cause hindrance to some of its functions. So, try launching your Outlook on the Web application using a different web browser. For example – If you are using Google Chrome currently, switch to another one like Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. It may happen that switching web browsers can resolve your problem and now you could download attachments from received emails.

Try downloading attachments in zip file format

Downloading the attachment as a zip file may solve the issue sometime. In the same way, you can download multiple or all attachments together.

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

A light version for Outlook on the Web is there to run the application even in low bandwidths, low accessibility and with old web browsers. Users can switch to this light version and then try downloading the attachments from there.

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

Login to your Outlook on the Web account. Go to the Settings option on the top right. Click Mail.
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.
Sign out of the current account and then log in again. This time you are using the light version of Outlook Web App.
Now, go to the email with attachments and try downloading the attachments.

Switch back to the old Outlook on the web interface

With the introduction of new features and interface, there is a possibility of some glitches and errors in in the application. Users can try to revert to the old interface of the application.

Change google chrome settings

If you are a Chrome user, then we should warn you of some possible issues like Ad-block, Safe browsing feature, flag configuration, etc. All these extra amenities may not be compatible with the Outlook on the Web application and thus users need to remove them.

Disable Add-ons
1. Run Chrome. Click the 3 dots on the top-right side. Go to More tools>Extensions.
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.
Disable Safe Browsing Feature
1. Run Chrome and type chrome://settings/ in the link bar and 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.
3. Click Reset settings to their original defaults.
4. Finally, click 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.”

Free Download 100% Secure

For any requirement of migration to Microsoft 365 or Exchange, we propose you the best software – Kernel Office 365 Migration. Go ahead with this tool to experience a risk-free and smooth Cloud migration.

Final words

Numerous possibilities behind the blocking of attachment download in Outlook on the Web application are discussed in this blog. We have discussed solutions for each of them too.