How to attach a file in outlook

Last Updated: Feb 26, 2024 by

Attaching files to emails is a common task for most people using email services. However, if you are new to using Microsoft Outlook, you may be wondering how to attach a file to your emails. In this article, we will discuss the steps to attach a file in Outlook and some helpful tips to make the process easier.

File Attachments in Outlook

Outlook allows you to attach files to your emails in a few simple steps. This feature is useful when you need to send documents, images, or other files to your recipients. Here’s how you can attach a file in Outlook:

  1. Open Outlook and click on the “New Email” button to create a new email.
  2. In the new email window, click on the “Attach File” button in the ribbon menu.
  3. A file explorer window will open, allowing you to browse and select the file you want to attach.
  4. Once you have selected the file, click on the “Insert” button to attach it to your email.
  5. The file will now appear as an attachment in your email. You can add a message and send the email as usual.

Outlook Attachment Settings

Outlook also allows you to customize your attachment settings to make the process of attaching files easier. Here are some helpful settings you can adjust:

Default Attachment Location

By default, Outlook saves attachments to a temporary folder on your computer. However, you can change this location to a folder of your choice. This can be helpful if you frequently need to access the same files for attachments.

To change the default attachment location, follow these steps:

  1. In Outlook, go to “File” and click on “Options.”
  2. In the Outlook Options window, click on “Advanced” in the left menu.
  3. Scroll down to the “General” section and click on the “Browse” button next to “Default local file location.”
  4. Select the folder where you want to save your attachments and click “OK.”
  5. Click “OK” again to save the changes.

Attachment Reminder

Outlook also has a feature that reminds you to attach a file if you mention it in your email but forget to attach it. This can save you from the embarrassment of sending an incomplete email. To enable this feature, follow these steps:

  1. In Outlook, go to “File” and click on “Options.”
  2. In the Outlook Options window, click on “Mail” in the left menu.
  3. Scroll down to the “Send messages” section and check the box next to “Warn me when I send a message that may be missing an attachment.”
  4. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Tips for Attaching Files in Outlook

Here are some additional tips to make attaching files in Outlook easier:

  • Use the “Attach File” button in the ribbon menu instead of dragging and dropping files into your email. This ensures that the file is properly attached and not just linked.
  • If you need to attach multiple files, you can select them all at once in the file explorer window by holding down the “Ctrl” key while clicking on each file.
  • If you need to attach a file from a cloud storage service like OneDrive, you can click on the “Attach File” button and select “Browse Web Locations” to access your files.

By following these steps and tips, you can easily attach files in Outlook and customize your attachment settings to make the process even smoother. Have you tried any of these tips? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.