Solved: How to Fix Outlook Attachments Not Opening on Double Click
Microsoft Outlook users can have issues opening attachments in Outlook for a variety of reasons. We have offered a number of methods in this post to fix the “Outlook Attachments Not Opening on Double Click” problem. If a corrupt Outlook.PST file is the primary cause of the problem, you can fix it by using advanced PST Converter software.
Outlook users’ productivity is hampered and irritation results when they have trouble obtaining or viewing email attachments. Use of an email account other than a Microsoft primary email address, corruption in the PST file, and other factors could all contribute to the issue. We’ll talk about potential efficient solutions to the problem in this post.
We’ll look at some practical fixes for the error message today. So, if you’re having trouble opening attachments in your Outlook emails, you need this post. We’ll not only help you in resolving the issue, but also explore its potential root causes.
Reasons to Unable Open Outlook Attachments
There can be several reasons why you may be unable to open Outlook attachments. Here are a few common causes:
- Blocked file types: Outlook has built-in security measures that can block certain file types for safety reasons. For example, file types like EXE (executable files) or files with potentially harmful extensions may be blocked by default. You can check with your system administrator or adjust the security settings in Outlook to allow specific file types.
- Security settings: Outlook’s security settings can be configured to restrict or block certain attachments based on their file type or size. These settings are usually managed by your organization’s IT department or system administrator. If you’re using Outlook in a work environment, contact your IT support team for assistance in adjusting the security settings.
- Corrupted attachments: If the attachment file itself is corrupted, it may prevent Outlook from opening it. In such cases, you may see error messages or experience unexpected behavior when trying to open the attachment. If possible, try accessing the attachment from a different device or have the sender resend the attachment to ensure it is not corrupted.
- Large file sizes: Large attachments may take longer to open or cause performance issues in Outlook. Depending on your email server settings or network conditions, there may be limitations on the maximum size of attachments that can be opened.
- Outdated software: If your version of Outlook or any related software components are outdated, it may lead to compatibility issues when opening certain types of attachments.
- Antivirus software: Your antivirus software might be scanning email attachments and blocking them if it detects any potential threats. In some cases, the antivirus program may interfere with the attachment handling process, preventing you from opening them.
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How to Fix “Unable to Open Outlook Email Attachments” Issue?
You can try the manual solutions listed below to fix Outlook’s issue with double-clicking attachments:
Solution #1: Unfilled Temporary Internet Files Folder
The first thing Outlook does when you download an attachment is to save a copy of it to a subdirectory in the Temporary Internet Files folder. The application may display the “Can’t open attachments in Outlook” error when this folder reaches its storage limit. Remove the files from this folder to solve the issue. Take these actions:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run program.
- Type regedit.exe and hit Enter in the Run tool window.
- Open the Edit menu in the Registry Editor tool and click Find.
- Search for OutlookSecureTempFolder in the Find window that appears, then click Find Next.
- The location of the folder is stored in a registry entry. Double-clicking the folder in the right panel will allow you to copy its location.
- Copy the folder’s location, open the Run utility, and then hit Enter. You can then open the folder.
- Remove every file from the folder.
- Open the attachments after restarting Outlook.
Solution #2: Set up Microsoft Email as the Primary Email Address.
It’s probable that you’ve set a non-Microsoft email address as your primary email address if you can’t open Microsoft Outlook attachments and get a “access is denied” error. By following these procedures, you can convert the primary email address to your Microsoft email account:
- Log in with your account by going to the Microsoft account page.
- Select Manage your sign-in email or phone number under Your info.
- Give a Microsoft email address in the Make main section. An email address from Microsoft has a @outlook.com, @live.com, or @hotmail.com ending.
Solution #3 Disable Antivirus
Antivirus software sometimes incorrectly determines legitimate and safe files as malware or viruses. You can temporarily disable your antivirus software if it is mistakenly blocking attachments by classifying them as Trojans or viruses. After that, you can download the attachment and activate the application later.
Solution #4: Right-click to Open an Attachment
Try an alternate approach if double-clicking Outlook attachments does not allow them to open. You can right-click an attachment and choose Open rather than double-clicking it.
Because of the mouse’s double-click speed setting, some users are unable to double-click an attachment. You might not be able to double-click the attachments if your mouse has a high double-click speed. Go to Control Panel > Mouse > Buttons to manually lower the double-click speed.
Solution #5: Install updates for Outlook.
There may be some important Outlook updates you need to install if Outlook won’t let you open attachments. You can install the newest Outlook updates by doing the steps below:
- When Outlook is launched, click the File tab.
- Under the Office Account menu, select Update Options.
- After that, select Update Now from the menu that pops up.
- Restart Outlook
Drawbacks of Manual Methods –
While manual methods can be helpful in resolving certain issues with opening attachments in Outlook, they do have limitations. Here are some limitations of manual methods:
- Limited effectiveness: Manual methods may not always be successful in resolving complex issues or issues caused by underlying software or system problems. They are more suitable for simple and common problems.
- Time-consuming: Troubleshooting attachment issues manually can be time-consuming, especially if you need to perform multiple steps or try different solutions. It can involve searching for solutions online, adjusting settings, and performing various checks, which can be a tedious process.
- Technical knowledge required: Some manual methods may require technical knowledge or expertise. If you’re not familiar with the inner workings of Outlook or computer systems, it can be challenging to follow the instructions accurately and effectively.
- Incomplete resolution: Manual methods may only address the symptoms of the problem rather than the root cause. This can result in temporary fixes or workarounds that may not provide a long-term solution. The issue may reoccur in the future, requiring further troubleshooting.
- Risk of data loss or system damage: Incorrectly applying manual methods or making changes to system settings without proper knowledge can potentially lead to data loss or cause further damage to your computer system. It’s important to proceed with caution and back up your data before attempting any manual troubleshooting steps.
- Compatibility issues: Manual methods may not work uniformly across different versions of Outlook or with various operating systems. What works for one user or version of Outlook may not work for another.
Resolved Outlook Attachment Not Opening On Double Click Error with Professional Tool
Converting the file itself is an additional remedy for this problem. You can rely on the CubexSoft Outlook Converter tool in these circumstances. You can extract particular messages from PST files and convert them to other formats using this straightforward tool. Additionally, it makes it easier to convert email attachments as well as other objects like contacts, tasks, notes, and photographs.
Wrapping Up
Although dealing with attachments that Outlook won’t open might be irritating, there are ways to fix this issue. The above-mentioned procedures and an advanced automatic solution can be used to quickly resolve the “Outlook attachment not opening on double click” error and restore full functionality. Enjoy a flawless Outlook experience and open your attachment troubles farewell!
