What to Do When Attachments Aren’t Showing in Outlook?

Outlook has served as the primary client in many organizations for over a decade, and several businesses praise it for its modern-day features. Nowadays, almost every second firm and enterprise prefers Outlook to collaborate and communicate with colleagues and clients. Attachments are an in-built feature of Outlook that allows users to send files and other documents in the email. However, sometimes, due to some reason, users can’t see attachments in Outlook, which can be annoying. 

I have recently come across several forums where users are frustrated with Outlook attachments not showing and seeking a reliable solution for it. If you’re also facing the same error, don’t worry; in this write-up, I’ll mention all the reasons why Outlook doesn’t show attachments and how you can resolve it. 

Causes of Outlook attachment not showing.

There can be several reasons why users can’t see attachments in Outlook; the most common ones are listed below. 

  • Incorrect Outlook configuration
  • Synchronization issue with Outlook
  • Bad internet connectivity
  • Use internet-intensive apps
  • Overload network issue
  • Problem with Outlook add-ins
  • Corrupt Outlook data files

These are a few of the most common reasons for Outlook attachments not showing. Now that you know the reasons, let’s dive into our main topic: how to resolve the error. 

Ways to resolve Attachment not showing in Outlook error

Same as the reason, there are several methods to resolve the error; users can process all the methods one by one and find out if any manual method works for them. So, let’s start with our first method

1. Check the Settings for Attachment handling

    The first and foremost option to check when Outlook attachments not showing is to check the settings for attachment handling. Below is the step-by-step process

    • Open Outlook in your system. 
    • Go to the File option from the top of the Outlook menu. 
    • Now, from the left pane, click on Options.
    • In the following wizard, go to the Trust Centre tab and click on the Trust Centre settings option. 
    • Following will be the Trust Centre window; here, uncheck the checkbox adjacent to the Turn-off attachment preview option. 
    • Click the Attachment and Document reviewers option to see if the file previews are active. 

    2. Turn off MS Outlook Add-ins

    • Sometimes, third-party Outlook Add-ins also result in attachments not showing in Outlook. Fortunately, users can remove or stop using these add-ins to see attachments in Outlook. Below is the step-by-step process. Open MS Outlook and log in to your account. 
    • Go to the file menu from the ribbon bar and click on Options. 
    • Following, navigate to the Add-ins options and click on the COM Add-ins. 
    • Now select the Go option adjacent to the Manage option and uncheck all the add-ins or uncheck add-ins you think are responsible for Outlook attachments not showing an error. Once you uncheck the faulty dd-ins, click on the OK option. Finally, restart Outlook and verify whether you still can’t see attachments or if it is working fine. 

    3. Clear Cache files in Outlook

    Yes, Outlook also creates cache files to store minor changes and save users time. However, sometimes, these cache files become the reason for hectic errors. Users can easily delete these cache files to resolve the Outlook attachments not showing errors. Let me take you through the process of removing cache files in Outlook. 

    • Open the Run wizard by pressing the Windows + R key simultaneously. 
    • Enter the following command in the run wizard.
    • %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook\RoamCache
    • Once you run the above prompt, you will be redirected to the Roamcache folder. Select the cache folders you want to delete or think are the reason Outlook does not show attachments. 
    • Restart Outlook and verify whether your Outlook attachments are showing now or not. 

    These are the manual solutions to resolve the Outlook not showing attachment error. Users can also use an automated tool named Shoviv Outlook Suite to keep their Outlook files and emails error-free. 

    Learn: Why are Images Not Showing In My Outlook?

    Shoviv Outlook Suite to manage all your Outlook-related needs

    Outlook users and Microsoft administrators highly praise this automated tool to manage Outlook emails and files. The tool, specially coded for Outlook users, offers several astounding features to enhance the Outlook management experience.

    The tool is capable of resolving all Outlook errors without any hassle. It also has a user-friendly GUI that allows even non-technocrats to manage their Outlook emails without any technical assistance. Let me take you through its other features so you will have an idea why Shoviv Outlook Suite is the best option for resolving Outlook errors, including Outlook attachments not showing. 

    Features of Shoviv Outlook Suite:

    • The software allows you to process multiple Outlook profiles and files in a single process to make them error-free. 
    • Users can recover corrupt OST and PST files along with the deleted items from the folder. 
    • The software displays a preview of the added files or profile data so users can be assured that they are processing the correct data. 
    • Users can filter out unwanted data from the process and split the resultant PST files into desired sizes. 
    • The tool is compatible with all Windows operating systems and Outlook versions. Also, you can download and install the free version of the software to check its skills and compatibility. 

    Learn: How to Fix “Public Folders Not Showing in Outlook” Issue?

    Conclusion

    Attachments not showing in Outlook can be a frustrating issue, but fortunately, there are several ways to resolve it. By understanding the common causes, such as incorrect configuration, synchronization issues, or problematic add-ins, users can troubleshoot the problem effectively. From adjusting attachment handling settings to clearing cache files, there are manual solutions available. Additionally, tools like Shoviv Outlook Suite offer automated assistance, making Outlook management more convenient with features like error resolution, file recovery, and data preview. With the right approach, users can ensure that attachments appear as intended, streamlining their communication and collaboration processes.

    Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

    Q: Why are attachments not showing in Outlook?

    A: There could be various reasons, including incorrect configuration, synchronization issues, internet connectivity problems, faulty add-ins, or corrupt data files.

    Q: How can I fix attachments not showing in Outlook?

    A: You can try adjusting attachment handling settings, disabling problematic add-ins, or clearing cache files. Alternatively, you can use tools like Shoviv Outlook Suite for automated assistance in resolving Outlook errors.

    Q: Will clearing cache files in Outlook delete any important data?

    A: Clearing cache files in Outlook primarily removes temporary files that can sometimes cause errors. It shouldn’t delete any important data, but it’s always advisable to back up your Outlook data before performing any maintenance tasks.

    Q: Is Shoviv Outlook Suite compatible with all versions of Outlook?

    A: Yes, Shoviv Outlook Suite is compatible with all versions of Outlook and works seamlessly across different Windows operating systems.

    Q: Can I try Shoviv Outlook Suite for free?

    A: Yes, you can download and install the free version of Shoviv Outlook Suite to evaluate its features and compatibility with your system before making a purchase.

    Pradeep
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