How To Select All Attachments In Outlook : Entire Inbox Selection Method

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Selecting every attachment in an Outlook email can be done with a simple keyboard shortcut. If you have ever wondered how to select all attachments in Outlook quickly, you are in the right place. This guide covers multiple methods, from keyboard shortcuts to add-ins, for both Windows and Mac versions.

Managing multiple attachments in Outlook can be tedious. You might need to save them all, forward them, or delete them in bulk. Instead of clicking each file one by one, you can use built-in tools and tricks to get the job done in seconds.

How To Select All Attachments In Outlook Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The fastest way to select every attachment in an email is using your keyboard. This works in Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web. Here is the step-by-step process.

For Outlook Desktop (Windows)

  1. Open the email that contains the attachments you want to select.
  2. Click anywhere inside the attachment area (the bar or box where files are listed).
  3. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard. This selects all attachments at once.
  4. Now you can right-click to save, copy, or delete them all together.

If the shortcut does not work, make sure the attachment area has focus. Sometimes clicking the first file and then pressing Ctrl+A does the trick.

For Outlook On The Web (OWA)

  1. Open the email in your browser.
  2. Click on the first attachment to highlight it.
  3. Press Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac).
  4. All attachments will be selected with a blue highlight.

This method is reliable for most users. However, if you have a large number of files, the selection might take a second to register.

Selecting All Attachments In Outlook Using The Ribbon Menu

If you prefer using the mouse or the ribbon toolbar, there is an alternative way. This method is useful when keyboard shortcuts are not working.

Steps For Outlook 2016, 2019, And Microsoft 365

  1. Open the email with attachments.
  2. Click on the attachment paperclip icon in the message header (if visible).
  3. Alternatively, click the “Attachments” tab that appears in the ribbon when you select an attachment.
  4. In the Actions group, look for “Select All” or press the dropdown menu.
  5. Click “Select All Attachments” from the list.

Note: The “Select All” option may not appear in all versions. If you cannot find it, stick with the keyboard shortcut or the drag method.

How To Select All Attachments In Outlook Using Drag And Click

Another manual but effective way is to use the mouse to drag a selection box. This works best when attachments are displayed as a list.

Drag Selection Method

  1. Open the email and scroll to the attachment area.
  2. Click and hold the mouse button just above or beside the first attachment.
  3. Drag the cursor down or across to cover all attachment icons.
  4. Release the mouse button. All files under the selection box will be highlighted.

This method is less precise if attachments are scattered or if there are many files. But it is a good backup when other methods fail.

Selecting All Attachments In Outlook For Mac

Outlook for Mac works slightly differently. The keyboard shortcut is not always the same. Here is how to select all attachments on a Mac.

Using Cmd + A

  1. Open the email in Outlook for Mac.
  2. Click on the attachment area to give it focus.
  3. Press Cmd + A on your keyboard.
  4. All attachments should be selected. If not, try clicking the first file first.

Using The Menu Bar

  1. With the email open, click on “Edit” in the top menu bar.
  2. Select “Select All” from the dropdown.
  3. This will select all content in the email, including attachments.

Be careful with the Edit menu method. It selects the entire email body and attachments. You might need to deselect the text part later.

How To Select All Attachments In Outlook Using Add-Ins Or VBA

For power users or repetitive tasks, you can use add-ins or VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) code. This is more advanced but very efficient.

Using A Free Add-In

Some third-party add-ins like “Attachment Save” or “Kutools for Outlook” offer a “Select All” button. These tools often add a custom ribbon tab.

  • Install the add-in from the Microsoft AppSource or the developer’s website.
  • Restart Outlook.
  • Open an email with attachments.
  • Click the add-in’s “Select All” button.

These add-ins are safe but always check permissions before installing.

Using VBA Code

If you are comfortable with coding, you can write a simple macro. This code selects all attachments in the current email.

  1. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
  2. Insert a new module.
  3. Paste the following code:
Sub SelectAllAttachments()
    Dim objMail As MailItem
    Dim objAttachments As Attachments
    Dim i As Integer
    
    Set objMail = Application.ActiveInspector.CurrentItem
    Set objAttachments = objMail.Attachments
    
    For i = 1 To objAttachments.Count
        objAttachments(i).Select
    Next i
End Sub
  1. Run the macro from the Developer tab or assign a keyboard shortcut.

Note: VBA macros may be blocked by your organization’s security settings. Use with caution.

Common Problems When Selecting All Attachments

Sometimes the selection does not work as expected. Here are common issues and fixes.

Attachments Not Highlighted

  • Make sure the email is not in reading pane mode. Open it in a separate window.
  • Click the attachment area again before pressing Ctrl+A.
  • Restart Outlook if the shortcut is unresponsive.

Only One Attachment Selected

  • You might have clicked the attachment itself instead of the area around it.
  • Try clicking the empty space next to the files.
  • Use the ribbon method instead.

Outlook Version Differences

  • Older versions like Outlook 2010 may not support Ctrl+A in the attachment area.
  • Upgrade to a newer version or use the drag method.

How To Save All Selected Attachments At Once

Once you have selected all attachments, saving them is easy. Here is how to do it in bulk.

Save All Selected Files

  1. After selecting all attachments, right-click on any one of them.
  2. Choose “Save All Attachments” from the context menu.
  3. Browse to your desired folder.
  4. Click “OK” to save all files.

This works for both Windows and Mac versions. The files will be saved with their original names.

Drag And Drop To Desktop

  1. Select all attachments using any method above.
  2. Drag the selected files to your desktop or a folder.
  3. Release the mouse to copy them.

This is faster for a quick save, but it copies files rather than moving them.

How To Delete All Attachments In An Email

Deleting multiple attachments is also possible after selecting them. Here is the process.

Delete Selected Attachments

  1. Select all attachments with Ctrl+A or the ribbon.
  2. Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
  3. Confirm the deletion if prompted.

Alternatively, right-click and choose “Remove Attachment” or “Cut”.

Note: Deleting attachments from an email does not delete the email itself. The message remains in your inbox.

How To Forward All Attachments Together

Forwarding an email with all its attachments is straightforward. But if you want to forward only the attachments without the email body, follow these steps.

Forward With Attachments

  1. Select all attachments using the method you prefer.
  2. Right-click and choose “Forward” (this may forward the entire email).
  3. Alternatively, copy the selected attachments (Ctrl+C) and paste them into a new email.

Copy And Paste Method

  1. Select all attachments.
  2. Press Ctrl + C to copy.
  3. Open a new email message.
  4. Press Ctrl + V to paste them as attachments.

This method works well for sending only the files without the original message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Select All Attachments In Outlook Without Using The Keyboard?

Yes. You can use the ribbon menu, drag selection, or install an add-in. The keyboard shortcut is the fastest, but other methods are available.

Why Does Ctrl+A Not Select All Attachments In My Outlook?

This usually happens when the attachment area does not have focus. Click the empty space near the files first, then press Ctrl+A. Also, check if your Outlook version supports this shortcut.

How Do I Select All Attachments In Outlook For Mac?

Use Cmd + A after clicking the attachment area. You can also use the Edit menu and choose “Select All”. The drag method works on Mac too.

Is There A Way To Automatically Select All Attachments Every Time?

You can use a VBA macro or a third-party add-in to automate the selection. Some add-ins add a permanent “Select All” button to the ribbon.

Can I Select All Attachments In Multiple Emails At Once?

No, Outlook does not allow selecting attachments across different emails simultaneously. You must open each email and select its attachments individually.

Final Tips For Managing Attachments In Outlook

Knowing how to select all attachments in Outlook saves time and reduces repetitive clicking. Practice the keyboard shortcut until it becomes second nature. For frequent tasks, consider using an add-in or macro.

Always keep your Outlook updated to ensure compatibility with shortcuts and features. If you encounter issues, try the alternative methods listed above. With these techniques, you can handle multiple attachments in seconds.

Remember to organize your saved files into folders to avoid clutter. Bulk saving is convenient, but a good filing system keeps your work efficient.

Now you have all the tools to master attachment selection in Outlook. Whether you are on Windows or Mac, using shortcuts or add-ins, the process is simple once you know the steps.