How To Include Attachments When Forwarding In Outlook – Attachment Forwarding Defaults Setup

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Including attachments when forwarding an email in Outlook requires a simple checkbox in the message options. This guide covers exactly How To Include Attachments When Forwarding In Outlook for both classic and new versions, saving you from manually re-attaching files every time.

Many users forward emails daily but forget that attachments don’t always carry over automatically. By default, Outlook includes attachments when you forward a message, but there are exceptions and settings you should know. Let’s walk through the steps, tips, and troubleshooting so you never lose a file again.

Why Attachments May Not Forward Automatically

Outlook is designed to include attachments when forwarding, but certain conditions can break this. For example, if the original email has inline images or if you’re using a shared mailbox, attachments might drop off. Also, some add-ins or security policies can block automatic forwarding of attachments.

Understanding these scenarios helps you know when to check the checkbox or use alternative methods. The most common reason is that the “Include attachments when forwarding” option is unchecked in Outlook settings. Let’s fix that.

How To Include Attachments When Forwarding In Outlook

This section provides step-by-step instructions for the desktop version, Outlook on the web, and the new Outlook for Windows. Follow the method that matches your setup.

For Outlook Desktop (Microsoft 365 / 2019 / 2016)

  1. Open Outlook and click on File in the top-left corner.
  2. Select Options from the menu.
  3. In the Outlook Options window, click Mail on the left sidebar.
  4. Scroll down to the Send messages section.
  5. Look for the checkbox labeled “Include attachments when forwarding a message”.
  6. Make sure this box is checked. If it’s unchecked, click it to enable.
  7. Click OK to save changes.

Now, whenever you forward an email, all attachments will be included automatically. If you still don’t see attachments, try restarting Outlook.

For Outlook On The Web (OWA)

  1. Log in to your Outlook web account (office.com).
  2. Click the Settings gear icon (top-right corner).
  3. Select View all Outlook settings at the bottom.
  4. Go to Mail > Compose and reply.
  5. Under Attachments, check the box for “Include attachments when forwarding a message”.
  6. Click Save.

This setting applies to all forwarded emails from your browser. If you use multiple devices, repeat this for each one.

For New Outlook For Windows

  1. Open the new Outlook app (the one with the modern interface).
  2. Click on Settings (gear icon) in the top-right.
  3. Choose Mail from the left menu.
  4. Scroll to Compose and reply.
  5. Toggle on “Include attachments when forwarding”.
  6. Close the settings window. Changes save automatically.

That’s it. Your forwarded emails will now carry all original attachments.

What To Do If Attachments Still Don’t Show

Sometimes the setting is correct, but attachments still vanish. Here are common fixes:

  • Check the original email: Some emails have attachments embedded in the body (inline images). These may not appear as separate files. You can copy-paste them manually.
  • Disable add-ins: Third-party add-ins can interfere. Go to File > Options > Add-ins and disable any suspicious ones.
  • Use “Forward as Attachment”: Instead of regular forward, right-click the email and choose Forward as Attachment. This sends the whole email as an .msg file, preserving everything.
  • Update Outlook: An outdated version might have bugs. Run Office updates to ensure you have the latest fixes.

If none of these work, try creating a new email profile. Sometimes corrupted profiles cause attachment issues.

Manual Method: Drag And Drop Attachments

If the automatic setting fails, you can always include attachments manually. Here’s how:

  1. Open the original email with attachments.
  2. Click Forward to create a new message.
  3. In the original email window, click and hold the attachment file.
  4. Drag it into the body of the new forwarded message.
  5. Release the mouse button. The attachment appears in the forwarded email.

This works for both desktop and web versions. It’s a quick workaround when settings don’t cooperate.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts To Forward With Attachments

For power users, keyboard shortcuts speed up the process. In Outlook desktop:

  • Select the email and press Ctrl+F to forward it. Attachments are included if the setting is enabled.
  • If you want to forward as attachment, press Ctrl+Alt+F.

These shortcuts save clicks and work reliably when your settings are correct.

How To Include Attachments When Forwarding In Outlook For Mac

Mac users have a slightly different interface. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Outlook for Mac.
  2. Click on Outlook in the menu bar, then Preferences.
  3. Select Composing.
  4. Check the box for “Include attachments when forwarding”.
  5. Close the preferences window.

Now test by forwarding an email with attachments. If it doesn’t work, restart the app.

Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

Users often make these errors when trying to include attachments:

  • Forwarding from a shared mailbox: Attachments may not carry over due to permissions. Use your own mailbox to forward.
  • Using “Reply All” instead of “Forward”: Reply never includes attachments. Always click Forward.
  • Not saving the setting: After checking the box, click OK or Save. Otherwise, changes are lost.
  • Forwarding encrypted emails: Attachments in encrypted messages may be stripped. Decrypt first.

Avoid these pitfalls by double-checking your method before sending.

How To Include Attachments When Forwarding In Outlook Mobile

Outlook mobile apps (iOS and Android) have a similar setting:

  1. Open the Outlook app.
  2. Tap your profile picture or initials in the top-left.
  3. Select Settings (gear icon).
  4. Tap Mail.
  5. Under Compose, toggle on “Include attachments when forwarding”.

This works for both iPhone and Android. Note that the setting syncs across devices if you use the same account.

When To Use “Forward As Attachment” Instead

Sometimes you want to send the entire email as a single file. This is useful for:

  • Preserving the original formatting and headers.
  • Sending multiple emails in one message.
  • Archiving conversations.

To do this, right-click the email and choose Forward as Attachment. The email becomes an .msg file that recipients can open in Outlook.

Troubleshooting Attachment Issues In Outlook

If attachments still don’t appear, try these advanced fixes:

  • Run Outlook in Safe Mode: Hold Ctrl while opening Outlook. This disables add-ins. If attachments work, an add-in is the culprit.
  • Repair Office: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Microsoft Office > Change > Quick Repair.
  • Clear Outlook cache: Close Outlook, delete the cache files in %localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook, then restart.
  • Check antivirus: Some antivirus programs block attachment forwarding. Temporarily disable it to test.

These steps resolve most persistent problems.

Best Practices For Forwarding Emails With Attachments

To avoid confusion and data loss, follow these tips:

  • Always verify attachments before hitting Send. Look for the paperclip icon in the forwarded message.
  • Use descriptive subject lines so recipients know what’s attached.
  • Compress large files before forwarding to avoid size limits.
  • Remove sensitive attachments if forwarding to unintended recipients.

These habits keep your email professional and secure.

How To Include Attachments When Forwarding In Outlook For Different Email Accounts

Outlook supports multiple accounts (Exchange, IMAP, POP3). The setting applies per profile, not per account. If you have multiple profiles, repeat the steps for each one.

For IMAP accounts, attachments are downloaded from the server. If the server doesn’t store attachments, they won’t forward. In that case, save attachments to your computer first, then attach them manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my attachments missing when I forward an email in Outlook?

This usually happens because the “Include attachments when forwarding” setting is disabled. Check your Outlook options under Mail or Compose and reply. Also, ensure you’re using Forward, not Reply.

Can I include attachments when forwarding in Outlook without changing settings?

Yes. You can manually drag and drop attachments from the original email into the forwarded message. Or use “Forward as Attachment” to send the whole email as a file.

Does the attachment setting apply to all forwarded emails?

Yes, once enabled, it applies to every email you forward. You can’t toggle it per email without disabling the setting.

How do I include attachments when forwarding in Outlook for shared mailboxes?

Shared mailboxes often don’t support automatic attachment forwarding. Use “Forward as Attachment” or copy the attachments manually to your own mailbox first.

Will forwarding an email with attachments increase the file size?

Yes, the forwarded message includes the original attachments, so the size is the same or slightly larger due to headers. Be mindful of attachment size limits (usually 20-25 MB).

Final Thoughts On Forwarding Attachments In Outlook

Now you know How To Include Attachments When Forwarding In Outlook across all versions. The key is enabling the setting in your options, but manual methods work as backups. Test your setup with a simple email to ensure everything functions.

If you encounter issues, refer to the troubleshooting section or update Outlook. With these steps, you’ll never lose an attachment again. Happy forwarding!