Cannot Preview PDF attachments in Outlook Web Access

Hi, I had a similar problem where I would try to "preview" a pdf in my Outlook web app (not the desktop version) and the PDF would not show in the preview, I had to download it and open it separately. I finally found a solution, it was to do with my browser settings. I am using Firefox for my browser, so these are the steps for that browser, but if you're using a different browser try something similar.

1 - go to your browser and click on the Menu settings button

2 - go to Options

3 - in the General tab, scroll down till you see Applications

4 - when you see your PDF tool there (either Adobe or Nuance or similar), click on the drop-down arrow on the right-hand side of it, and select "Preview in Firefox"

5 - then close the browser down, and re-open it

6 - then try previewing a pdf in your Outlook web app and see if it works. For me, this fixed my problem. 

7 - if it still doesn't work, try going in to your Outlook and looking through your settings there as well.

Good luck!

Barry,

I've found the cause of the problem.  It is a setting in O365 Outlook Admin Policy settings.  

If you sign on to O365 as admin and go to Exchange Admin.  Click on Permissions and then on "Outlook Web App Policies" and you should have a policy.  Highlight it and edit it by clicking on the Pencil icon.  Then click on the "File Access" link to get the image below.  If you UNCheck the "Direct File Access" box and then click on the "offline Access" link and choose NEVER radio button.  Save your changes and then wait about an hour or 2 for the policy to take effect.  You will no longer be able to preview PDF docs in Outlook Web Access.    Our admins disabled direct file access to prevent people from down loading attachments to non-company PCs.    I can now tell people that this is a security feature but that won't make them any happier.    Is there another way to allow PDF files to be previewed in OWA without allowing attachment download?   Sincerely, buckybear3819

Sorry Barry, I was out yesterday at another site.

Here is what I see in Win7 with IE11.  i asked to preview the pdf and it shows a grey space where the PDF should display.  If i right click on the PDF file it only shows the Preview and Save to OneDrive options.

how do i attach the PDF file to this reply?

Thank You,   BuckyBear3819

Hello BuckyBear3819,

Have you tried opening the PDF file using browser? Share us the sample file when you have time.

Thanks,

Barry

Hi BuckyBear3819,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community. However, PDF file type attachment can be previewed in Outlook Web App. See View and edit an attachment in Outlook Web App

May I know which browser are you using to sign in to Outlook Web App? Please provide us with the detailed information including version about internet browser.

Make sure that browser are latest updated and also Adobe Acrobat Reader the default program used to open PDF files.

For your reference: Supported browsers for Outlook on the web for business

Does this issue happen to specific or every pdf attachments?

Please try to clear/reset the internet browser cache to check this issue. 

Have tried to check this issue via using different browser? If not, please try to use different browser (e.g. IE, Firefox or Chrome browser) or InPrivate/ Incognito browse window to see whether it is a specific browser side issue.

Best regards,

Shyamal