NEW Outlook (20230421002.10) no longer opens attachments in desktop apps when double-clicking

Anonymous
2023-04-28T19:44:45+00:00

The new/pre-release version of Outlook opens attachments (e.g. .docx, .xlsx) in Preview mode only. Besides first downloading the attachment and then opening it, is there a way to configure Outlook to open the associated desktop app when double-clicking the attachment, similar to the old Production release?

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-12-16T16:31:07+00:00

    Here's how I fixed it for a user and the article I created after:

    Issue:

    Attachments in Outlook (New) would not open directly in their associated desktop applications. Instead, an error occurred: "Error occurred while opening the file. Please try again."

    Root Cause:

    The Attachments folder, where Outlook temporarily stores files, was missing on the user's machine.

    Location:
    C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Olk\Attachments

    Resolution:

    1. Verified the folder path on a working machine:
      • C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Olk\Attachments
    2. Created the Attachments folder in the same location on the user's machine.
    3. Tested attachment functionality in Outlook, and the issue was resolved.

    Notes:

    • The folder may get deleted or corrupted due to disk cleanup tools, system issues, or improper Outlook installation.
    • Ensuring this folder exists allows Outlook (New) to open attachments correctly in desktop applications.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-16T14:31:23+00:00

    I fixed it by Deleting Co-Pilot. We removed co pilot company wide and all our troubles stopped.

    Co-Pilot is a major Breach of Protocol and Is Dangerously insecure!

    Your company should think twice before letting them force their way into our systems.

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-23T16:00:20+00:00

    no error message...just won't open

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-15T16:00:23+00:00

    Same here.

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  5. Anonymous
    2023-04-29T05:44:10+00:00

    Dear Peter M610,

    Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Community.

    l learn that you're experiencing issue with Outlook attachment.

    • May l confirm if there is any error message show up when you try opening the attachment? Kindly request you to provide a screenshot with us for further analysis.
    • May l confirm if you have migrated your old settings to the new Outlook for Windows? As you start the new Outlook for Windows for the first time, you'll be asked during set up whether you want to migrate your settings, so your new experience feels familiar.  Please try migrating your classic Outlook for Windows settings again. Select Settings Settings > View all Outlook settings. Select Managenext to your account and choose Get Started. Please feel free to let us know if any difference after migrating the settings.

    At same time, to get accurate information about this query, we recommend you contact support to reach support agent right within the new Outlook for Windows. Go to Help > Support. Provide a description of the problem. You may also attach a video recording or include screenshot to illustrate the problem and select Submit. They will further assist you about your mentioned issue concern.

    Your understanding and cooperation are highly appreciated. Thanks for your precious time and have a good day.

    Sincerely,

    Tammy | Microsoft Community Moderator.

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