Microsoft Outlook Classic Email Signatures Picture Display Issues

H4ppyUsers69! 5 Reputation points
2026-08-21T15:27:48.9066667+00:00

Hello Support Team,

The Microsoft Office Suite recently rolled out an update to versions 2026 August 11: Version 2607 (Build 20228.20190) & 2026 August 19 Version 2608 (Build 20326.20100)

While Microsoft Office automatically updated to this version, it's breaking the way pictures display inside signatures. When inserting an picture utilizing the .PNG format, everyone running this version is receiving the following error message: "The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location."

I've done all the recommended fixes, but the issue persist. The only solution I've found was rolling the Microsoft Office Suite to an older version: 16.0.20228.20124.

Until I swap to an older version is when it resolves the issues with displaying the pictures. I'd appreciate any insight on getting this resolved.

Thanks!

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business

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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-21T15:28:04.3333333+00:00

    This matches a known classic Outlook issue where images in emails, newsletters, or signatures are not displayed after specific Outlook updates and may show a red X or the error:

    The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.

    For this issue, Microsoft documented that it affected supported versions of classic Outlook after the May 12, 2026 updates and has been fixed in later builds.

    To confirm it is the same issue:

    1. Open the email in classic Outlook.
    2. On the ribbon, select Move > Actions > Other Actions > View Source.
    3. Search the message source for cid inside a v:imagedata tag, for example: <v:imagedata src=cid:image001.png@... />
    4. If that image reference is present and the image is not rendering, it is the documented rendering issue.

    Supported resolution:

    • Update classic Outlook / Microsoft 365 Apps to a build that contains the fix.
    • Microsoft lists these fixed builds for the issue:
      • Version 2606 Build 20131.20000
      • Version 2605 Build 20026.20118, with the fix in Current Channel build 20026.20140
      • Version 2604 Build 19929.20202
      • Version 2603 Build 19822.20272
      • Version 2602 Build 19725.20370
      • Version 2508 Build 19127.20666

    Since the problem disappears after reverting Office, that is consistent with an update-related Outlook rendering regression rather than a broken PNG file.

    If remaining on an affected build temporarily, the documented workaround is to avoid using the Top and Bottom wrap option when inserting images.

    If a rollback is required until the fixed build is deployed, Office can be updated again after the rollback, and automatic updates can be disabled temporarily to prevent reinstalling the problematic build. Disabling updates should be treated as temporary because it delays security and product fixes.

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