Microsoft Outlook, one of the most widely used email platforms, is known for its robust features and user-friendly interface.
However, many users often encounter a common obstacle: the email attachment size limit. Whether you’re sending critical business documents, high-resolution images, or large presentations, the restrictive attachment size can be a significant hurdle.
This article explores the specifics of Outlook’s attachment size limits, why they exist, and practical solutions to help you send large files seamlessly.
Understanding these limitations and learning how to navigate them effectively can enhance your email experience and ensure your important files reach their destination without a hitch.
Key Takeaways
The Outlook file size limit varies by account type and Outlook version. For internet email accounts like Outlook.com and Gmail, it’s 25 MB, while Microsoft Exchange accounts have a 10 MB limit. Microsoft 365 users can have limits of up to 150 MB.
These limits exist to prevent email servers from becoming overloaded, ensuring smooth operation and efficiency. Large attachments can quickly fill up server storage, leading to performance issues.
What Is Microsoft Outlook?
Microsoft Outlook is an email and personal information productivity app developed by Microsoft. It is used primarily for sending and receiving email messages, but it also includes features for managing calendar appointments, tasks, contacts, and notes.
Outlook is available as part of the Microsoft Office suite, as a standalone application, and in a web-based version (Outlook.com). It integrates with Microsoft Exchange Server and Microsoft 365, providing robust email, calendar, and contact management capabilities.
The new Outlook for Windows, updated in January 2024, brings a more modern and simplified design, along with Microsoft Copilot-assisted capabilities.
What Is the Outlook Attachment Size Limit?
The Outlook email attachment size limit varies depending on the type of account and version of Outlook being used. For Internet email accounts such as Outlook.com and Gmail, the combined file size limit for attachments is 25 megabytes (MB).
For Exchange accounts, which are typically used for business email, the default combined file size limit is 10 MB. However, if you are using Outlook with a Microsoft 365 subscription, the limit can increase up to 150 MB. These limits ensure that large attachments do not overload the email servers.
Why Is There a Size Limit for Outlook Attachments?
The size limit for Outlook attachments exists primarily to prevent email servers from becoming overloaded with large files, which can hinder performance and cause storage issues. Email servers have their storage capacities, and large attachments can quickly fill them up.
By setting a default attachment size limit, Outlook ensures smooth operation and helps maintain server efficiency. This is important for maintaining the reliability and performance of email services, especially in environments with many users and high email traffic.
How to Send Large Files Through Outlook
Compress the Files
Compressing files is an efficient way to reduce their size, making it easier to send them through Outlook. You can use various compression tools such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or built-in features in Windows and macOS to compress your files.
This method works well for documents, large images, and other file types that can be reduced in size without losing significant quality.
1) Select the files you want to send.
2) Right-click and choose the option to compress or zip the files.
3) Attach the compressed file to your email message in Outlook.
Split a Large File into Smaller Files
If compressing the files isn’t enough, you can split a large file into smaller parts using tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR. This method is useful for very large files that need to be divided into manageable sizes to fit within the attachment limit.
1) Download and install a file-splitting tool like WinRAR.
2) Select the large file and choose the option ‘Add to archive’.
3) Specify the size for each part (e.g., 10 MB) and choose the file format.
4) Attach each part to separate email messages in Outlook.
Send Files via Cloud Storage
Using cloud storage services is one of the best ways to send large files without worrying about size limits. Services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud allow you to upload large files and share links to these files with your email recipients.
1) Upload your file to a cloud storage service.
2) Adjust the file’s accessibility settings to ensure that the recipient can view or download the file.
3) Copy the shareable link provided by the cloud service.
4) Paste the link into your Outlook email message.
FAQs About Outlook Attachment Size Limits
How can I check the size of an attachment in Outlook?
To check the size of an attachment in Outlook, you can follow these steps:
1) Compose a new email or open an existing draft.
2) Attach the file you want to check.
3) Hover over the attachment or right-click on it.
4) The file size will be displayed, allowing you to see if it exceeds the allowable limit.
What happens if I try to send an email that exceeds the Outlook attachment size limit?
If you try to send an email with an attachment that exceeds the Outlook attachment size limit, you will receive an error message.
This message typically states “Attachment size exceeds the allowable limit” or “The file you’re attaching is bigger than the server allows. Try putting the file in a shared location and sending a link instead.” The email will not be sent until the attachment size is reduced or an alternative method is used to share the file.
Is there a difference in size limits for different versions of Outlook?
Yes, there are differences in attachment size limits for various versions of Outlook. For instance:
Internet email accounts (e.g., Outlook.com, Gmail): The default limit is 25 MB.
Exchange accounts (business email): The default limit is 10 MB.
Microsoft 365 subscription: The limit increases to 150 MB.
These limits can also vary depending on the specific settings and policies of your mail server.
Does the recipient’s email provider affect my attachment size limit?
Yes, the recipient’s email provider can affect whether your email with large attachments is successfully delivered. Even if your Outlook allows for a larger attachment size, the recipient’s email provider might have its own size limits.
If the attachment exceeds their allowable limit, the email may bounce back as undeliverable. Therefore, it’s important to consider the recipient’s email provider’s limits when sending large files.
Summing Up: Outlook Attachment Size Limits
Outlook imposes attachment size limits to ensure smooth email operation and prevent overloaded servers.
These limits can vary based on the type of Outlook account and the mail server settings. To send large files through Outlook, users can compress files, split large files into smaller parts, or use cloud storage services to share links.
Understanding and managing these limits is crucial for effective email communication. By employing the strategies discussed, users can overcome attachment size restrictions and ensure their important files are delivered efficiently.
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