SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix Cannot Open SharePoint or Microsoft Lists Attachments

John Wilson Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

Users are unable to open attachments directly within SharePoint or Microsoft Lists, and the download option is missing or unavailable for specific items.

Fix Cannot Open SharePoint or Microsoft Lists Attachments

Product: SharePoint / Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Accessing or downloading attached files from SharePoint lists or Microsoft Lists items.
Observed behavior: Attachments fail to open directly in the browser, and the download option for list items is completely unavailable, even though previously downloaded files open correctly on the local machine.

Before you start

Ensure you have a stable internet connection and that your Microsoft 365 account has the correct viewing and downloading permissions for the specific SharePoint list or site.

Solution 1Recommended

Test the Attachment in an InPrivate or Incognito Browser Window

Opening the SharePoint list in a private browsing window helps rule out browser cache, corrupted cookies, or conflicting browser extensions.

Browser extensions like ad-blockers, PDF viewers, or strict privacy guards can sometimes intercept document links and prevent SharePoint attachments from rendering or downloading properly. Using a private window disables most extensions by default.

Open a Private Window

Launch your web browser. Press Ctrl+Shift+N (Chrome/Edge) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Firefox) to open a new Incognito or InPrivate window.

Sign in to SharePoint

Navigate to the SharePoint site or Microsoft List URL and log in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.

Open the Attachment

Locate the list item, click on it, and attempt to open the attachment directly to see if the issue is resolved.

Test the Attachment in an InPrivate or Incognito Browser Window

Clear Browser Cache: If the attachment opens successfully in the private window, clear your browser's cache and cookies, or disable recently installed extensions to permanently fix the issue in your normal browser window.

Solution 2

Verify List Permissions and Test Alternative Lists

Determine if the issue is isolated to a specific list item or caused by restricted account permissions.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Downloaded SharePoint Attachments Seamlessly with WPS Office

If you are struggling with Microsoft SharePoint's online viewer, you can download your documents locally and use WPS Office as a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office. It allows you to open, edit, and save your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint attachments without friction.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the free version, and install it on your computer.
2. Download the Attachment: Right-click the attachment link in SharePoint (or use the alternate download button) and save the file to your local drive.
3. Open and Edit: Launch WPS Office and drag your downloaded document into the workspace to immediately start editing.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX).Lightweight design ensures downloaded attachments open instantly.Familiar ribbon interface requires no learning curve.Free to use for everyday document viewing and editing.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the download option missing in my SharePoint list?

The download option may be disabled by the SharePoint administrator through a 'Block Download' policy. Additionally, if your account only has 'View Only' permissions rather than 'Read' or 'Edit' access, the download button will be hidden.

Can browser extensions block SharePoint attachments from opening?

Yes. Ad-blockers, script blockers, or third-party PDF viewer extensions can sometimes intercept SharePoint's built-in file viewer. Testing the site in an Incognito or InPrivate window helps bypass these extensions.

How do I force download an attachment if clicking it doesn't work?

Instead of clicking the attachment directly, try right-clicking the attachment link and selecting 'Save link as' or 'Download linked file' (depending on your browser) to force the file to save directly to your computer.

Document & File Issues