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Cannot Attach Files from Online-Only SharePoint Sites in Outlook for Windows
Question details
Users need a way to attach files directly from an arbitrary online-only SharePoint site using the attachment picker in Outlook for Windows.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook for Windows
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to attach a specific document hosted on an online-only SharePoint site that does not appear in the recent files list.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook for Windows shows OneDrive and recent SharePoint files but lacks a built-in method to manually browse to a specific online-only SharePoint site from the attachment picker.
Verify that you are signed into your Microsoft 365 account in both your web browser and Outlook client to ensure you have the correct permissions to access the SharePoint site.
Share the File via a Direct Link from SharePoint Online
Since Outlook for Windows cannot browse to the site directly from the attachment picker, the most efficient workaround is to generate a sharing link straight from the SharePoint web interface.
This method avoids the need to download or sync large document libraries to your local hard drive, keeping the file strictly online-only.
Navigate to your online-only SharePoint site using your preferred web browser and locate the file you want to share.
Click the 'Share' icon or the three dots (ellipsis) next to the file name, and select 'Copy link' from the context menu.
Open Outlook for Windows, create a new email message, and paste the copied link directly into the body of your email.
Sync the SharePoint Document Library to File Explorer
Use this method if you frequently need to attach files from this specific library and have enough local storage, though it may not be ideal for strictly online-only content.
Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft
Because this is a known limitation where the Windows client lacks functionality present in the Mac client, submitting feedback can help prioritize future updates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Outlook for Mac support browsing SharePoint sites while Windows does not?
Microsoft develops the Mac and Windows versions of Outlook on different update tracks and codebases. This occasionally results in feature disparities, such as the attachment picker in Mac having capabilities that the Windows client currently lacks.
Can I still see my recent SharePoint files in Outlook for Windows?
Yes. While you cannot manually browse the entire directory of an online-only SharePoint site, Outlook for Windows will automatically display your recently accessed SharePoint and OneDrive files in the 'Attach File' drop-down menu.
Is there a registry edit or hidden setting to enable this browsing feature?
No, there is currently no built-in registry key or hidden setting that enables browsing to arbitrary online-only SharePoint sites directly from the attachment picker in Outlook for Windows.
