Attachment Issues

How to Fix Outlook Attachment Download Failures and Share Microsoft 365

Bushra Parveen Sep 28, 2026 874 views

Question details

The user is unable to download email attachments in Outlook and wants to know how to install Microsoft 365 on a second computer.

How to Fix Outlook Attachment Download Failures and Install Microsoft 365 on Another PC

Product: Microsoft Outlook
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to download email attachments on a desktop email client and setting up Office applications on an additional computer.
Observed behavior: Outlook attachments fail to download, and the user needs guidance on sharing or extending their Microsoft 365 subscription to another device.

Before you start

Ensure your internet connection is stable and log into Outlook on the web to verify whether the attachment can be downloaded there before modifying your desktop application settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Fix Attachment Download Errors in Outlook Desktop

Resolve attachment download failures by clearing synchronization caches, disabling interfering add-ins, or creating a new profile.

Often, attachment issues in Outlook are caused by a corrupted synchronization cache, outdated software, or third-party add-ins interfering with the download process. Isolating the issue by testing on the web version first can save you time.

Update Microsoft Office

Go to File > Office Account > Update Options and click 'Update Now' to ensure you have the latest software patches installed.

Disable COM Add-ins (Windows)

Go to File > Options > Add-ins. At the bottom of the window, select 'COM Add-ins' from the Manage drop-down and click 'Go'. Uncheck all add-ins, click OK, and restart Outlook to test the attachment.

Empty Account Cache (Mac)

If you are using Outlook for Mac, right-click the specific folder where the attachment is located, select 'Properties', and click 'Empty Cache'. This forces Outlook to download the folder contents again.

Create a New Outlook Profile (Windows)

If the issue persists, go to the Windows Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles. Click 'Add', name the new profile, set up your email account credentials, and set it as the default profile.

Fix Attachment Download Errors in Outlook Desktop

Identify Blocked Extensions: Outlook automatically blocks executable files (.exe, .bat) to protect your computer. If the attachment is one of these types, it cannot be downloaded unless the sender archives it into a .zip file.

Solution 2

Share Microsoft 365 Family with Another PC

Use your existing Microsoft 365 Family subscription to share Office access and install applications on a second computer.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative on Your Second PC

If you have reached your Microsoft 365 device limits or prefer not to purchase another subscription for a second PC, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible suite for handling all your documents and downloaded attachments without extra costs.

1. Download the Software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package.
2. Install on Your Second PC: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the office suite in minutes.
3. Open Your Attachments: Once installed, you can double-click any Microsoft Office format attachment to open and edit it seamlessly.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).100% free to use for basic document editing and creation on your additional computers.Lightweight installation that takes up minimal system resources compared to Microsoft 365.Built-in PDF tools for viewing, editing, and managing email attachments effortlessly.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Outlook attachments greyed out or blocked?

Outlook has strict built-in security protocols that block potentially malicious file types such as .exe, .bat, or script files from being downloaded. If a sender attaches one of these files, Outlook will restrict access. The best workaround is to ask the sender to compress the file into a .zip archive and resend it.

How many computers can I install Microsoft 365 Family on?

A Microsoft 365 Family subscription can be shared with up to 5 other people, allowing 6 total users. Each user can install the Office applications on up to 5 devices simultaneously, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and mobile phones.

Does clearing the Outlook cache on Mac delete my emails permanently?

No, emptying the account cache in Outlook for Mac does not permanently delete your emails. It only removes the local synchronized copy of the folder. Outlook will immediately attempt to re-download all items directly from the Exchange server, which frequently resolves stuck attachments.

How do I preview email attachments without downloading them?

In the Outlook desktop application, you can simply single-click on supported attachments (like Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, or PDFs) in the reading pane. This will open a temporary preview within the application itself, assuming the corresponding previewer module is active in your Trust Center settings.

Outlook & Email Problems