How to Make OneDrive the Preferred Outlook File-Sharing Option
Question details
Users want to set OneDrive as the default cloud storage for sharing attachments in Microsoft Outlook, but the application offers Google Drive links instead.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attaching and sharing files via cloud storage in Outlook when multiple cloud services are installed on the device.
- Observed behavior
- Outlook defaults to offering Google Drive links rather than OneDrive links for email attachments, influenced by the Google Drive COM add-in.
Ensure you are signed into your Microsoft account in Outlook and that OneDrive is properly configured on your computer before adjusting add-in settings.
Disable the Google Drive COM Add-in in Outlook
Disabling the Google Drive add-in prevents it from overriding your default attachment preferences, allowing OneDrive to function as the primary cloud-sharing option.
When both Google Drive and OneDrive are installed, the Google Drive COM add-in often intercepts the attachment process. Turning off this add-in ensures Outlook defaults to Microsoft's native OneDrive sharing.
Launch Microsoft Outlook. Click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, then select 'Options' from the bottom of the left-hand menu.
In the Outlook Options window, click on 'Add-ins' in the left sidebar. At the bottom of the window, ensure the 'Manage' dropdown is set to 'COM Add-ins', and click the 'Go' button.
A list of installed add-ins will appear. Locate 'Google Drive' or 'Google Drive for Office' in the list and uncheck the box next to it. Click 'OK' to save your changes.
Close Microsoft Outlook completely and reopen it to ensure the new add-in settings take effect. Try attaching a file to verify OneDrive is now the preferred option.
Update Outlook Attachment Storage Settings
Manually select OneDrive from your attachment storage settings if Outlook prompts you for a default cloud service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Google Drive override OneDrive in Outlook?
When the Google Drive COM add-in is installed, it actively intercepts attachment triggers in Outlook to promote its own cloud links. This behavior can override the default OneDrive integrations built into Microsoft Office.
Will disabling the Google Drive add-in delete my files?
No, disabling the add-in only stops Outlook from automatically creating Google Drive links for email attachments. Your files remain completely safe and accessible in your Google Drive account.
How do I share a OneDrive link instead of attaching a physical file?
When composing an email, click 'Attach File', choose a document from your connected OneDrive account, and select 'Share link' instead of 'Attach as copy' from the prompt.
Can I use both Google Drive and OneDrive in Outlook simultaneously?
Yes, you can use both services. However, to prevent one from automatically overriding the other, it is best to manage your attachments manually via 'Browse Web Locations' rather than relying on automatic add-in prompts.
