Attachment Issues

How to Share an Excel or Word File Through Outlook on the Web

Ayan Masood Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to send Microsoft Word or Excel documents via Outlook on the web.

How to Share an Excel or Word File Through Outlook on the Web

Product: Outlook on the web
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sending a document via email either as a direct attachment or a OneDrive cloud sharing link.
Observed behavior: The user needs to successfully attach a file to a new email message and configure sharing permissions if utilizing OneDrive links.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active internet connection and are logged into your Outlook web account before attempting to attach and send files.

Solution 1Recommended

Share Files as Attachments or OneDrive Links in Outlook on the Web

The standard method to send Excel or Word files using the attachment feature in Outlook's web interface.

Outlook on the web allows you to attach files directly from your computer's local drive or share them as links via OneDrive. Sharing as a link is highly recommended for large files or when you want multiple recipients to collaborate on a single document.

Create a new message

Open Outlook on the web and click the 'New message' button to compose a new email.

Select the attachment icon

Click the paperclip (Attach) icon located at the top or bottom of the message composition window.

Choose your file

Select a Word or Excel file from your local computer or from your connected OneDrive storage.

Configure permissions for OneDrive files

If you attached a file via OneDrive, click the attachment block in the email to manage sharing link permissions (e.g., choose whether recipients can edit or only view the document).

Send the email

Add the recipient's email address in the 'To' field, include a subject line and message, then click 'Send'.

Share Files as Attachments or OneDrive Links in Outlook on the Web

Attachment Size Limits: Outlook on the web typically limits local file attachments to 34 MB. For larger Excel or Word files, you must use the OneDrive sharing link option.

Streamline Your Workflow

Easily Share Documents Directly from WPS Office

Instead of manually uploading files to web email clients, you can use WPS Office's built-in sharing tools to send your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations as email attachments with just one click.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the Word or Excel file you want to share with others.
2. Access the Share menu: Click the 'Share' button located in the top-right corner of the application window.
3. Select Email sharing: Choose the 'Email' option. This will automatically attach the current document to a new email in your default desktop email client.
4. Send the document: Enter the recipient's address in the automatically generated email draft and click send.

One-click email sharing directly from the document editing interface.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) and Excel (.xlsx) formats to ensure recipients see exactly what you send.Generate secure cloud sharing links instantly without leaving the app.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a file as a PDF instead of a Word or Excel format via Outlook web?

Yes. Before attaching, you can export your Word or Excel file to PDF format. Alternatively, if using a desktop application like WPS Office, you can select 'Export to PDF' and share that file directly to maintain formatting.

What happens if my email recipient doesn't have a Microsoft account?

If you share a file as a local attachment, they can open it with any compatible office software, such as WPS Office. If you share a OneDrive link, you can set the link permissions to 'Anyone with the link can view/edit' so no specific account is required to access the file.

Why is the attachment icon missing in Outlook on the web?

This can occasionally happen due to browser cache issues, strict security settings, or browser extensions blocking page elements. Try clearing your browser cache, using an incognito window, or ensuring your web browser is updated to the latest version.

Outlook & Email Problems