Why New Outlook Doesn't Support Dragging Email Attachments
Question details
Users are unable to drag and drop email attachments from New Outlook directly to specific local folders or the desktop.
- Product
- Microsoft Outlook (New Outlook)
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to save email attachments directly to a desired target folder by dragging them out of the email window.
- Observed behavior
- The application does not allow drag-and-drop. Instead, attachments must be manually downloaded to the default Downloads folder, creating extra manual steps for the user.
Check the top right corner of your Outlook window to verify if the 'New Outlook' toggle is turned on, as this limitation is specific to the new web-based Outlook client for Windows.
Switch Back to Classic Outlook for Windows
Since the drag-and-drop attachment feature is currently missing in New Outlook, reverting to the classic version is the best way to restore this workflow.
Microsoft has acknowledged the inability to drag and drop attachments as a known issue in the New Outlook and is working on a fix. Until the feature is officially rolled out, switching to Classic Outlook is recommended for users who rely heavily on this functionality.
Open your New Outlook application and look at the top right corner of the window for a toggle switch labeled 'New Outlook'.
Click the toggle to turn it off. A prompt may appear asking for feedback on why you are switching back.
Submit your feedback or skip it. Outlook will automatically close and restart in the Classic Windows version, where you can drag and drop attachments normally.
Use the 'Save As' Option
If you prefer to stay on the New Outlook, you can manually direct attachments to your preferred folders using the built-in save options.
Edit Your Downloaded Attachments Seamlessly with WPS Office
While waiting for Microsoft to patch Outlook's drag-and-drop feature, you will still need a reliable suite to open, view, and edit those downloaded email attachments. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that loads instantly and keeps your workflow smooth.
- 1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installer for your Windows PC.
- 2. Install WPS Office: Run the installer and follow the quick on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open your attachments: Navigate to your Downloads folder and double-click any document or spreadsheet attachment to open it instantly in WPS Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Microsoft planning to fix the drag-and-drop issue in New Outlook?
Yes, Microsoft has officially acknowledged that the inability to drag and drop email attachments is a known limitation. The feature is currently under development and is expected to be introduced in a future update.
Where do my email attachments go when I just click 'Download'?
By default, when you click the standard download button on an attachment in New Outlook, the file is routed directly to your computer's default 'Downloads' folder.
Can I drag and drop files into an email in New Outlook to attach them?
Yes. While you currently cannot drag attachments out of an email to save them to your desktop, New Outlook does support dragging local files from your computer into the email compose window to attach them.
