Fix the Not Implemented Error When Attaching a Word File in Outlook
Question details
The user encounters a "Not Implemented" error message when attempting to attach a locally or OneDrive-saved Word document to an email.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to share or attach a saved Word document directly to an email message from within Microsoft Word.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word or Outlook throws a "Not Implemented" error popup, preventing the file from being attached to the email workflow.
Ensure that both Microsoft Word and Outlook are fully updated, and verify that Outlook is set as your default email client in your Windows system settings.
Set Outlook as Default and Repair Microsoft Office
This error often occurs when Windows loses track of the default email client or when Office integration files are corrupted.
The communication between Word and Outlook relies heavily on Windows default application settings and healthy Office registry keys. Repairing the suite resets these connections.
Open Windows Settings and navigate to Apps > Default apps. Locate 'Email' and ensure Microsoft Outlook is selected as the default client.
Press the Windows key, type 'Control Panel', and open it. Navigate to 'Programs' > 'Programs and Features'.
Right-click your Microsoft Office installation in the list, select 'Change', and choose 'Quick Repair'. If the issue persists afterward, repeat this step and choose 'Online Repair'.
Attach the Word Document Directly from Outlook
Bypass the Word-to-Outlook integration error by initiating the attachment process directly from your email client.
Use WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
If Microsoft Office integration errors like "Not Implemented" continue to disrupt your workflow, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for creating, editing, and sharing documents without complex integration bugs.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word (.docx) document.
- 3. Share via Email: Use the built-in 'Menu' > 'Share' > 'Email' feature to instantly attach your document to a new message without encountering integration errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word say 'Not Implemented' when I click share to email?
This usually happens if Microsoft Outlook is not set as your default email client in Windows, if there is a mismatch between the versions of Word and Outlook installed, or if the Office installation files responsible for app integration are corrupted.
Does this error happen with OneDrive files only?
No, the 'Not Implemented' error can occur with both locally saved documents and those synced via OneDrive. The error is related to the software's communication with the email client rather than the file's storage location.
Can I fix this without reinstalling Microsoft Office?
Yes. You can often resolve the issue by running the built-in 'Quick Repair' tool from the Windows Control Panel, or by simply attaching the file directly from within your email client (like Outlook) instead of using Word's sharing features.
