You’ll receive an error message if you attempt to attach files larger than the maximum size limit. There are a few ways to work around this size limit, including using a file sharing service or compressing the file.
Outlook limits the size of files you can send. This limit prevents your computer from continually trying to upload very large attachments that exceed the limits of most internet service providers. For internet email accounts such as Outlook.com or Gmail, the email size limit is 20 megabytes (MB). For Exchange accounts (business email), the default email size limit is 10 MB. This limit includes both the size of the attachment and the size of the email.
Select a tab option below for the version of Outlook you're using. What version of Outlook do I have?
In new Outlook, you can:
Save your file to a cloud service and share a link | Compress a file | Save the file to a SharePoint server library
Save your file to a cloud service and share a link in new Outlook
There are many cloud storage services to which you can upload and then share large files. Some popular cloud storage services include OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive. Once your file is stored in the cloud, you can include a link to the document in your email message.
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Upload your file to a cloud service, such as OneDrive or Dropbox.
Note: The service you use generates a link to access your file. Your recipient can open the link to download your file.
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After you upload the file, copy the link, and paste it into your email message.
Tip: For detailed information about uploading files and creating a download link in OneDrive, go to Upload photos and files and Share files and folders and change permissions.
Compress the file in new Outlook
When you compress, or zip, your file, it decreases its size, and it might decrease it enough to fit within the Outlook size limits for attachments. The following articles describe how to compress and extract files for different Windows operating systems.
In classic Outlook, you can:
Save your file to a cloud service and share a link | Compress a file | Reduce the size of an image | Save a file to a SharePoint server library
Save your file to a cloud service and share a link
There are many cloud storage services to which you can upload and then share large files. Some popular cloud storage services include OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive. Once your file is stored in the cloud, you can include a link to the document in your email message.
-
Upload your file to a cloud service, such as OneDrive or Dropbox.
Note: The service you use generates a link to access your file. Your recipient can open the link to download your file.
-
After you upload the file, copy the link, and paste it into your email message.
Tip: For detailed information about uploading files and creating a download link in OneDrive, go to Upload photos and files and Share files and folders and change permissions.
Compress a file in classic Outlook
When you compress, or zip, your file, it decreases its size, and it might decrease it enough to fit within the Outlook size limits for attachments. The following articles describe how to compress and extract files for different Windows operating systems.
Reduce the size of an image in classic Outlook
If you’re sending a large image file, you can automatically resize it to reduce its file size.
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Attach the images to your email message.
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Select File > Info.
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Under the Image Attachments section, select Resize large images when I send this message.
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Return to your message, and select Send.
In Outlook on the web and Outlook.com, you can:
Save your file to a cloud service and share a link | Compress a file | Save a file to a SharePoint server library
Save your file to a cloud service and share a link
There are many cloud storage services to which you can upload and then share large files. Some popular cloud storage services include OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive. Once your file is stored in the cloud, you can include a link to the document in your email message.
-
Upload your file to a cloud service, such as OneDrive or Dropbox.
Note: The service you use generates a link to access your file. Your recipient can open the link to download your file.
-
After you upload the file, copy the link, and paste it into your email message.
Tip: For detailed information about uploading files and creating a download link in OneDrive, go to Upload photos and files and Share files and folders and change permissions.
Compress a file and send it in Outlook on the web or Outlook.com
When you compress, or zip, your file, it decreases its size, and it might decrease it enough to fit within the Outlook size limits for attachments. The following articles describe how to compress and extract files for different Windows operating systems.
See also
Reduce the file size of a picture in Microsoft Office
Add pictures or attach files to email messages in Outlook
Troubleshoot attachment problems in Outlook for Windows
