
Are you tired of sending work with problems due to Outlook’s large file size? Spending your house on one file and facing the repetitive limited file capacity issue can be irritating at the moment of submission.
Everyone wants to have an undisturbed and smooth workflow. However, Outlook users can also experience that with our tips and tricks for increasing the Outlook file size limit.
Let’s begin the article by understanding Outlook and its offerings. Keep reading to learn how to get out of this Outlook attachment size limit issue.
Table of Contents
What is the Outlook File Limit Size?
You must be wondering about Outlook’s maximum file size. Outlook has specific file size limits, which are according to the account you own. However, for Internet email accounts (like Outlook.com), the limit is 20MB, but the maximum file size for Outlook for Exchange accounts is only 10 MB.
If you exceed the set limit, it will show an error, and your sending process will fail. This limit will maintain the smooth performance of the service and eliminate workload. Not only this, but internet service providers also have limitations about file sizes, so Outlook also has to follow that. Don’t worry; we have solutions for the Outlook email file size limit.
Features Related to File Sending in Outlook
Outlook has been the best partner for sending students assignments or important business proposals. However, the maximum file size outlook can be the barrier, but its next-level features have made everyone a fan. Let’s look at what features it has per the sending process.
- Cloud Integration: The users can share links by unloading on other cloud services or else you can large files by using OneDrive. However, OneDrive gives Outlook accounts 15 GB of free storage.
- File Compression: Outlook allows you to compress files and then send them. This way, the size will be reduced and adjusted well to the set file limit size.
- Image Resizing: For sending images, Outlook can convert from large size images to small sizes, resizing them so it will be easier to send.
- Attachment Reminders: The best thing is if you mentioned an attachment in your email and didn’t add it. It will give you notifications as reminders to attach it.
- Scheduling Emails: Even users can schedule their emails, which can be sent later according to the schedule. This way, your large files can be managed easily.
- Quick Parts: This feature allows you to save and later use the text snippets for emails, making communication smoother and easier.
How do you effortlessly send large files through Outlook?
With Outlook’s default settings, sending large files seems impossible. However, we have devised three solutions to send large files despite the Outlook attachment size limits. Let’s have a look!
Use free or paid cloud storage.
The best way is to send large files on Outlook without worrying about limited file size with the help of cloud storage. You can also use a tool to compress PDF files, which can match Outlook’s file size requirements and don’t damage the quality of the file.
With this method, the receiver doesn’t even need to download the file and can access it without downloading. This is the most helpful method, as the quality of the file is not at risk.
For cloud storage, you can consider Google Drive, Microsoft Onedrive, Dropbox, iCloud, and so on. All you have to do is upload your file on the cloud storage you opt for, make changes to the accessibility, copy the link, and send it via email. All you have to do is share the link on your email, and you don’t have to worry about the Outlook email file size limit.
Compress the File
Another solution to fix Outlook’s limited file size problem is to compress files. By compressing files, your files will decrease in size and quality, too. But you don’t need to panic if they are high quality or have pixels.
However, various unpaid tools are available that can compress your file and give you the option to choose the quality ( specific resolution or standard one). You can even use an Outlook Add-in to optimize the Outlook file attachment.
Divide the Large Files into Small Parts
Most of the time, the compressed files are 20MB—this way, Outlook’s limited file size is crossed. This trick comes into action in such situations.
With the help of tools such as WinRaR, you can split a large file into small files. This method works well, but it’s not advisable due to its drawbacks. Firstly, it’s time-consuming, and secondly, it can ruin the quality as well. This method can quickly solve the email size limit Outlook problem.
How to Increase Outlook Attachment Size Limit? (Step by step)
To make your work easier and happier, we have developed two solutions for sending large files in your emails without hassle. Keep reading to uncover two easy, step-by-step methods.
Method 1 (Via Compressing Files)
The compressed file is the same but with less resolution. The bad thing is that it can ruin the quality as well. However, you can set the resolution according to your preference. You can use various tools or default methods. Keep reading to learn the step-by-step process of compressing a file.
- First, select the file you want to compress.
- Now choose and click “Send to” and then “Compressed (zipped) folder.”
- The new zipped folder will be created. You can rename it as per your choice.
- This compressed file is ready to be used in your Outlook email.
Method #2 (Using Cloud Storage)
The Cloud Storage method seems difficult but is more reliable. It can be accessed from anywhere and provides a shareable kink with customized access. To know how it works, keep reading.
- First, choose a cloud storage service such as OneDrive or Google Drive.
- Now, log in with your email ID and password.
- It’s time to upload your large-sized file.
- Let it upload first, then right-click the file and select “Share” to generate a link.
- After that, copy the link and paste it into your Outlook email.
Registry Edit Method to Increase Attachment Size Limit
If you’re comfortable making changes to your system’s registry, you can increase Outlook’s attachment size limit through this method. Please follow these steps carefully as modifying the registry can impact system performance if not done correctly.
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\XX.0\Outlook\Preferences (where “XX.0” depends on your Office version, e.g., 16.0 for Office 2016).
- Right-click on the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new value MaximumAttachmentSize.
- Double-click it and enter your desired size in kilobytes (e.g., 102400 for 100MB).
- Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
After this, restart Outlook. Your new attachment limit will be applied, allowing you to send larger files without encountering errors. However, keep in mind that larger files might still be subject to limitations from your email provider.
Which Method is Better, Cloud Storage or Compressing?
With these two methods, you can easily send large files despite Outlook’s maximum email size. However, choosing one method among these two cloud storage services and compressing files can be difficult. However, we have compared both methods in different aspects. Let’s have a look!
- File Size Limitations
Cloud storage services easily allow you to share files up to 250 GB, a significant difference from Outlook’s limit.
- Ease of Use:
With cloud storage services, you can quickly generate shareable links and send them as emails without the hassle of compressing files or failed email attempts. On the other hand, compressing files does consume a few minutes, sometimes reduces size as per requirements, and can damage the quality.
- Collaboration Features
Cloud storage platforms offer collaboration tools, which allow multiple people to use and access files at the same time, making work smooth.
However, compressed files don’t offer such a feature; only one person can use them at a time.
- Quality Preservation:
With both methods, compression or cloud storage services, you can solve Outlook email size limit problems. However, compressed files, such as images and videos, can have low quality. On the other hand, Cloud storage services keep your file quality intact as they don’t alter the files.
- Accessibility:
The files stored on the cloud can be used or edited from anywhere around the globe from your device with a good internet connection. But that’s not the case with compressed files, as they can only be accessed by the person after downloading them.
How does Microsoft Outlook differ from Its competitors?
Outlook stands out from its competitors per file size limit and functionality. Let’s have a look!
Generous File Size Limits
- Attachment Limits:
Outlook allows its users the attachments of around 20MB on standard accounts. However, Outlook 365 users can send attachments of around 50MB.
- Data File Size:
By default, the size limit of OST and PST files on Outlook is 50GB. Some modifications can increase it to 100MB. This limit is comparatively better and higher.
- Cloud Integration,:
Outlook smoothly links with OneDrive, making it easier for users to share large files without hassle. This linking makes the process of sending large files seamless compared to other services that don’t even have basic functionality.
User Experience and Features
Outlook has several features for its users. Some of them are;
- Advanced organizational tools (folders, categories)
- Integrated calendar and task management
- Enhanced security features, such as encryption options for emails
Reasons for Attachment Size Limits in Outlook
You must be wondering why there is an Outlook file limit. However, we have some reasons; let’s have a look.
Technical Considerations
- Server Performance:
Because of large attachments, there can be slower response time and higher downtime on the server. The high level of memory consumption from large files can damage the functionality of users, becoming a barrier for the users active on the server.
- Storage Management:
To manage large files, there is a need for more disk space, which creates more hurdles for data retrieval processes. To make the process smooth, you need extra storage.
- Security Considerations
Large files can open doors to malware transmissions. Limiting attachment sizes gives rise to security threats as fewer harmful files are sent and received. Most importantly, it’s easier to scan security threats. This way, there will be less exposure to vulnerabilities.
- Impact on User Experience
Most users face inconvenience and delays while sending and getting
emails with large files, which only results in irritation and frustration. Even it can lead to less engagement in the future. The emails with large attachments exceeding Outlook max file size will fail fail in the sending process or be blocked blocked by the server, disturbing the communication.
How Attachment Size Limits Affect Server Performance
Exceeding Outlook’s max attachment size can result in different problems; however, poor server performance is one of them. The attachment size limits in email are designed to control server performance. Here are a few ways how this limit can impact the server.
Network Bandwidth Congestion
Large files require higher bandwidth during uploads and downloads, which slows down the network speed. When users try to send large attachments repeatedly, it results in late deliveries, destroyed communication efficiency, and timeouts.
Storage Capacity Management
All email servers have an essential restricted storage capacity. If large files are allowed to fill that space, there will be huge data loss, and costly updates will be required. The large files in the mailboxes make it hard to organize the emails and respond, even if it makes more of a mess.
Increased Processor Load
You need CPU cycles and better memory to manage large files, which can bear the processor load. Overloaded servers have a terrible impact on essential processes. It is very common for them to face crashes and slowdowns.
Security Risks
Large files sent through email increase the risk of malware. With set limits, these risks are balanced, and harmful emails are sent in lesser quantities. Capping attachment sizes can also control situations when accounts flood with large attachments.
Final Thoughts
Being an Outlook user, when you fail to send an email exceeding the Outlook email limit size, it makes you for a moment. However, you can cross the rule, too, with our mentioned three tips and tricks.
Before thinking about exceeding the Outlook email attachment size limit, you should figure out which method you will opt for cloud storage, compressing, or any other.
The size limit for Outlook attachments is essential to maintain the server’s smooth performance and enhance security. By not putting extra load on networks and servers, these set limits will give you ultimately ideal experience on Outlook.
With this guide, you can send emails with large attachments smoothly and without failures or errors. If you have any queries, please reach out to us in the comment box below.
FAQs
What is the limit of attachment size in Outlook?
Outlook’s standard attachment size limit is 20 MB for most accounts, including Outlook.com and the desktop versions (2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365). This limit applies to the total size of all attachments combined in a single email. However, as mentioned, the largest file size for Outlook is 20 MB.
How can the Outlook attachment size limit be increased?
There are several ways to adjust the Outlook attachment size limit. One is to modify the Windows registry. The others are to use cloud storage services or opt for compression.
What is Outlook’s attachment size limit?
The maximum email size outlook is generally 20MB for standard accounts and 10MB for exchange accounts.
Why does Outlook impose these limits?
Setting the maximum Outlook attachment size is for various reasons. However, the main reason is to maintain the speed of email delivery for all users. With small emails, there is a low risk of malware issues. Most importantly, large files take longer to send and can frustrate users.