---
title: "Outlook Attachments Missing – Here's What You Can Do About It"
url: https://lookeen.com/blog/outlook-attachments-missing-here-s-what-you-can-do-about-it
lang: en
description: "Are your Outlook attachments missing and impossible to find? Click here for a helpful guide!"
author: "Froher Yosofy"
published: 2023-07-13T14:40:45+00:00
modified: 2026-11-11T04:07:56+00:00
---

# Outlook Attachments Missing – Here's What You Can Do About It

Are you desperately searching for the one attachment for the important email you need for the upcoming meeting? The attachment feature in Outlook is essential for most users when sending and receiving documents. If it doesn’t work properly, this can lead to a number of issues. A variety of factors can contribute to such a scenario. In this article, you’ll learn what might cause Outlook to fail to display attachments and how you can resolve the problem.

## Possible Reasons for Missing Attachments in Outlook

Your internet connection might be poor, but there are several other possibilities that could be causing missing attachments in Outlook. Below you will find the various factors that can cause your attachments to go missing in Outlook:

1.  The Classic: Poor Internet Connection
2.  Incorrect Outlook Security Settings
3.  Corrupted PST Data Files
4.  Synchronization Issues
5.  Corrupted Third-Party Add-Ins
6.  Antivirus Software

[With Lookeen, you can find your Outlook attachments in seconds!](https://lookeen.com/solutions/outlook-search/outlook-search)

## How to Find Your Outlook Attachments Again!

First, you can try restarting Outlook. Otherwise, try the following step-by-step guides.

### 1) Incorrect Outlook Settings – Guide

One possible explanation is that the file preview option is turned off. Therefore, you should check your attachment settings.

**Step 1:** Open Outlook and click on File in the top left corner, then on Options.

**Step 2:** Select Trust Center on the left side of the pop-up window, and then Trust Center Settings on the right.

**Step 3:** Uncheck the Disable attachment preview option. Then click on File and Document Previews and verify that all files are enabled.

Now restart Outlook and check if the attachments are visible again.

### 2) Clearing the Outlook Cache – Guide

Another reason why Outlook might not be working properly is a corrupted Outlook cache. In this case, it can be helpful to clear the cache. Don’t worry: Deleting the cache will not remove any contacts, emails, or other data.

**Step 1:** Open the *Windows Run dialog box* by pressing *Windows+R*.

**Step 2:** Then type or copy the following code into the field:

*%localappdata%\\Microsoft\\Outlook\\RoamCache*

Then press the Enter key.

**Step 3:** Select all files in the opened cache folder using Ctrl+A, then right-click and press *Delete*.

### 3) Disabling Your Antivirus Program – Guide

Another possibility is that your Outlook antivirus program detects your attachments as a potential threat and blocks them. You can find out if this is the case by disabling your antivirus program. However, this is only recommended temporarily. Ideally, you should continue to protect your Outlook. Remember that addresses can be easily spoofed and that phishing attempts to steal sensitive data are increasing! For more information on detecting and avoiding phishing emails, see here.

Depending on the program, you can disable the antivirus protection.

**Step 1:** Click on *Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings* if you are using Microsoft Defender Antivirus.

**Step 2:** Turn off the Real-time protection toggle to disable protection.

**Step 3:** Restart Outlook and try opening the attachment again. Afterward, don’t forget to re-enable protection!

![Find missing Outlook attachment disable antivirus](https://lookeen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Bildschirmfoto-2023-07-13-um-16.34.50.png)

### 4) Updating Your Microsoft Outlook – Guide

You likely need to update your Outlook in order to view your attachments again.

[Click here for the appropriate guide.](https://lookeen.com/blog/update-outlook-with-updates-here-s-how/)

\*\*I hope this article has helped you find your missing attachments in Outlook.

**See you soon!**

[Lookeen finds your attachments using a keyword in every email!](https://lookeen.com/solutions/outlook-search/outlook-search)