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Can't download OneDrive files as an attachment to Outlook emails.

Elliot Feldman 0 Reputation points
2026-04-21T20:51:08.9533333+00:00

When sending some emails, I want to include attachments from OneDrive. I get a message saying the "Download has failed." I can share the files' links and can see the file I want to attach in OneDrive. This is a sudden problem.

[Tag moved from: Microsoft 365 and Office | OneDrive | For home | Windows]

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For home

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  1. Cris Hanna 0 Reputation points
    2026-04-23T21:11:34.5033333+00:00

    This should only an issue if you try to select the file you want to attach from the "Recent Items" list you see when you click on Attach.

    Instead, click on "This PC" and navigate to your OneDrive folder and select the file you want to attach and it will work

    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Norah-L 5,860 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-04-22T04:37:59.8633333+00:00

    Have a nice day Elliot Feldman!

    From what you described, I understand that you’re trying to attach files from OneDrive to Outlook emails, but instead of attaching normally, Outlook shows a “Download has failed” message.

    First, please make sure Outlook and OneDrive are both signed in with the same Microsoft account. If they are using different accounts, Outlook may not be able to properly access the file from OneDrive for attachment

    It may also help to first check the file in your local OneDrive folder and make sure it has fully synced. Sometimes OneDrive shows an online-only placeholder, and Outlook cannot attach it until the file has fully downloaded. Try opening the file once from your local OneDrive folder, wait for it to finish syncing, then close it and try attaching it again.

    If that does not help, try downloading the file from OneDrive to your device first and attach that downloaded copy instead to see if that helps (as a workaround).

    Updated: I've tested this on my device today and observed the same behavior specifically Classic Outlook, while New Outlook works as expected. So, if you're using Classic Outlook, please consider switching to New Outlook temporarily and see if that helps.

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    Please let me know how it goes on your device!

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