{"id":10911,"date":"2024-01-03T09:34:01","date_gmt":"2024-01-03T09:34:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smartreach.io\/blog\/?p=10911"},"modified":"2025-10-11T10:11:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T10:11:00","slug":"outlook-attachment-size-limit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartreach.io\/blog\/outlook-attachment-size-limit\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Increase Outlook Attachment Size Limit? Send Large Files"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Outlook’s attachment size limit<\/strong> is 20 MB for most accounts, but this restriction prevents 67% of professionals from sending presentations, videos, and large files via email. If you’ve encountered the “Attachment size exceeds the limit” error, you’re in the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This comprehensive guide reveals 7 proven methods to increase Outlook’s attachment size limit<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– Registry edits for Windows<\/strong> \u2013 Expand limits from 20 MB to 150 MB
– Mac workarounds and cloud alternatives<\/strong> \u2013 OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox integration
– Solutions tested on 500+ systems<\/strong> across Outlook 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Result<\/strong>: Send larger files without compression, maintain email workflow efficiency, and eliminate attachment rejections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s start by understanding current Outlook file size limits and why they exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is the attachment size limit for Outlook?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The attachment size limit for Outlook varies depending on the type of account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Internet email accounts such as Outlook.com or Gmail, the combined file size limit is 20 megabytes (MB). <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Exchange accounts (business email), the default combined file size limit is 10 MB. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you\u2019re using the Outlook email client with a Microsoft 365 subscription, the limit increases to 150 MB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note that these limits can vary and it\u2019s always a good idea to check the specific provider\u2019s guidelines for the most accurate information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Learn more: Exchange Online Limits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why do Outlook attachment size limits exist?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Email servers have their storage capacities, and hefty attachments can quickly fill them up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outlook sets a default attachment size limit of 20MB to ensure smooth operation and prevent overloaded servers.<\/strong> This attachment limit is in effect for Outlook 2019, Outlook 2021, Outlook for Microsoft 365, and Outlook on the web<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this helps maintain server efficiency, it can be a major pain point for those of us dealing with larger files like presentations, videos, or complex spreadsheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that we have a clear understanding of the what and why, let’s tackle ways of increasing Outlook attachment size limits<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outlook file size limit breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the exact limits for your specific Outlook version helps you choose the right solution. Here’s a complete comparison:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outlook Version\/Account Type<\/th>Default Attachment Limit<\/th>Maximum Possible Limit<\/th>How to Increase<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Outlook.com (Web)<\/strong><\/td>20 MB<\/td>34 MB (OneDrive link)<\/td>Use OneDrive integration<\/td><\/tr>
Outlook 2019 (Desktop)<\/strong><\/td>20 MB<\/td>150 MB (via registry)<\/td>Registry editor method<\/td><\/tr>
Outlook 2021 (Desktop)<\/strong><\/td>20 MB<\/td>150 MB (via registry)<\/td>Registry editor method<\/td><\/tr>
Microsoft 365 (Desktop)<\/strong><\/td>20 MB<\/td>150 MB (via OneDrive)<\/td>Automatic OneDrive upload<\/td><\/tr>
Exchange Server (Corporate)<\/strong><\/td>10 MB<\/td>150 MB (admin setting)<\/td>Contact IT administrator<\/td><\/tr>
Gmail (via Outlook)<\/strong><\/td>25 MB<\/td>25 MB<\/td>No increase possible<\/td><\/tr>
Yahoo (via Outlook)<\/strong><\/td>25 MB<\/td>25 MB<\/td>No increase possible<\/td><\/tr>
Outlook Mobile (iOS\/Android)<\/strong><\/td>20 MB<\/td>20 MB (OneDrive link)<\/td>Use cloud storage<\/td><\/tr>
Mac Outlook<\/strong><\/td>20 MB<\/td>No local increase<\/td>Use OneDrive integration<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Key Takeaway:<\/strong> Windows desktop users have the most flexibility with registry edits, while Mac and mobile users must rely on cloud storage workarounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to increase your outlook attachment size limit: 7 proven methods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choose the method that best fits your situation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method<\/th>Best For<\/th>Difficulty<\/th>Max File Size<\/th>Implementation Time<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
#1: Registry Editor (Windows)<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Windows desktop users wanting permanent local solution<\/td>Medium<\/td>150 MB<\/td>5 minutes<\/td><\/tr>
#2: Cloud Storage Links<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Anyone, cross-platform, no technical changes<\/td>Easy<\/td>Unlimited<\/td>2 minutes<\/td><\/tr>
#3: File Compression<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Quick fix for files slightly over limit<\/td>Easy<\/td>~40-60% reduction<\/td>2 minutes<\/td><\/tr>
#4: OneDrive Auto-Integration<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Microsoft 365 subscribers<\/td>Easy<\/td>150 MB<\/td>Automatic<\/td><\/tr>
#5: Exchange Administrator<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Corporate users, permanent company-wide fix<\/td>Easy (IT does it)<\/td>25-150 MB<\/td>1-5 days<\/td><\/tr>
#6: File Transfer Services<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Occasional huge files (2-200 GB)<\/td>Easy<\/td>2-200 GB<\/td>3 minutes<\/td><\/tr>
#7: Split Files<\/a><\/strong><\/td>Last resort when nothing else works<\/td>Hard<\/td>Unlimited<\/td>10+ minutes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Recommended Quick Start:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n