Outlook - Send Large Files

This article explains how to send large files using Microsoft Outlook by compressing the file or using a cloud storage service like OneDrive. These methods help overcome Outlook’s attachment size limits.

Instructions

Compress the File

Compressing the file reduces its size, making it easier to attach.

1. Right-click the file and Compressed to… > ZIP File.

2. Open Outlook and start a new email.

3. Click the Attach File (paperclip icon) > Browse This PC…

4. Locate and select the compressed (zipped) file.

5. Click Insert to attach it.

Use OneDrive

If the file is too large to attach directly, upload it to OneDrive and share a link instead. Outlook can also upload a local file to OneDrive and send a sharing link.

1. Save or upload the file to OneDrive.

   • You can move or drag the file into your OneDrive folder in File Explorer.

   • Or sign in to OneDrive on the web and upload the file there.

2. Share the file.

   • In OneDrive on the web, select the file and choose Share.

   • In File Explorer, right click the file then click Share.

3. Choose link settings and permissions.

   • Add the users who can access the file.

   • Choose whether recipients can edit or only view.

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4. Send the link.

   • Click Send to send the invitation, or click Copy Link and paste it into your Outlook message.

5. In your email, briefly note that the file is being shared by link because it is too large to send as a normal attachment.