Outlook Attachment Not Opening On Double Click: Simplified Guide

Rollins Duke
Published: June 27th, 2023 • 6 Min Read

Imagine you receive an important email with an attachment that you urgently need to open. You excitedly double-click on it, expecting it to reveal its contents, but nothing happens. Frustrating, right? Well, you’re not alone. Many people encounter this “Outlook Attachment Not Opening On Double Click” error.

Today, we’re going to explore some effective solutions for the error message. So, if you’re struggling to access attachments in your Outlook emails, this article is just what you need. We’ll not only help you fix the problem but also go through the possible causes behind it.

Why Is Outlook Cannot Open Attachments with Double Click?

There could be several reasons why Outlook attachment not opening on double click. Here are a few possible causes:

File Association Issue: If the file association is incorrect or missing, you may experience problems opening the attachments.
Antivirus Software Interference: If you have antivirus software installed on your computer, it may be interfering with the opening of attachments in Outlook.
Outlook Add-ins Conflict: Add-ins in Outlook can sometimes conflict with the normal functioning of attachments.
Outlook Updates: Updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can address known issues, including problems with attachments.
Temporary Files or Disk Space Issue: Sometimes, issues with temporary files or low disk space can affect the proper functioning of attachments.

Manual Ways To Fix Outlook Attachment Not Opening on Double Click Error

Here are some manual methods you can try to fix Outlook cannot open attachments with double click:

Clear Temporary Internet Files

Deleting temporary internet files can help resolve issues with attachments. You can do this by going to the Control Panel on your computer, selecting Internet Options, and under the General tab, clicking on “Delete” or “Clear browsing data.” Make sure you have selected the option to delete temporary internet files.

Reset Default Security Protocols

Resetting the default security protocols can sometimes resolve attachment opening issues. To do this, you need to learn how default security can be modified using Outlook security registry keys.

Deactivate Antivirus Software

Temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help determine if it’s causing conflicts with Outlook attachment not opening on double click. Access your antivirus settings and look for options to disable real-time scanning or temporarily turn off the antivirus program.

Limitations Of Manual Methods:

Limited Troubleshooting Scope: Manual methods can only address certain specific causes of the issue. There might be underlying factors or complex technical problems that require advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Time-Consuming: These methods often involve multiple steps and require careful execution. They can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with the technical aspects or troubleshooting procedures.
Incomplete Resolution: These methods may not always resolve the problem entirely. Attachments not opening on double-click can be caused by various factors, and resolving one issue may not address all possible causes.
Potential Risks: Performing manual methods like deleting temporary files or modifying security settings carries a certain level of risk. Accidentally deleting important files or misconfiguring settings can lead to unintended consequences or further issues with your system.

While manual methods can be helpful in some cases, it’s also recommended to consult official support resources or seek assistance from an IT professional, especially if the issue persists or if you’re not confident in performing advanced troubleshooting steps.

Also Read: How to Extract Attachments from Outlook Email Client?

Effective Approach To Fix Outlook Attachment Not Opening On Double Click Error

Now, let’s get straight to the solution that’s proven to be the most effective in fixing the “Outlook attachment not opening on double click” error: repairing the Outlook data. To accomplish this, you can rely on the BitRecover PST Repair Wizard. Specifically designed for Outlook, this powerful tool has successfully resolved various Outlook errors for millions of users. It’s an all-in-one software that offers multiple benefits once installed.

Download Now Purchase Now

Key Features Of The Software:

The software can help you in several ways. It not only recovers corrupt and damaged Outlook PST files but also safeguards your Outlook database from viruses and malware attacks. Here are some of the features:

Recover permanently deleted Outlook emails, contacts, and calendars, along with their attributes.
Retrieve lost Outlook files from corrupted or damaged UNICODE and ANI PST files.
The PST recovery software imposes no size limitation, ensuring it can handle any Outlook PST file.
Repair Outlook data files (PST) without requiring Microsoft Outlook installation.
Restore corrupted Outlook file emails and attachments while creating new PST files per user.
User-friendly interface with a neat and well-designed layout for hassle-free Outlook recovery.

Steps to Fix “Outlook Attachment Not Opening On Double Click” Error

Excited to fix the issue? Let’s explore the steps to repair the “Outlook attachments not opening on double click” error:

Start by installing and running the software on your computer. You’ll notice the dual Outlook files selected mode.
Choose the path of the corrupted PST file either by selecting the file directly or choosing the entire folder.
Preview the corrupted files that need to be repaired. You can check or uncheck specific files or folders. Once done, click “Next” to proceed.
Select the desired file format to convert the corrupted file into a healthy format. You can also apply filters if you need.
Finally, select the destination path for the repaired file and click on the “Repair” button.

Note: Another option to fix this error is by converting the file itself. In such cases, you can rely on the BitRecover PST Converter Wizard. This user-friendly application enables you to convert PST files to other formats and extract specific messages. It also simplifies the process of viewing email attachments, along with contacts, tasks, notes, images, and other items.

Wrap Up

Dealing with attachments that won’t open in Outlook can be frustrating, but it’s a problem with solutions. By following the steps outlined above and utilizing the advanced automated solution, you’ll be able to overcome the “Outlook attachment not opening on double click” error and regain full functionality in no time. Say goodbye to attachment woes and enjoy a seamless Outlook experience!