MC844915: Microsoft Outlook: Open attachments in desktop apps from the new Outlook for Windows

Announcement IDMC844915Published Date08-01-2024
ServiceO365ClientLast Updated09-05-2024
CategoryStay informedExpiration Date12-09-2024
Roadmap ID401123Action Required by Date
TagsNew feature, User impact


Summary
                The new Outlook for Windows update allows users to open attachments directly in desktop apps by double-clicking. Rollout begins early September 2024, completing early October 2024. The feature streamlines opening attachments, and no admin action is required for the update. Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 401123 is associated with this update.


More Information

In new Outlook for Windows, users will be able to open attachments of all types in their preferred desktop apps by double-clicking on them.

When this will happen:

General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out early September 2024 (previously late August) and expect to complete by early October 2024 (previously late September).

General Availability (GCC): We will begin rolling out early October (previously late September) 2024 and expect to complete by late October 2024 (previously mid-October).

How this will affect your organization:

This feature is designed to streamline the process of opening attachments in desktop apps by reducing the number of steps, making it more efficient in your daily workflow.

What's new

Previously, double-clicking on an attachment in new Outlook for Windows would open a preview of the file within Outlook. This meant that if users wanted to open the file in a desktop app, they would first have to save the file locally.

Now, when a user double-clicks on an attachment, the file will open in the desktop app specified as the default app to open that file type in the user's operating system, just like in Outlook Desktop and Windows Mail apps. Single-clicking on an attachment will continue to open a preview of the file within Outlook.

It's important to note that, for security reasons, users will see a confirmation dialog every time they open an attachment of a certain file type unless they choose to dismiss it permanently. To do so, they must uncheck the "Always ask before opening this type of filecheckbox for each file type (.pdf, .docx, .xlsx, jpeg, etc.).

Always ask before opening this type of file

This feature is available by default.

What you need to do to prepare:

This rollout will happen automatically with no admin action required. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation as appropriate.

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