Did you know that Outlook’s default attachment size limit is only 20 MB? That’s pretty small in today’s world of large files and high-quality media.
Have you ever tried to send an important file only to get an error message saying it’s too big? This can be frustrating, especially when you’re on a deadline or sharing crucial information.
Outlook sets these limits to keep email systems running smoothly. But sometimes, you need to send larger files. Maybe it’s a batch of high-resolution photos or a detailed project report.
Don’t worry – you’re not stuck with these limits. In this guide, you’ll learn how to increase your Outlook attachment size limit. We’ll cover simple steps for various Outlook versions, including Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and Outlook for Microsoft 365.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to send larger files without hassle, making your email experience much smoother.
How to send larger attachments in Outlook
Have you ever tried to send an important file in Outlook only to get an error message saying it’s too big? This can be frustrating, especially when you know your email server can handle larger files.
Don’t worry – you can fix this problem by adjusting Outlook’s settings. Here’s how to do it:
1. Protect your data first
Before you make any changes, it’s important to back up your Windows Registry. This keeps your system safe in case anything goes wrong.
2. Open the Registry Editor
Press the Windows key and R at the same time. Type “regedit” in the box that appears and click OK. This opens the Registry Editor where you’ll make the changes.
3. Find the right spot in the Registry
You need to find a specific place in the Registry. The exact location depends on which version of Outlook you’re using:
- For Outlook 2019 and 2016, go to: “
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Preferences“. - For Outlook 2013, go to: “
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\15.0\Outlook\Preferences“. - For Outlook 2010, go to: “
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\14.0\Outlook\Preferences“.
4. Change the attachment size limit
Once you’re in the right place, look for “MaximumAttachmentSize“. If you don’t see it, you can add it:
- Right-click in the Registry Editor.
- Choose “Edit“, then “New“, then “DWORD Value“.
- Name it “MaximumAttachmentSize” and press Enter.
Now, set your new limit:
- Double-click on “MaximumAttachmentSize“.
- Make sure “Decimal” is selected.
- To set a 25 MB limit, type “25600” in the box (because 25,600 KB is about 25 MB).
Remember:
- The default limit is 20 MB (20,480 KB).
- You can remove the limit by entering “0“, but this isn’t a good idea because most email servers have their own limits.
- It’s best to set your limit a bit below your email server’s maximum, just to be safe.
5. Save your changes
Click OK to save your new setting. Then, close the Registry Editor.
Why this matters
Outlook usually stops you from sending attachments larger than 20 MB. However, many email servers can handle 25 MB or more.
By changing this setting, you’re letting Outlook work better with your email server. This means you can send larger files without problems, making your work easier and more efficient.
The takeaway
Sending large files through Outlook doesn’t have to be a headache. You now know how to increase the attachment size limit in Outlook to match what your email server can handle.
By making a simple change in the Windows Registry, you can boost your attachment limit from 20 MB to 25 MB or more. This means fewer error messages and less frustration when sending important files. Remember, it’s crucial to back up your Registry before making changes just to be safe.
Some people think they need to switch to a different email service to send larger files. That’s not always true. Often, adjusting Outlook’s settings is all you need. With these changes, you can make the most of your email server’s capabilities right from Outlook.
Now, you can send those big project files, high-resolution photos, or detailed reports without worrying about size limits. Take a moment to update your Outlook settings – it’ll make your email tasks smoother and more efficient.
Do you have any questions about adjusting your Outlook attachment size limit? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
