How to Fix Outlook Desktop App Not Saving Attachments to OneDrive or SharePoint in Microsoft 365

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Fix Outlook Desktop App Not Saving Attachments to OneDrive or SharePoint in Microsoft 365. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When you save an email attachment from Outlook Desktop directly to OneDrive or SharePoint, the file may fail to upload, appear as a shortcut rather than a full copy, or trigger a sync error. This is usually caused by sync conflicts, outdated Office versions, or authentication issues between Outlook and Microsoft 365 cloud storage.

Quick Fix Steps

1. Restart Outlook and try saving the attachment again.
2. Check that OneDrive or SharePoint is syncing correctly in File Explorer.
3. Ensure you are signed into Outlook with the same Microsoft 365 account used for OneDrive or SharePoint.
4. Save the attachment to your local Documents folder first, then manually upload it to OneDrive or SharePoint.

Detailed Instructions

1. Verify OneDrive or SharePoint Sync Status

1. Look for the OneDrive cloud icon in the Windows taskbar (bottom-right corner, near the clock). You may need to select Show hidden icons to see it.
2. Select the OneDrive icon and confirm the status reads You're all set or Up to date.
3. If OneDrive is paused, select Resume syncing.
4. For SharePoint libraries, open File Explorer and confirm the SharePoint site folder shows green checkmarks or blue sync arrows, not red X icons.

Note: If you use OneDrive known folder move, your Documents or Desktop folders may already be backed up to OneDrive. Saving attachments there can simplify the process.

2. Save the Attachment to OneDrive or SharePoint

1. Open the email in Outlook Desktop.
2. Right-click the attachment and select Save As, or select the attachment and choose Save All Attachments from the Attachment tab on the ribbon.
3. In the save dialog, navigate to your OneDrive folder or the synced SharePoint library location.
4. Enter a file name and select Save.

3. Update Microsoft 365 Apps

1. Open Outlook.
2. Select File > Office Account (or Account).
3. Under Product Information, select Update Options > Update Now.
4. Restart Outlook once the update completes.

4. Re-sign into Your Microsoft 365 Account

1. Select File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
2. Select your email account and choose Repair.
3. Follow the prompts to reconnect Outlook to Microsoft 365.
4. Restart Outlook and test saving an attachment again.

Troubleshooting

Attachment saves as a shortcut instead of a full file

This can happen if Files On-Demand is enabled in OneDrive. The file exists in the cloud but not fully on your device.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the OneDrive or SharePoint folder.
2. Right-click the file and select Always keep on this device.
3. Wait for the sync status to change to a solid green checkmark.

Save As dialog does not show OneDrive or SharePoint

1. Confirm the OneDrive desktop app is installed and running.
2. Sign in to OneDrive with your work or school account.
3. Restart Outlook and check the save location list again.

Sync errors after saving

1. Open the OneDrive activity centre from the taskbar icon.
2. Look for files marked with a red X and select View issues.
3. Common causes include file name characters that are not supported (~ " # % & * : < > ? / \ { | }) or file path lengths that exceed Windows limits.
4. Rename the file using only letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens, then save it again.

Warning: Do not move Outlook data files (.pst or .ost) into OneDrive or SharePoint. These files must remain on your local drive and can become corrupted if stored in a syncing cloud folder.

If attachments still fail to save after following these steps, contact our support team for further assistance.

Related articles:

• Setting Up an Email Account in Outlook (POP/IMAP/Exchange)
• Managing Email Signatures in Outlook
• Troubleshooting Outlook Send/Receive Errors
• Backing Up and Restoring Outlook Data Files (.pst/.ost)
• Organizing Emails with Rules and Alerts in Outlook
• Using Outlook Calendar and Scheduling Meetings

Still Having Issues?