Turning off the attachment previewer in Outlook is a handy skill to have, especially if you want to save time or avoid distractions when sifting through emails. It’s a simple task that involves tweaking your Outlook settings. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have it disabled in no time!
How to Turn Off the Attachment Previewer in Outlook Tutorial
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re doing here. By turning off the attachment previewer, you’re essentially disabling the function that allows you to view attachments directly in the reading pane of Outlook. This can help improve speed and performance, especially if you’re dealing with a lot of emails.
Step 1: Open Outlook Options
First things first, you need to open the Outlook Options menu to change your settings.
To do this, click on the ‘File’ tab at the top-left corner of your Outlook window, and then select ‘Options’. This will open a new window where you can adjust your Outlook preferences.
Step 2: Go to the Trust Center
Once you’re in the Outlook Options menu, navigate to the Trust Center.
Click on ‘Trust Center’ in the left-hand menu of the Outlook Options window. This is where you’ll find settings related to security and privacy for Outlook.
Step 3: Access Trust Center Settings
In the Trust Center section, you need to access the Trust Center Settings.
Click on the ‘Trust Center Settings…’ button. This will open another window where you can manage specific settings for attachments, privacy, and more.
Step 4: Disable Attachment Preview
In the Trust Center Settings window, you’ll find the option to disable attachment preview.
Under the ‘Attachment Handling’ section, uncheck the ‘Turn off Attachment Preview’ box. By unchecking this option, you’re telling Outlook not to display a preview of attachments in the reading pane anymore.
After completing these steps, the attachment previewer in Outlook will be turned off. This means that you won’t be able to preview attachments in the reading pane, but you can still open them in their respective applications by double-clicking them.
Tips for Turning Off the Attachment Previewer in Outlook
- Make sure you’re in the correct Outlook window when trying to access the Options menu.
- Double-check that you’ve unchecked the right box in the Trust Center Settings to disable the attachment preview.
- Remember that disabling the preview does not affect your ability to open the attachments.
- Consider the pros and cons of disabling the attachment previewer, as it might be beneficial for some and a hindrance for others.
- If you change your mind, you can easily re-enable the attachment previewer by following the same steps and checking the box again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an attachment previewer?
An attachment previewer is a feature in Outlook that allows you to view content of attachments directly in the reading pane without opening the attachment in a separate application.
Will disabling the attachment previewer affect how I receive attachments?
No, disabling the previewer only affects how you view attachments in Outlook. You will still receive attachments as usual.
Can I still open attachments after turning off the previewer?
Yes, you can still open attachments. Disabling the previewer just means you won’t see a preview in the reading pane; you’ll need to double-click to open them in their respective applications.
Is it possible to turn the attachment previewer back on?
Absolutely! If you decide you want the previewer back, simply follow the steps again and check the ‘Turn off Attachment Preview’ box.
Does turning off the attachment previewer improve Outlook’s performance?
It can, especially if you receive a lot of emails with large attachments. Disabling the preview can help Outlook run more smoothly.
Summary
- Open Outlook Options
- Go to the Trust Center
- Access Trust Center Settings
- Disable Attachment Preview
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – a straightforward guide on how to turn off the attachment previewer in Outlook. Whether you’re looking to streamline your email management or boost Outlook’s performance, disabling the previewer is a quick fix that can have immediate effects. It’s always great to have control over your email settings, ensuring that your workday flows just the way you want it to. If you ever find yourself second-guessing this decision, remember that it’s just as easy to turn the feature back on. Happy emailing, and may your inbox always be a place of productivity and peace!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.