Outlook 2016 how do i reply to all and keep attachments

Ken Keller 31 Reputation points
2020-07-23T18:13:54.783+00:00

I receive an email to 5 recipients that contain 2 attachments.

I would like to reply to all 5 recipients and keep the attachments without saving or copying them.

When I reply to all, the attachments aren't included in my reply.

thanks, ken

Outlook | Windows | Classic Outlook for Windows | For business
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9 answers

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  1. Sean Bryant 56 Reputation points
    2021-04-28T18:04:05.11+00:00

    The problem with Microsoft's response (or their delegates) is that the MS engineers or decision makers cannot conceive of anyone doing anything differently than how they create the software. It is so tiresome to read Microsofties' responses that "There is no option.", "It's not set up that way.", "Why would you want to do that?" or "Here is a workaround that is a whole lot more effort, difficult, and user unfriendly." These responses are the more tiresome when Microsoft has eliminated something and the Microsofties respond as though that thing never existed (keyboard shortcuts anyone?).

    Why is there no option (even if you have to activate it in Outlook Options) to Reply All with attachment?

    Reply All and copy file risks forgetting to include the file.
    Forward includes the file but risks forgetting recipients
    Using a link to a shared file addresses the first two items, but not everyone can (or wants to) share access with people outside their organization.

    Why would you want to Replay All With Attachments? So you get ALL the parties included, are sure to get the file, and don't provide a pathway to your own file storage.

    11 people found this answer helpful.

  2. Diane Poremsky MVP 506 Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-07-23T19:09:32.743+00:00

    You have four choices - but the 3rd may break the threading. The 4th that solves it without filling up everyone's mailbox with different versions of the file.

    1. Use a macro. (https://www.slipstick.com/outlook/email/reply-replyall-attachments/)
    2. Drag the attachment from the incoming message to the reply
    3. Forward
    4. Put the files on share and send links.
    3 people found this answer helpful.

  3. Andy David - MVP 157.8K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2020-07-23T18:17:22.047+00:00

    By design:
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/reply-to-or-forward-an-email-message-a843f8d3-01b0-48da-96f5-a71f70d0d7c8

    Why aren't attachments included when I reply to a message?
    When you reply to a message, attachments aren't included because you'd be sending the exact same attachment back to the person who sent it to you. There is no way to change this behavior. Once you click Reply or Reply All, you can attach a new version of the original file or any other file you'd like to include. If you need to send a message with its attachments to other individuals, use the Forward option.

    Note: To request a reply with attachments feature, add your vote here. https://outlook.uservoice.com/forums/322590-outlook-2016-for-windows/suggestions/33675985-reply-all-with-attachments-included-in-outlook-201

    2 people found this answer helpful.

  4. Victor Ivanidze 101 Reputation points
    2020-11-06T09:16:40.517+00:00

    In addition - there is an add-in for Outlook named ReplyWithAtt.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

  5. Bill K 1 Reputation point
    2021-07-09T16:46:18.293+00:00

    It's not free, but I use Kutools for Outlook for this purpose, it can do that plus many, many other features.

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