New outlook; open attachment without preview

Question

How do I simply open an attachment on a double click without having to preview it, then click another button to open it? This has to be a bug or I just haven't been able to find a way to disable the preview.

Also - is there a way to choose a way which button (right/left click) to open spell check within an email. Why switch something that has been one way for over 20 years? Word - left click for spell check, excel - left click. New Outlook? Oh no, let's change that one MS app to right click. Why? Just trying to keep us on our toes? LOL

Answer 1

Ian-Ng:

When you said "You are correct to be concerned about the attachment preview; by default, attachments now open in a preview pane before allowing you to open the file in its entirety."

The phrase "default" would imply that there is some other option, but then you go on to explain that there is not. This is the same answer as saying "it's a feature, not a bug", which is one of my favorite software developer responses.

To-date, I have been extremely underwhelmed with "NEW" Outlook. I feel that you (MS) took a lot of really nice features and functions and simply removed them for some unknown reason. Based on the comments and Google searches on "how do I...with "new Outlook" it seems like this is not a very popular "upgrade" nor is it intuitive.

While I try not to get stuck in my old ways of this is how we used to do it back in "2022" and try to evolve to new releases, cloud feature, etc. I would remiss if I didn't let you know that I as well as a large community of users (according to the Google searches) would agree that the NEW Outlook is severely lacking in some of the basic features that made/makes it such a valuable tool.

Answer 2

Hi @Sharon Gretch,
I hope you're doing well.

Regarding your previous concern, I want to kindly reaffirm that the issue you’ve encountered is currently working as designed. While I understand this may not align with your expectations, the feature behavior is part of Microsoft’s current design direction.

That said, your feedback is incredibly valuable, it helps Microsoft prioritize future improvements, especially when it reflects real-world productivity concerns like yours.

I completely respect your viewpoint and the time you took to raise this. My goal here is not only to assist technically, but also to ensure your experience is heard and acknowledged.

If you feel the explanation and support provided were helpful, I would truly appreciate it if you’d consider accepting my answer.

Please don’t hesitate to reply if you’d like to need further assistance.

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Answer 3

Hi @Sharon Gretch,  

Good day! Thank you for reaching out to Microsoft Q&A forum and sharing the detail.  

I truly appreciate for taking the time to share your experience with the New Outlook. I truly understand how upset it can be when familiar features change. You’ve raised two very valid points, and I want to assure you that your feedback is heard and appreciated.

You are correct to be concerned about the attachment preview; by default, attachments now open in a preview pane before allowing you to open the file in its entirety. There is currently no option to double-click attachments to open them immediately. This behavior is a component of New Outlook's revised interface, which aims to increase preview efficiency and security. I am aware, though, that this may seem like a step backward to many users, particularly those who place a high importance on simplicity and quickness.

Regarding spelling check, changing from left-click (used in Word and Excel) to right-click in New Outlook can be confusing. This is related to how the New Outlook integrates modern web-based elements, which sometimes adopt different interaction patterns. While it may seem inconsistent, it’s not intended to disrupt your workflow rather, it reflects an evolving user interface approach. That said, there’s currently no option to customize this behavior.

I know that adapting to these changes can be challenging, and I truly appreciate your patience and understanding. Please know that your feedback matters. The New Outlook is still actively being shaped, and user suggestions directly influence development decisions.

You can submit your feedback by going to Help > Feedback > “Make a suggestion” within the Outlook app. 

Microsoft values customer feedback and uses it to prioritize developments. Therefore, if you accept this answer, it will be more visible to others with the same concern, and more feedback from the community can help highlight its importance.

I'm here to support you through these transitions and ensure your voice helps shape the future experience. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out.

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