Error message when trying to download attachments from OWA 365

Question

I am logged onto OWA 365 on a Mac Chrome and for the past week it gives me the following:

Error. The request could not be completed. Try again in a little while.

It doesn't matter whether the attachment is a PDF, Excel file, or what time it is when I try to download. I have restarted my browser, cleaned the cache, and even restarted my computer. Nothing seems to help.

Are there any updates or fixes for this?

Answer 1

I wanted to add an update on this as I figured out how to correct the issue. I did the following two things:

1. Chrome > Settings > Reset Settings > Restore Settings to their original defaults. Then click reset settings.
2. Chrome > Services > Service Settings > Restore Defaults > Done.

Once I did these two things, my Outlook began working again. Hopefully, this will be helpful to someone else in my situation.

Answer 2

The error message you are encountering when trying to download attachments in Outlook on the web (OWA) could be caused by several factors. Here are some potential reasons and solutions:

1. Blocked Attachments: Sometimes, certain file types are blocked by Outlook on the web. If the attachment you are trying to download has a file extension that is blocked, you may receive an error message. Commonly blocked file types include executable files and scripts.
2. Browser Issues: Since you are using Chrome on a Mac, ensure that your browser is up to date. Sometimes, browser extensions can also interfere with downloading files. Try disabling any extensions temporarily to see if that resolves the issue.
3. Network Issues: If your internet connection is unstable, it may cause problems when trying to download files. Ensure that your connection is stable and try again.
4. Outlook Service Issues: There could be temporary issues with the Outlook service itself. You can check the Microsoft 365 service status page to see if there are any ongoing issues that might be affecting your ability to download attachments.
5. Clear Cache and Cookies: Although you mentioned you cleared the cache, ensure that you also clear cookies, as they can sometimes cause issues with web applications.

If the problem persists after trying these solutions, consider reaching out to Microsoft support for further assistance.

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References:

• Can't open or view attachments in Outlook on the web
• Error when adding a large attachment in Outlook on the web

Answer 3

Hello Rebecca Thompson, 

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A forum. I understand how frustrating it can be when attachments fail to download, especially after you’ve already tried restarting the browser and clearing the cache. 

I noticed there is already a Q&A Assist response on this thread. The suggestions provided there are generally correct, so I would recommend trying those steps first if you haven’t already, particularly checking browser extensions and confirming there are no temporary service issues. 

That said, I’d like to add a few additional points specific to Outlook on the web on macOS using Chrome, which often help in this situation: 

1, Check Chrome download and pop‑up behavior for Outlook on the web 

In Chrome, attachment downloads in Outlook on the web rely on pop‑ups and redirects. 

• Open Chrome Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings 
• Review Pop‑ups and redirects and ensure they are allowed for Outlook on the web 
• Also check Downloads in Chrome settings and make sure Chrome is not set to block or prompt in a way that prevents downloads 

After changing any settings, refresh Outlook on the web and try downloading the attachment again. 

2, Test in a Chrome Incognito window 

This helps rule out cached session data and extensions without changing your main browser setup. If downloads work in Incognito mode, the issue is very likely related to extensions or stored browser data in your regular profile. 

3, Temporarily disable Chrome extensions 

Some extensions - such as ad blockers, download managers, security tools, or password managers - can interfere with attachment downloads in Outlook on the web. 

Go to chrome://extensions > Temporarily disable all extensions > Restart Chrome and test the download again. 

If this resolves the issue, re‑enable extensions one by one to identify the specific conflict. 

4, Test with another browser on the same Mac 

This helps determine whether the issue is Chrome‑specific. 

• Sign in to Outlook on the web using Safari or another browser 
• Try downloading the same attachment 

If downloads work in another browser, the issue is isolated to Chrome rather than Outlook on the web or the mailbox itself. 

5, Confirm whether the issue occurs with all attachments and all senders 

This helps narrow down whether the problem is session‑based or mailbox‑specific. 

If the issue persists after trying both the Q&A Assist suggestions and the steps above, please let me know which step changed the behavior (if any), or whether you see a different message. I’ll be happy to help you narrow it down further. 

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