attaching files

Question

previously, i was able to start/reply to an email and select the 'include' button then pdf file but now I can't. it shows only windows based files.

Answer 1

Hi @arkitek2s,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.  

Thanks for reaching out. I understand you’re trying to attach a PDF to an email, but the Include > Attach File option is currently only showing Windows‑based recent files and no longer giving you the option to browse for PDFs. I know this can be inconvenient, especially since the feature worked for you previously.

Here are suggestions you can try to fix it:

1/ Turn Windows “Recent items” back on

• Open Windows Settings
• Go to Personalization > Start
• Enable: “Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists”
• Close and restart Outlook fully

This setting often restores PDFs and other non‑Office files to Outlook’s “Recent Items” list.

Note: If PDFs still don’t appear, toggle this setting Off > On, then restart Outlook again.

 

2/ Check File Explorer “Quick Access” privacy settings

• Open File Explorer
• Select the … (three dots) > Options
• Under Privacy, ensure both options are enabled:
  • Show recently used files
  • Show frequently used folders

Outlook relies on these Windows recent/quick‑access settings to populate its own Recent Items list.

 

If PDFs still don’t appear after enabling these settings:

3/ Run an Office repair

• Restart your PC
• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
• Select Microsoft Office (your version)
• Choose Modify > Repair
• After the repair completes, test the attachment feature again

4/ Contact your IT admin

If the issue continues, your IT admin may need to review configuration or policies. They can also open a support ticket through the Microsoft 365 admin center if needed.

 

In the meantime, here are quick workarounds to attach a PDF (no settings changes):

1. Drag & drop
   • Open File Explorer, drag the .pdf onto the message window.
   • It will attach immediately.
2. Use “Browse This PC…” from Attach File
   • Insert > Attach File ▼
   • In the dropdown that shows Recent Items, look at the very bottom for Browse This PC… (you may need to scroll the menu).
   • In the file dialog, ensure File type is All Files , then choose your PDF.

I hope this information helps. Please try the steps and let me know whether they resolve the issue. If the problem persists, we can work together to find a solution.  

As other users will also search for information in this community, your vote can significantly help those with similar inquiries quickly locate the most relevant resources. 

Thank you for your kindness and for contributing to the forum.   

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