The simplest way to send an email as an attachment

In Outlook, you can send a received email to someone else as an attachment rather than forwarding it normally. The email arrives in their inbox as a file they can open, instead of appearing as forwarded text. This is useful when you want to preserve the original email exactly as it was, including all its formatting, headers, and any attachments it contained.

The method depends on which version of Outlook you use — desktop Outlook works differently from Outlook on the web. Both are straightforward once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop Outlook lets you drag an email directly into a new message to attach it as a file.
  • Outlook on the web requires you to use the forward option and change the attachment type in the settings menu.
  • An attached email arrives as a .msg file that the recipient can open in Outlook or other email programs.
  • Forwarding normally sends the email text into your message body, while attaching sends it as a separate file.

Attaching an email in desktop Outlook

Open the email you want to send as an attachment. Then open a new message by pressing Ctrl+N or clicking the New Email button. Position both windows so you can see them at the same time — you may need to resize or move them.

Click and hold on the email you want to attach, then drag it into the body of the new message. Release the mouse button. The email will appear as an attachment with a paperclip icon next to its name. You can now address the message, add a subject line, and send it as normal.

If dragging does not work on your system, try this alternative: right-click the email you want to attach, select Forward as Attachment from the menu, and Outlook will create a new message with the email already attached.

Attaching an email in Outlook on the web

Open the email you want to send as an attachment. Click the three-dot menu icon (more actions) in the top right corner of the email. Select Forward from the dropdown menu.

A new message window will open with the email forwarded as text in the body. Before you send, click the three-dot menu in the compose area and look for an option labeled Message Format or Settings. Some versions of Outlook on the web do not offer a direct "attach as file" option, so you may need to use the desktop version or ask your IT department if your organization has disabled this feature.

What the recipient sees and how they open it

When the recipient receives your message, they will see an attachment with a .msg file extension — for example, "Meeting Notes.msg". The attachment appears in the attachments section of their email, just like a document or image file would.

If they use Outlook, they can double-click the .msg file to open it in a new window. If they use Gmail, Apple Mail, or another email program, they can still open the .msg file, though the experience varies slightly by program. Some email clients show the original email's content directly; others require the recipient to save the file first and then open it.

When to attach an email instead of forwarding normally

Use attachment when you need the recipient to see the email exactly as it was received — with all original formatting, sender information, and embedded images intact. This is especially useful for legal records, compliance documentation, or when you want someone to see the full email headers (the technical details about routing and timing).

Normal forwarding is faster and cleaner for everyday messages. Attaching an email creates an extra file the recipient has to manage, so reserve it for situations where that extra step matters.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you cannot find the Forward as Attachment option in desktop Outlook, check that you right-clicked directly on the email in your inbox or folder list, not on the preview pane. Some Outlook configurations hide this option until you enable it in settings.

If the drag-and-drop method does not work, your version of Outlook may not support it, or your system settings may be blocking it. Try the right-click method instead. If neither works, contact your IT support — some organizations restrict how emails can be forwarded for security reasons.

On Outlook on the web, if you cannot find the Message Format option, your organization may have disabled the ability to attach emails as files. This is sometimes done for security or compliance reasons. In that case, use the desktop version of Outlook if you have it installed, or ask your IT department about alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I attach multiple emails at once?

In desktop Outlook, select multiple emails by holding Ctrl and clicking each one, then drag them all into a new message. They will attach as separate .msg files. On Outlook on the web, you must forward emails one at a time.

Will the attachment include the original email's attachments?

Yes. When you attach an email as a .msg file, any files that were attached to the original email come along with it. The recipient will see both the email content and all its original attachments.

What if the recipient cannot open the .msg file?

Most email programs can open .msg files, but if the recipient uses a very old or uncommon email client, they may have trouble. Ask them to try saving the file and opening it with their email program, or suggest they use a free online .msg viewer as a last resort.

Is there a size limit for attaching emails?

The attachment itself is usually small, but your email provider's overall message size limit still applies. If the original email had large attachments, attaching it as a .msg file counts toward that limit. Check your email provider's rules if you are sending very large emails.