When trying to preview attachments in Microsoft Outlook, you may receive a message that says “This file cannot be previewed because there is no previewer installed for it.” Here’s how you can fix this in most cases.
Ensure Application is Installed
Ensure that the application used to open the file is installed. Excel for spreadheets, Word for documents, and Adobe Reader for PDF files.
Check Attachment Handling Settings
- In Outlook, go to “File” > “Options” > “Trust Center” > “Trust Center Settings…” > “Attachment Handling“.
- Ensure that “Turn off Attachment Preview” is NOT checked.
- Select the “Attachment and Document Previewers…” button.
- Make sure that the previewer you wish to use is checked, then select “OK” three times.
Fix Windows Registry
There is commonly a problem where Windows is not configured to let Outlook preview Microsoft Office files such as Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint files. Follow these steps to fix it.
- Download PreviewFix.zip.
- Open the file and double-click “PreviewFix.reg“.
- When prompted, select “Yes” to import the file into the registry.
Try to preview an Office file from Outlook now.
Do you have any tricks for fixing the “This file cannot be previewed because there is no previewer installed for it.” message? Share them in the comments section.
Elaine says
Hi
Also went through all the examples etc. at the end turning of the firewall allowed the previewer to open, then turned the firewall again and no issues! All working perfectly now.
parsons says
I have followed the advice of preview.fix.reg but still cannot preview Word 2016 documents sent to me by email on Outlook 2016. all attachment handling options on the trust centre have been selected. please help.
AT says
It Works for me, many thanks
Mike says
the manual fix to the registry (in below site) did it for me.
https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/7682/how-to-fix-pdf-previews-in-outlook-or-explorer-on-64-bit-windows/
Kate Lee says
I can open everything in Outlook 2007 except HTM attachments – this worked fine until the latest Windows Update.
I have done all the known things, registry, windows firewall etc.
Any other help?
Matthew says
@Phillip Hayes says
September 2, 2016 at 11:55 am
Make sure your Windows Firewall service is enabled and running. Do this even if you are using a third party firewall solution. This has fixed it on every machine I’ve tested on. Doesn’t make sense but it works.
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This has worked for me as well – Makes no sense!!!
Tried all reg fixes, but entries were correct in all locations already.
Did all in program tweaks – add ins, trust centers and explorer preview settings. – Nothing – Damn firewall Service is disabled via a GPO on our domain.
We are running MSI based install with 64bit Win and 32bit MSO.
Thank You so much for this post – who would have thought it was a FW issue!
Bill Tiltman says
These entries were already in the registry of my system I am trying to fix – so no good for me
jobin jose says
is this work with outlook 2010
Chris Thomas says
I can’t believe it..I’ve been struggling with this for months! All this time it was just the firewall… So bizarre, but I’m so relieved. Thanks a bunch for posting that solution in the comments!!
Alan Andrews says
Worked perfectly. Can you add a handler for mp4 files for Outlook 2016? Love your work.
Mark Jones says
previewfix did not work. How do I remove it from the registery?
Dean Whitling says
Tried this but not cigar. All other previews working except for pdf.
Any other ideas/advice to fix it?
David Compton says
“Make sure your Windows Firewall service is enabled and running. ” This fixed it for me.
Darko says
#PHILLIP HAYES
True my friend! You actually managed to save my nerves…
Linda Galforg says
Thanks guys – it worked immediately. I have shared across a couple of forums which are still struggling with this issue.
bui says
Thank you very much
Rifshy says
Awesome!!!, this worked for me.
Thanks a ton buddy….
Phillip Hayes says
Make sure your Windows Firewall service is enabled and running. Do this even if you are using a third party firewall solution. This has fixed it on every machine I’ve tested on. Doesn’t make sense but it works.
Sanjay says
I initially had a problem, a few months ago, with the Excel previewer. I installed a fix and all was well. Today (18 May 2016), Outlook 2016 will not preview Excel, Word or PPT files (though it will happily preview pdf files!).
I tried the fix on your page, but it didn’t solve the problem.
Can you recommend any solutions?