Using New Outlook on Windows for professional communication and productivity
Hi Corey,
I understand you're looking for a way to make file attachments default to actual files rather than links.
Just a quick note: this is a user‑to‑user support forum. Members on this forum are regular users too and don’t have the ability to change or influence Microsoft product features or design decisions. What we can do is share findings, observed behaviors, and practical tips based on experience and available information.
I tested this in my environment and was unable to find a setting in New Outlook that provides the same functionality as the "Always attach them as copies" option available in Classic Outlook.
Based on my testing, files stored in OneDrive may be added as sharing links, while files selected from local storage are attached as regular files.
Currently, the available option I could find to ensure a file is attached as a traditional attachment is to download the file to your local device (if it's stored in OneDrive), then use Insert > Attach File > Browse this computer and select the file from your local device.
Unfortunately, there seems to be no setting in New Outlook to make this behavior the default for all attachments. This appears to be the current design and available functionality of the product.
If having a default setting that always attaches files as copies is important to your workflow, I recommend submitting feedback through via Feedback Hub so the product team can review the request for future consideration.
Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility.
Additionally, since many other users have raised similar concerns but may not be aware of where to submit product feedback, if my response has helped clarify the situation and pointed you toward a possible next step, please consider upvoting it. Doing so can help make this discussion more visible to others in the community who may be experiencing the same issue and are looking for guidance or a way to support similar feedback.
Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern.