This File Cannot Be Previewed: How to Fix This Outlook Error

Ensure you have the Previewer installed on Outlook

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Among the many issues plaguing Outlook users,This filecannot be previewed because an error message has become prominent. This prevents you from accessing your emails and shared files. Hence, we will proffer possible solutions to fix it.

Also, you can encounter issues withOutlook not connecting to the server and Gmail, preventing you from accessing your emails.

Why can’t I preview files on Outlook?

This file cannot be previewed error can appear in various forms, and the variation may be based on the cause. Some notable causes of the error are:

Nonetheless, we’ll take you through some basic steps to resolve the error and get Outlook to work as expected.

What can I do if I get this file cannot be previewed prompt on Outlook?

Apply the following preliminary checks:

If the error persists, follow the steps below:

1. Ensure the right Previewer is enabled in Trust Center

Enabling the Previewers in Outlook allows it to use them when needed.

2. Check Optimize for compatibility settings

Allowing the Optimize for compatibility option will fix display compatibility issues that can cause the problem. Read our guide onfixing the action cannot be completed errorif you run into it on Outlook.

3. Reset Content.Outlook Folder

The Content.Outlook folder stores the files you want to preview in Outlook, so resetting it will remove corrupt files preventing the files from opening.

4. Repair Microsoft Office

Repairing Microsoft Office will fix issues that can cause the file cannot be previewed error.

In conclusion, you may be interested in fixingOutlook crashing after Windows updateson your PC. Also, check how to fixOutlook folder disappearingissue on your computer.

Should you have further questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section.

This File Cannot Be Previewed: How to Fix This Outlook Error#

Why can’t I preview files on Outlook?#

What can I do if I get this file cannot be previewed prompt on Outlook?#

1. Ensure the right Previewer is enabled in Trust Center#

2. Check Optimize for compatibility settings#

3. Reset Content.Outlook Folder#

4. Repair Microsoft Office#