Advice
Published:
January 22, 2025
Updated:
April 17, 2026

What is the maximum size of an Outlook email?

By
Letsignit

If you're using Outlook, two questions have probably crossed your mind: what is the maximum size of an email, and how can I send a larger file?

These are completely legitimate concerns! Whether for personal or professional use, knowing the sending limits and being able to manage the size of your emails is essential for optimal communication. And honestly, what’s more frustrating than an error message telling you your email didn't send because of a file that's too large?

No more headaches! Today, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the maximum email size in Outlook, along with tips for sending large attachments.

Maximum File Size in an Outlook Email: A Variable Figure Based on Your Account

Taille maxi mail outlook

So, what is the maximum email size in Outlook? Actually, Microsoft’s email service has defined several limits based on the type of account (free or paid) and the version of Outlook you're using.

Thus, on a free Outlook.com account, the maximum size of an email sent from the email service is 25MB. In Office 365, Microsoft’s suite of tools integrated into your desktop, this limit is set to 20MB for a free account, and increases to 150MB on a paid plan.

A note about the said size: it includes not only your attachment but also the text and other elements embedded in the email, such as your professional email signature. Generally, however, these last elements are negligible compared to the size of the attachment.

Why Is There a Maximum Attachment Size in Outlook?

Combien de mo par mail outlook

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But why impose a size limit on emails and attachments in Outlook? Don't see this as a Microsoft conspiracy to make your life more difficult! In fact, the company only has your best interests at heart.

This size limit has several reasons, including:

  • Security: The size limit protects you from spam, viruses, and other unwelcome surprises.
  • Storage: The larger the emails, the more space they take up on the Outlook server, which could impact the smooth operation and user experience for everyone.
  • Compatibility between different email services: The standard size limit ensures smooth sending and receiving between various services and users.
  • UX (User Experience): Have you ever had to wait for minutes (or hours) to download a large file? With this limit, Microsoft aims to spare you from such frustrating experiences!

Speaking of UX, do you know what can be designed intuitively and in the blink of an eye? Your email signature! Find out how to create your Outlook email signature seamlessly.

Outlook Email Sending Limits Per Day

In addition to the email size limit, Outlook imposes other restrictions to ensure security, proper service functioning, and a smooth experience. Among these restrictions is the daily sending and receiving limit.

This limit, which helps prevent server overload, is not specified by Microsoft. However, it seems that it is set to 300 emails per day with a free account.

Maximum Number of Recipients for an Email in Outlook

Nombre maximum de destinataires dans un mail outlook

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The third limitation imposed by Outlook to protect its users and ensure a smooth experience is the maximum number of recipients per email.

What is the maximum number of recipients?

Once again, this is a variable figure depending on the type of account.

For Microsoft 365 subscribers, the recipient limit is set to 5000 per day, and the maximum number of recipients per message is set to 500. This value applies to people you have already been in contact with. It increases to 1000 for first-time contacts, also known as "recipients with no relationship."

For free accounts, the recipient limit is not specified by Microsoft but is certainly lower.

How to send an email to more than 100 people on Outlook?

To send an email to a large number of people, regardless of your Outlook account, the best solution is to create a contact group.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Go to Outlook.com and sign in to your account.
  • Click on Contacts in the navigation bar.
  • Under Home, select New Contact Group.
  • Enter the group name in the dialog box.
  • Under Contact Group, click Add Members.
  • You can then select From Outlook Contacts/From Address Book/New E-mail Contact.
  • Click OK.
  • Select Save & Close.

Additional tip for your communication campaign to be a real success: add an impactful Outlook signature with your company’s branding to your email!

Sending a Large File via Outlook Email: Our Guide

Comment envoyer un fichier de plus de 30 mo par mail

Can't quite accept the size limit imposed by Outlook? No problem – there are several methods to send emails with larger attachments.

Solutions for Sending Larger Files

1Compress your file

Zip! In the time it takes to say it, you can compress your large file into a zip file using dedicated software. WinZip or 7-Zip, for example, are two very effective free services.

2Use a large file sharing service

Another practical and quick option for sending your larger files is to use a file-sharing service. With Dropbox or WeTransfer, among others, upload your photo/video/experimental art film of 4 hours, then insert the link into your email, and you’re good to go!

3Use OneDrive, Outlook's file sharing and storage cloud

For its subscribers, Microsoft offers a file-sharing and real-time collaboration cloud service called OneDrive. With this tool easily accessible from your email, there's no need to get frustrated by error messages due to a file that's too large. Simply upload the file to OneDrive, and your collaborators will have immediate access.

How to Send a File Larger Than 30MB via Email?

Want to send a file exceeding the standard 25MB limit in an Outlook email? In addition to the methods mentioned below, you can also send the file in multiple parts, if the nature of the file allows it (for example, a video split into several parts).

Microsoft 365 subscribers can also ask Outlook administrators to increase the size of their attachments. This approach doesn't always work, so be sure to prepare strong arguments! And don't forget: as a paying user, you have access to OneDrive. So much less time-consuming, so much more peaceful...

By the way, if you have a paid account for your professional activity, don’t forget to create your Outlook 365 signature to enhance your communication.

Out of inspiration? Check out our Outlook signature templates!

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About the author
About Letsignit
Letsignit is an email signature management solution that enables organizations to transform their employees' email signatures into a powerful 1-1 engagement medium for their brands and campaigns.

Frequently asked questions

1

What is the maximum file size per email?

La taille maximum d'un fichier par mail Outlook est définie à 25 Mo pour un compte gratuit, 150 Mo pour les abonnés Microsoft 365.The maximum file size for an email in Outlook is set to 25 MB for a free account and 150 MB for Microsoft 365 subscribers.

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How to send a large file via Outlook email?

To send a large file via Outlook:

  • Compress your file into a zip file
  • Share your file via a sharing platform
  • Use OneDrive, Outlook's cloud storage
  • If possible, send your attachment in multiple parts

Don't forget: certain elements like your email signature are very lightweight. It allows you to communicate effectively through a visual while taking up minimal space. Simply define the right email signature format!

3

How to increase the size of an Outlook email?

You cannot increase the size of an Outlook email, except by contacting your provider directly. This process doesn't always yield results!

4

How to reduce the size of an image file in Outlook?

To reduce the size of an image file in Outlook:

  • Attach your file to your email.
  • Under File, click on Info.
  • Under Attachments, select Resize large images when sending this message.
  • Send!

There you go, now you know the maximum email size in Outlook and how to send large files! For optimal communication, don't forget to include a professional signature with an email signature tool such as the one from Letsignit!

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