Best Method to Remove Duplicate Attachment from Outlook

Factors Generating Duplicate Attachments in Outlook 

Duplicate attachments generally result from repetitive exchange of similar emails across devices. However, there can be many other reasons for it, specified below:

• Misconfiguration of IMAP syncs
• Forwarded loops in internal communications 
• Export and Import of several mailboxes 
• Copied items due to rules and automation settings
• Restoring PST or OST files from a backup
• Merger of multiple PST emails overlaps attachments

If left unattended, the mailbox size may inflate massively and slow down the entire Outlook performance. 

Remove Duplicate Attachment from Outlook, But Why?

As specified above, managing duplicate attachments is mandatory to keep the mailbox storage free and clean. Other common reasons are:

• To restore the storage that is taken away by 10-30% large PST/OST files.
• Speed up the instant search with decreased load on indexing
• Faster send/receive email cycles improve Outlook performance
• Fewer chances for PST corruption or data loss and quick backups
• Maintain an organized and proper mailbox without similar data

Ideal Methods to Delete Duplicate Attachments from Outlook 

Eliminating similar attachments is not a very hard task and can be easily done manually or professionally. This section explains a reliable free solution and an ultimate software for speedy and accurate cleanup. 

Deleting Duplicate Attachments in Outlook on a Small Scale

The manual methods here are classified according to different scenarios. You can look and choose what best fits your preference. 

1) Exclude Duplicates from the Attachments Line 

1. Launch MS Outlook and browse to the folder containing duplicate attachments. 
2. Then, click on View Settings and choose Sort. 
3. Further, using the Size or Attachments column, sort the duplicates. 
4. Right-click them and press Remove Attachment/Delete Attachment.
5. Once done, at last, click Save to secure your clean attachments. 

Note: The simplest method that ensures your email content is kept intact.

2) Remove Duplicate Attachment from Outlook Email Body

1. Initially, open the Outlook email whose similar attachments you want to delete. 
2. Next, click the Message button and choose Actions. Then, click Edit. 
3. Afterward, select your attachment and press the Delete Key on the keyboard. 
4. Finally, save your modified email without duplicates. 

Note: Attachments must be embedded in the email content to use this method. 

3) Search and Delete Duplicate Outlook Attachments

1. Start your MS Outlook and open the Inbox. 
2. Then, in the search bar, type has attachments: true filename:.
3. Outlook lists all the emails with the same attachment names automatically.
4. Further, check the dates or body content to identify duplicates. 
5. In the end, manually delete each duplicate attachment. 

Drawbacks of the Methods

• You can only delete attachments one by one, i.e., repetition of tasks. 
• Not suitable for deleting duplicates from multiple Outlook attachments at once.
• Time-consuming, frustrating, and effortful process with no guaranteed removal. 
• It is possible that important data gets deleted accidentally in the process, too. 

Remove Duplicate Attachment from Outlook at Large Scale

Enterprise users, business professionals, IT admins, and other individual end users agree that manual methods are only suitable at a point. For bulk removal of duplicate attachments while preserving the data structure, metadata, and email content, using a specialized tool is best. 

The SysInfo Outlook Duplicate Remover Tool is one such demanded solution among all tech and non-tech users. It processes large mailboxes without corruption risks, eliminates duplicates flexibly, reliably, scalably, and speedily in minimal time. Additionally, it removes attachments across mail, calendar, task, and contacts on both Mac and Windows. Moreover, it lets you save the modified PST at your desired destination with ease. 

Quick Guide for Deleting Duplicate Attachments in Outlook

1. Launch the Outlook PST Duplicate Remover and choose an option for file upload. Click Next.
2. Then, use the Select Files or Select Folder buttons and upload the Outlook PST with attachments. 
3. Further, preview the attachment content of emails in the panel and click Next after folder selection. 
4. Now, apply the filters as desired and click the Remove Attachments option. 
5. In the end, specify a Path to Save resultant PST without attachments and click Next. 

Note: To test out this functionality, you can use the Demo Version of the software and delete duplicates from up to 50 emails per folder at zero cost. 

Conclusion 

Duplicate attachments not only clutter your Outlook storage but also result in slow performance and many other issues. It halts the routine tasks and decreases the workflow efficiency. Manual methods help clear a few attachments at a time, but with a lot of effort. With the professional SysInfo Outlook Duplicate Eliminator, remove duplicate attachment from Outlook accurately and precisely without any risks. Hence, MS Outlook is optimized, and storage is free. 

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.