Outlook: Reply All with Attachments – Macro & Compatibility Guide

Guide to enable 'Reply All with Attachments' functionality in Outlook using a VBA macro, and compatibility notes for the New Outlook.

📝 Goal

Enable a “Reply All with Attachments” functionality in Outlook, which is not natively supported by default.

✅ Solution for Classic Outlook (Outlook 365 Desktop)

We can use a VBA macro to simulate this functionality.

🔧 Steps to Create the Macro

1. Open the VBA Editor in Outlook:
   Press Alt + F11.

2. Insert a new module:
   In the VBA editor, go to Insert > Module.

3. Paste the following VBA code:

Sub ReplyAllWithAttachments()
    Dim originalMail As MailItem
    Dim replyMail As MailItem
    Dim attachment As Attachment
    Dim tempAttachmentPath As String
    Dim fso As Object
    Dim tempFolder As String

    ' Ensure only one mail item is selected
    If Application.ActiveExplorer.Selection.Count <> 1 Then
        MsgBox "Please select a single email item.", vbExclamation
        Exit Sub
    End If

    If Not TypeOf Application.ActiveExplorer.Selection.Item(1) Is MailItem Then
        MsgBox "Selected item is not an email.", vbExclamation
        Exit Sub
    End If

    Set originalMail = Application.ActiveExplorer.Selection.Item(1)
    Set replyMail = originalMail.ReplyAll

    ' Save attachments to temp folder and re-attach
    Set fso = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
    tempFolder = Environ("TEMP") & "\OutlookTempAttachments\"

    If Not fso.FolderExists(tempFolder) Then
        fso.CreateFolder tempFolder
    End If

    For Each attachment In originalMail.Attachments
        tempAttachmentPath = tempFolder & attachment.FileName
        attachment.SaveAsFile tempAttachmentPath
        replyMail.Attachments.Add tempAttachmentPath
    Next attachment

    replyMail.Display
End Sub

▶️ How to Use

1. Select an email in your inbox.
2. Run the macro (Developer tab → Macros → ReplyAllWithAttachments).

⚠️ Notes

• Attachments are temporarily saved to disk and then reattached.
• Does not copy inline images.
• Make sure to allow macros in: File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.

❌ Incompatibility with New Outlook

The New Outlook (based on Outlook on the Web) does NOT support VBA macros.

Why?

• New Outlook is built on web technologies.
• No access to the VBA editor or scripting.

Options:

• ✅ Switch back to Classic Outlook using the toggle in the top-right corner.
• 🧩 Build a custom Outlook add-in (JavaScript + Office.js API).

✅ Recommendation

• Use the macro in Classic Outlook for simplicity.
• Only consider building an add-in if required for the New Outlook.