How to search words within attachment names or content in Outlook?

Author: Kelly Last Modified: 2025-01-06

Outlook can store a significant number of emails and attachments, making it challenging to locate specific files. Fortunately, there are effective methods to search for keywords within attachment names or even the content of attachments. Below, we’ll explore two approaches: using Outlook’s built-in search function and leveraging Kutools for Outlook’s Attachment Manager for a more advanced and flexible search.

Search words within attachment names or content using built-in Search

Search words only within attachment names using Attachment Management

Search words within attachment names or content using built-in Search

Outlook allows you to search for keywords in attachment names and sometimes within attachment content.

Step 1. Go to the folder where you want to perform the search (e.g., Inbox or Sent Items). Click on the Search Bar at the top of your Outlook window.

Step 2. To search within attachment names, type the following: attachment:keyword.

Replace keyword with the word you want to search for. For example, attachment:outlook will display all emails with attachments containing the word "outlook" in their file names or contents.

Step 3. Press the Enter key, and all attachments that contain the word “outlook” within in their names or contents are listed.

Search words only within attachment names using Attachment Management

If you're looking to search specifically within attachment file names, Kutools for Outlook’s Attachment Manager is an excellent tool. It offers more flexible options, allowing you to search attachments by name, size, and more.

👉 Kutools for Outlook has a free version now, whose 70+ features are free for a lifetime. Download the Free Version Now.

Step 1. Download and install Kutools for Outlook, open Outlook, and click Kutools Plus tab > Manager.

Step 2. In the pop-up window, select the folders you want to search. Click Ok.

Step 3. Then select the Attachment name from the Search scope drop-down list, type the keyword into the textbox on the right side, and press the Enter key. All attachment names contain the keyword listed.