Can’t preview Office documents in Outlook if Windows Firewall Service is disabled
When you try to preview an Office file attachment in the Microsoft Outlook reading pane, you receive the following error message:
This file cannot be previewed because of an error with the following previewer
How to Solve:
- Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Scroll down, right-click Windows Firewall (or Windows Defender Firewall), and select Properties.
- Set the Startup type to Automatic, click Apply, and then click Start if the service is stopped.
- Restart Outlook and try previewing your attachment.
Disable Protected View (Alternative)
If your organization requires the firewall to be disabled, you can bypass the preview restriction by turning off Protected View within your Office apps:
- Open Word or Excel (this must be done in the standalone app, not Outlook).
- Go to File > Options.
- Select Trust Center > Trust Center Settings.
- Click Protected View and uncheck Enable Protected View for Outlook attachments.
- Click OK, restart Outlook, and check if the preview works.
Repair Office
1. Open Control Panel
Click the Windows Start button, type Control Panel into the search box, and select it from the results.
2. Access Installed Programs
Under the Programs category, click Uninstall a program. (If your Control Panel is set to large/small icons, click Programs and Features directly).
3. Locate Microsoft Office
Scroll down the list until you find your Office version (e.g., Microsoft 365, Microsoft Office 2021, or Microsoft Office 2016).
4. Initiate the Repair
Click on the Office application to highlight it, and then click Change at the top of the program list.
5. Choose Repair Option
A window will pop up asking how you would like to repair your programs. Select Online Repair, then click the Repair button.
Note: A Quick Repair option is also available and fixes most issues faster without needing an internet connection, but Online Repair does a more thorough cleanup and restoration.
6. Complete and Restart
Let the process run (it may take 10-20 minutes depending on your internet speed). Once finished, restart your computer and try opening your Office applications again.
