Applies to Windows 8, Windows RT

What's the difference between basic and SkyDrive attachments?

When you add an attachment in the Mail app, you can use basic attachments or SkyDrive attachments. Basic attachments are what you probably are used to using. Files are added to the message, and the person who receives the message downloads them and opens them. The files count against the person’s storage space in their inbox, and there are often restrictions on how large those files can be.

SkyDrive attachments don’t attach directly to the message. Instead, they are saved on SkyDrive in a new folder. When the person receives a message with SkyDrive attachments, they’ll see previews of all the files. If the files are photos, they can launch a slide show directly from the message. If the files are documents, they can open the file, start editing, and the changes are saved automatically. They don't need to sign in to SkyDrive, unless they want to download a large file or folder of files. With SkyDrive attachments, you can control if the person who receives it can edit the file or just view it, and decide if other people can get to that file, as well.

Here’s a quick summary of the two attachment types.

Basic attachments SkyDrive attachments

  • Recommended limit of 25 MB total per message

  • Stored in other person’s inbox

  • No limit on how much you send per message

  • Files are stored on SkyDrive, so they don't fill people's inboxes

  • Attractive preview layout, and can quickly start a slide show

  • Share and edit a document

  • Can set what people can do with the files (view, edit, etc.)

By default, Mail uses basic attachments. If you have photos, large attachments, or want people to be able to edit the file, it’s a good idea to switch to SkyDrive attachments. Here’s how:

  1. On Start, tap or click the Mail app.

  2. Tap or click New.

  3. Swipe up from the bottom edge.
    (If you're using a mouse, right-click within the app.)

  4. Tap or click Attachments.

  5. Find the files you want to attach, and then swipe down on or click them.

  6. Tap or click Attach.

  7. Tap or click Send using SkyDrive instead.

  8. Finish your message, and then tap or click the Send button.