FilesAnywhere Outlook Add-in vs. Native Outlook Features: A Comparison

FilesAnywhere Outlook Add-in: Quick Setup Guide for Windows

Overview

This guide walks you through installing and configuring the FilesAnywhere Outlook Add-in on Windows so you can attach, save, and share files directly from Outlook.

Requirements

• Windows 10 or later
• Microsoft Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, or Microsoft 365 (desktop app)
• Active FilesAnywhere account (username and password)
• Internet access

1. Download the Add-in

1. Sign in to your FilesAnywhere account in a browser.
2. Go to Integrations > Outlook Add-in (or search for “Outlook Add-in” in FilesAnywhere help).
3. Download the Windows installer (EXE).

2. Run the Installer

1. Close Outlook.
2. Double-click the downloaded EXE file.
3. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes to allow changes.
4. Follow the installer prompts:
   • Accept the license agreement.
   • Choose installation location (default is fine).
   • Click Install, then Finish.

3. Enable the Add-in in Outlook

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Options > Add-ins.
3. At the bottom next to Manage, select COM Add-ins and click Go.
4. Ensure FilesAnywhere Outlook Add-in is checked. Click OK.
5. If you don’t see it, restart Outlook and repeat; if still missing, re-run the installer.

4. Sign in to FilesAnywhere from Outlook

1. In Outlook, open a new email window.
2. Look for the FilesAnywhere ribbon or toolbar button.
3. Click Sign In.
4. Enter your FilesAnywhere username and password, then authenticate. If your organization uses SSO, follow the SSO prompts.

5. Using the Add-in: Attach and Save Files

• To attach from FilesAnywhere:
  1. In a new message, click the FilesAnywhere button.
  2. Browse your FilesAnywhere folders and select files or folders.
  3. Choose to insert as a secure link or attach the file directly (depending on settings).
• To save attachments to FilesAnywhere:
  1. Open an email with attachments.
  2. Select the attachment and click Save to FilesAnywhere.
  3. Choose the destination folder and confirm.

6. Configure Default Options

1. In Outlook, open the FilesAnywhere menu > Settings or Options.
2. Set preferences:
   • Default attach method (link vs. attachment)
   • Default save folder
   • Link expiration and access permissions
3. Save changes.

7. Troubleshooting

• Add-in not visible: Confirm COM add-in is enabled, reinstall, or run Outlook as administrator.
• Sign-in failures: Verify credentials, check SSO settings, or reset your FilesAnywhere password.
• Attachments fail to upload: Check internet connection, file size limits, and FilesAnywhere storage quota.
• Conflicts with other add-ins: Temporarily disable other COM add-ins to test.

8. Best Practices

• Prefer secure links for large files or when sharing externally.
• Set reasonable link expirations and permissions.
• Keep Outlook and the add-in updated.
• Regularly clear temporary files if performance slows.

9. Uninstalling

1. Close Outlook.
2. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
3. Find FilesAnywhere Outlook Add-in, click it, and choose Uninstall.
4. Restart Outlook.

If you need sample screenshots, specific SSO steps, or troubleshooting logs, tell me which one and I’ll provide them.