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The Linked image cannot be displayed error in an Outlook email message

  • Article
  • Applies to:
    Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Microsoft Outlook 2010, Outlook for Microsoft 365

Original KB number:   3096277

Symptoms

In Microsoft Outlook 2010 or Outlook 2013, images are not displayed in some email messages. Instead, you see a red x and the following text:

Right-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Screenshot of the Right-click here to download pictures error detail.

Additionally, when you right-click the image and select Download Pictures, the following error is displayed instead of the original text:

The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.

Screenshot of the linked image cannot be displayed error detail.

Cause

This issue occurs when the BlockHTTPimages registry value is set to 1 and the images in the email message have a source that points to a URL.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, follow these steps.

Important: Follow the steps in this section carefully. Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Before you modify it, back up the registry for restoration in case problems occur.

  1. Exit Outlook.

  2. Start Registry Editor. To do this, use one of the following methods, as appropriate for your situation:

    • Windows 8 or Windows 10: Press Windows Key+R to open a Run dialog box.
    • Windows 7 or Windows Vista: Select Start, and then select Run to open a Run dialog box.

  3. Type regedit.exe, and then press Enter.

  4. Locate and select the following subkey.

    • Without Group Policy:

      Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\x.0\Common
      DWORD: BlockHTTPimages
      Value: 1

    • With Group Policy:

      Key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\policies\Microsoft\Office\x.0\Common
      DWORD: BlockHTTPimages
      Value: 1

  5. Right-click the BlockHTTPimages key, and then select Delete.

  6. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, select Yes.

  7. On the File menu, select Exit to exit Registry Editor.

Note

If the registry value is located under the Policies hive, it may have been configured by Group Policy. If it was configured by Group Policy, it will be restored when this policy is refreshed on the computer. Your administrator must change the policy to change this setting.