If you've ever tried to send an executable file (an executable file like an. EXE or. BAT program) from Gmail, you've probably already noticed that it couldn't be attached. Gmail even filters out executable file types on compressed files in attachments. To work around the limitations of Gmail attachments, there are two things you can do if you want to send a program: upload the file to Google Drive so it's easy to share with anyone, or remove the file extension and send it from Gmail as a generic file.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Google Drive
Step 1. Understand when you can use this method
All Gmail accounts have 15 GB of Google Drive storage. Google Drive can be used to upload and share any file regardless of the file type. If you use this method, upload the program's setup or installer file to Google Drive, then share the link with anyone you go to. The file size limit that can be uploaded to Google Drive is also much larger (4 GB) than Gmail's 25 MB file limit.
Since Google Drive is accessed through a web browser, this method applies to every operating system and program file type
Step 2. Go to the Google Drive site
Go to drive.google.com and sign in with your Gmail account.
Step 3. Drag the file you want to share into the browser window
You can also click the New button and select File Upload to search for the file on your computer.
Make sure you upload the installer or setup files for the program. If the program doesn't have to be installed but needs some supporting files, create a. ZIP archive with all the files you need so you can only upload one file
Step 4. Wait for the file to finish uploading
Uploading may take a while for large files. You can monitor the upload progress at the bottom of the window.
Step 5. Right click on the uploaded file and select Share
Step 6. Click the Get shareable link button at the top of the window that appears
Step 7. Copy and paste the link into the email message
This link goes directly to a downloadable file.
Step 8. Email everyone who will receive the file
Be sure to include any instructions that may be needed to run or install the program.
Method 2 of 2: Rename Files
Step 1. Understand when you can use this method
If the file is small enough to send from Gmail (less than 25 MB, or 10 MB if the recipient doesn't use Gmail), you can use this method to bypass Gmail's file type filters. The Google Drive method may still be easier than this method, so use this method only if you can't access Google Drive.
The recipient of the email must know how to rename files in order for the program to run
Step 2. Open the directory of the file you want to send
Step 3. Bring up the file extension
If you can't see the file extensions (.exe,.bat, etc.) on your computer, you'll need to enable them first so you can make the necessary changes.
- Windows 7, Vista, XP - Open Control Panel, select Appearance and Personalization, then click Folder Options. Click the View tab and uncheck Hide extensions for known file types. Click Apply.
- Windows 8 - In the directory of the file in question, click the View tab at the top of the window and check File name extensions.
Step 4. Right click on the file and select Rename
Step 5. Remove the file name extension
For example, if the filename is filename.exe, delete the.exe so that the name becomes filename.
You will be asked to confirm that you want to change the file extension. Give confirmation. Don't worry, the file will work again when the extension is added again
Step 6. Compose an email in Gmail and attach the renamed file
To attach, you can drag the file into the message window.
Step 7. Wait for the file to finish uploading
This process may take a few minutes.
If the file size is too large, share it via Google Drive
Step 8. The left of the email contains the attachment of the file
Shipping may also take time. Make sure you specify how to restore the file extension.
Step 9. Ask the recipient of the email to re-add the file extension after it's downloaded
The recipient does not need to display the file extension, but simply adds the original extension to the file name.
