Outlook Bans Inline SVGs: What SMBs Need to Know Now

Ever wondered if that weird blank spot in an email is a warning?

What inline SVG images are and why attackers love them | How Outlook’s change protects your business | What you should do today to stay safe | Conclusion | FAQ

## What inline SVG images are and why attackers love them
Inline SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) are images embedded directly in email bodies using XML-based code. Attackers have been abusing them because they can contain scripts (like HTML or JavaScript) that bypass many antivirus tools and redirect users to phishing sites. Microsoft states SVG-based phishing attacks surged almost **1,800%** between April 2024 and early 2025. ([simplysecuregroup.com](https://simplysecuregroup.com/microsoft-outlook-stops-displaying-inline-svg-images-used-in-attacks/?utm_source=openai))

## How Outlook’s change protects your business
Microsoft announced in early September 2025 that Outlook for Web and the new Outlook for Windows will stop displaying inline SVG images. Instead of the image you’ll see a blank space. The update is worldwide and should have finished by mid-October. This change affects **less than 0.1% of all images**, so most users won’t notice disruption. Attachments still work as before. ([mc.merill.net](https://mc.merill.net/message/MC1130385?utm_source=openai)) This helps stop cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks and other embedded code risks from attackers. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsoft-outlook-will-no-longer-show-inline-svg-images-regularly-exploited-in-phishing-attacks?utm_source=openai))

## What you should do today to stay safe
– Check your marketing or invoice templates that use embedded images. If you use inline SVGs switch those to attachments or use safe image formats like PNG or JPEG.
– Test your outgoing email: send to a few accounts (Web, Windows, mobile) and verify graphics show correctly.
– Update internal documentation or training so your team knows this change is in place.
– Audit your email security policies: ensure attachments and inline content are scanned, track where scripts are embedded in any content you send.

## Conclusion
This Outlook change may seem small because it affects under 0.1% of images. But it blocks a sneaky pathway attackers were increasingly using. If you rely on inline SVGs for branding or content now is your moment to act. A small change now saves trouble later.

## FAQ
**Q: Will images sent as attachments still show?**
A: Yes. Outlook still supports SVGs as classic attachments. Only inline display is disabled. ([message.cengizyilmaz.net](https://message.cengizyilmaz.net/message/retirement-of-inline-svg-images-in-microsoft-outlook?utm_source=openai))

**Q: Will this affect mobile Outlook apps or older versions?**
A: This change targets Outlook for Web and the **new Outlook for Windows**. Classic/older Outlook and mobile clients are less affected. Test to be sure. ([borncity.com](https://borncity.com/win/2025/10/11/microsoft-outlook-svg-images-blocked-inline-images-not-displayed/?utm_source=openai))

**Q: Do I need to update my templates immediately?**
A: Yes. Updating now keeps your branding intact and ensures clients or partners don’t see missing logos or broken visuals.

Ready to make sure your emails stay professional and secure? Schedule a free 10-minute risk check with our team at [Datafying Tech Services](https://datafying.tech/contact/).

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https://www.techradar.com/pro/microsoft-outlook-will-no-longer-show-inline-svg-images-regularly-exploited-in-phishing-attacks