How to Open MSG Files With Outlook on Windows?

MSG files aren’t compatible with modern PST/OST viewers. Thus, the need to develop new viewers to accommodate MSG and MBOX files.

Meanwhile, you can access and examine your files and start with a trial account right here.

Summary: To quickly inspect an MSG file, Microsoft Outlook or trusted third-party tools can be used.

For more complex needs, such as eDiscovery, opt for software that maintains metadata integrity and supports various MSG file types.

How to Open an MSG File?

The answer varies based on your needs. Your approach will differ if you want to view its contents or require it for legal purposes, such as eDiscovery.

Quick Viewing of MSG Files

If you just need a brief look at MSG files, opening it is straightforward.

• Outlook (Windows): Open the MSG file in Outlook if you have the application. If it fails to open automatically, right-click the file, select ‘Open With,’ and choose ‘Outlook.’ Alternatively, copy and paste the file into Outlook: right-click the file, choose ‘Copy,’ then open Outlook and right-click to select ‘Paste.’

• Third-Party PC Tools: If Outlook isn’t available, one can use various third-party tools. For Mac users, this is often necessary since Outlook for Mac doesn’t handle MSG files. Be cautious with these tools, as some may contain malware. We offer a free viewer that operates directly in your browser without installation.

Accessing an eDiscovery MSG 

eDiscovery involves a more intricate procedure, and many viewers need more essential features.

For instance, some tools may alter file metadata, affecting its digital footprint, and/or fail to identify various MSG subtypes correctly.

Third-Party MSG/PST Viewer  

It supports all types of MSG files and offers stro

ng security. eDiscovery solutions manage various PST and MSG files while preserving their metadata. These services are secure because they avoid installing software on your PC, reducing the risk of malware. 

Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Occasionally, antivirus programs might mistakenly identify and block an MSG file as a threat. Check your antivirus for any alerts or notifications.

If you trust the file, either add it to the whitelist or temporarily disable your antivirus to access it.

Clear Outlook Temporary Files

Removing temporary files generated by Outlook can resolve issues and enhance the application's performance.

In File Explorer, search for “Internet FilesContent.Outlook.” Delete all files in this directory and then restart your computer.

Update Windows and Office

Keeping your Windows OS and Office applications up-to-date can resolve many bugs and issues. In Windows Settings, check for and install updates.

If Office was installed through the Microsoft Store, open the Store to update your apps. Open each application for Office installed from a setup file and select Update Now.

Adjust Unicode Format

Their format can influence the compatibility of Outlook email files. You can choose between MSG and Unicode or ANSI formats.

Ask the sender to provide the file in a different format if necessary. In Outlook, toggle the “Use Unicode Format” setting in the Save Messages section.

Rebuild the Extend.dat File

The Extend.dat file Outlook uses might become corrupted and affect MSG file functionality.

To resolve this, close Outlook, locate the Extend.dat file using File Explorer, and rename it to “extend.old.” Restart Outlook and attempt to open the MSG file again.

Repair Office

If previous methods fail, consider repairing your Office installation. Open Windows Settings, navigate to Apps and find your Office version.

Press the three-dot menu and choose “Modify.” Next, select Quick Repair or Online Repair and follow the prompts. Restart your computer and see if the MSG files open correctly in Outlook.

Manually Open the MSG File 

Typically, Windows will recognize the MSG file format and link it to Outlook, enabling you to open the file with a double-click.

If this doesn’t occur, you can manually open the file by right-clicking it, choosing “Open with,” and selecting Outlook. This action will set Outlook as the default program for opening MSG files in the future.

What do Microsoft Outlook email MSG and PST Formats Mean? 

If you're familiar with Outlook but need to be tech-savvy, you might need clarification about the details. Here’s a brief overview of what you should understand.

MSG Represents an Individual email in Outlook.

Outlook employs the MSG format (.msg extension) to save individual email messages. Moving an email from Outlook to a folder on your computer converts the email into an MSG file.

This file includes the email content, metadata such as sender, recipient, and timestamps, as well as any links and attachments.

Since Microsoft controls the MSG format, you need Outlook or compatible Microsoft software to access these files.

PST Files Organize email Collections on Outlook.

When you transfer an email from Outlook, it becomes an MSG file. However, while the email remains in Outlook, it’s saved in a PST file (.pst extension).

PST stands for Personal Storage Table. Introduced by Microsoft in the 1990s, PST files were a groundbreaking method for managing email storage.

You’ll mostly deal with PST files, but MSG files occasionally arise. When they do, remember they can be more than just emails.

Outlook is an email application, calendar, task manager, address book, journal, and more.

Thus, an MSG file could represent an email, an appointment, a task, a contact, or any other Outlook item. Each type is stored as a distinct MSG subtype, which matters when accessing these files.