How to open .msg file without outlook

If you’ve received an email with a .msg file attachment, you may be wondering how to open it without using Microsoft Outlook. While Outlook is the most common program used to open .msg files, there are other options available. In this article, we’ll explore how to open .msg files without Outlook and provide some alternative solutions.

What is a .msg File?

A .msg file is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store email messages. It contains all the information of an email, including the sender, recipient, subject, and message body. .msg files can also include attachments, such as images or documents.

Why Open .msg Files Without Outlook?

There are a few reasons why you may want to open .msg files without using Outlook:

• You don’t have Outlook installed on your computer
• You don’t have a license for Outlook
• You prefer to use a different email client
• You want to open the .msg file on a different device that doesn’t have Outlook

How to Open .msg Files Without Outlook

Using a Third-Party Program

One option for opening .msg files without Outlook is to use a third-party program. There are several programs available that can open .msg files, such as Mozilla Thunderbird, eM Client, and Mailbird. These programs are free to download and use, and they offer similar features to Outlook.

To open a .msg file using a third-party program, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the program of your choice.
2. Open the program and go to the “File” menu.
3. Select “Open” or “Import” and choose the .msg file you want to open.
4. The email message will open in the program, and you can view its contents.

Using an Online Converter

Another option for opening .msg files without Outlook is to use an online converter. These websites allow you to upload your .msg file and convert it to a different file format, such as PDF or HTML. This can be useful if you only need to view the contents of the email and don’t need to edit or reply to it.

Some popular online converters for .msg files include Zamzar, CloudConvert, and Convertio. To use an online converter, follow these steps:

1. Go to the website of your chosen converter.
2. Upload your .msg file by clicking on the “Choose File” or “Select File” button.
3. Select the desired output format.
4. Click on the “Convert” or “Start” button to begin the conversion process.
5. Once the conversion is complete, you can download the converted file and open it using a compatible program.

Using a File Viewer

If you don’t want to install any additional programs or use an online converter, you can also use a file viewer to open .msg files. A file viewer is a program that allows you to view the contents of different file types without needing the original program that created them.

Some popular file viewers for .msg files include File Viewer Plus, Free File Viewer, and File Magic. These programs are free to download and use, and they support a wide range of file formats. To open a .msg file using a file viewer, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the file viewer of your choice.
2. Open the program and go to the “File” menu.
3. Select “Open” and choose the .msg file you want to open.
4. The email message will open in the file viewer, and you can view its contents.

Alternative Solutions for Opening .msg Files

Forwarding the Email

If you have access to an email account that has Outlook installed, you can forward the email with the .msg file to that account. This will allow you to open the email and its attachment using Outlook.

To forward an email, follow these steps:

1. Open the email with the .msg file in your email client.
2. Click on the “Forward” button.
3. Enter the email address of the account with Outlook installed.
4. Click on the “Send” button.
5. Open the forwarded email in Outlook and view the .msg file as an attachment.

Saving the Email as a Different File Type

Another option is to save the email as a different file type that can be opened without Outlook. This can be done by opening the email in Outlook and then going to the “File” menu and selecting “Save As”. From there, you can choose a different file format, such as PDF or HTML, and save the email to your computer.

Conclusion

While Outlook is the most common program used to open .msg files, there are alternative solutions available. By using a third-party program, an online converter, or a file viewer, you can open .msg files without needing Outlook. Additionally, forwarding the email or saving it as a different file type are also viable options. With these solutions, you can easily access the contents of .msg files without using Outlook.