How to Explore MSG files in Outlook?

Want to explore MSG files in Outlook but don’t know how to do it? Then you are in the right palace. Here, we will provide three different ways to read MSG files in very easy steps. But first, let us understand what an MSG file is.

MSG file is a file format to store your single data items like email, calendar, contact, etc. on our computer. This format is only used in Outlook programs and other Microsoft-based email clients. This file is created when you save your Outlook data item to your local drive or network storage. So your data is saved in the MSG file format. After that, you can also open the file in the Outlook program easily.

As for exploring the file, you can only do this in Outlook. So, if you have the program, you can easily view the file. But if you have not installed the program, then how can you view the file? For this, there is a way.

Methods to Explore MSG Files in Outlook

To view MSG files, you can double-click the file, and it will open in Outlook. This happens because your program is set to default. So, whenever you click the file, it will open in Outlook. Another way to import and read the file is the drag-and-drop method. This method is just as easy as the first method. Here, we physically move the files in the Outlook folder. Both techniques are free, but what if you don’t have an Outlook application? In that case, a third-party tool will be the best choice for you. So, there are three ways to open and read MSG files.

• Double-click the MSG files in the default Outlook program.
• Drag and drop an MSG file in Outlook.
• Use the software to open, read, and explore MSG files.

Method 1: Explore MSG Files in Outlook by Double-Clicking

This is an easy way; you have to first check that your Outlook is a default mail program.

• On the home screen of your computer. Click on Start button on your home window and then click Settings.
• Select the App button, then the Default App option. Now, choose the default app by file type.
• Scroll down to the .msg file extension. Click on the mail option beside the extension.
• Click on the Outlook program. After that, double-click your file, and it will open in Outlook.
• Now, you can read the data item in the file easily.

Method 2: Explore MSG Files in Outlook by Drag and Drop

In this, you have to first create a new Outlook folder where you saved your files after moving them from the location where they were stored.

• Open the Outlook program on the left pane of the screen. Right-click it.
• Select a new folder from the drop-down list and name it.
• Navigate to where your MSG files are and select any one file. Drag it and drop it into the folder that you have created.
• Again, select the MSG file, drag it, and drop it in the same folder. Repeat this until you move all your files.
• Now, click the folder in which you have saved them and view MSG files.

Limitations of Manual Ways

Both of the above methods are free, but they will only be applicable if you have an Outlook program. In addition, there are other problems you may face while using this method.

• You have an issue viewing multiple MSG files at the same time.
• Data may be lost during the process.
• There is no advanced option to analyse your files.

So, these methods can only be used for a limited purpose. But the next method is applicable for various purposes.

Method 3: A Professional Way to Explore MSG Files in Outlook

The above methods can help you view MSG files, but if you don’t have Outlook, then this method will help you. Here, we use the FreeViewer MSG Viewer Tool to open, read, analyze, and explore your files in just a few minutes. In this way, you can easily read multiple MSG files without any problem and without the Outlook program. This software has many other features.

Features of Software

• You can easily view your attachments along with other data items.
• There are multiple preview modes available to read MSG files, such as HEX, HTML, MIME, etc.
• It has a user-friendly interface, so there is no problem with your work.
• If you want, you can view an oversize MSG file without any difficulties.
• The tool is compatible with any Windows version, including 11, 10, 8, 7, etc.

Steps to View MSG Files

1. Download and launch the software.
2. After opening it, on the left side of the screen, you can see your folders stored in your system. Search a folder where MSG files are stored.
3. Click on the MSG folder, and the tool displays your files in the center of the screen.
4. Click on the email or the data to view the content in it. You can preview in different modes, like HEX, HTML, MIME, etc.

Conclusion

In this article, we explore MSG files in Outlook using various methods. The first two are manual, where either you double-click the file and open it in Outlook by default or drag and drop the MSG file in the Outlook folder. Both methods are free, but they have more drawbacks than benefits. The last method is the professional one, where you can view the MSG files without Outlook. This is the best option to view the files, as it has more benefits than limitations.