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What is a MSG File and How to Access It With Attachments?

Admin • January 20, 2025 • 4 Minutes Reading

This blog is solely dedicated to those people who want to learn “what is a MSG file”. Thus, it is a highly searchable query because many email client experts, students, engineers, programmers, and software developers want to know about this Outlook MSG extension. Therefore, read this article patiently till the very end section. So, should we begin? Let’s start then!

MSG File Extension Overview

File Extension *.msg
Developer Microsoft Corporation
Category Text Files
Format Binary

What is a MSG File Format?

MSG file extension was developed by Microsoft Corporation for MS Exchange or Outlook programs. It can contain plain ASCII text for saving the message header as well as the body. Thus, an MSG file is a single Outlook message file extension that is capable of storing all email components outside the Outlook interface. Therefore, whether it’s Microsoft Outlook contacts, emails, tasks, or appointments, this file extension supports every form of Outlook data. Over and above that, it also contains the attributes of files such as contact details, date, time, subject, links, signature, email text, sender, receiver, headings, etc.

Additionally, Microsoft Outlook users mainly archive MSG files for their personal or professional future use. Plus, forensic investigators also extract MSG files from Outlook to investigate the Outlook email files accurately. Not only that but sometimes, those users who want to print or share specific Outlook messages for completing business and personal needs then they also archive specific Outlook messages in MSG extension.

How to Access MSG File?

There are different ways to access MSG files with or without the use of Outlook. Thus, to make you aware of both ways, we have briefly mentioned them in the below-shared section. So, have a quick look at them.

Technique 1: Double-click the MSG File

  1. Install and log in to MS Outlook in your system.
  2. Now, browse the saved MSG files.
  3. Then, double-click on any particular MSG file.
  4. Thus, it will automatically let you access MSG file in Outlook.

Note: This solution is not suggested to access bulk MSG files as it is completely manual and demands the user to read each file separately. Moreover, it is not a standalone method as access to MS Outlook is a must to follow it effectively. 

Technique 2: Use Professional Tool

If MS Outlook is not installed on your machine and you want to access the MSG files then you can download free MSG Viewer. This tool is capable of scanning complete detailed information without MS Outlook dependency. On the other hand, if you want to access Outlook messages in other non-supportable programs then you can use MSG Converter Software. The tool is not just able to access Outlook MSG files but also save them in 30+ file extensions like MSG to MBOX, EML, EMLX, PDF, XPS, DOC, RTF, MHT, etc. Moreover, its MSG file-saving options also include email clients and email actions such as Thunderbird, Gmail, Yahoo, Zimbra, and so on which is not present in any other automated solution in the industry.

Why Should One Get Professional Tools?

  • They offer a trial version to let the user explore the software before buying the licensed one.
  • These tools are suitable for bulk MSG scans and save a lot of resources.
  • Using pro solutions ensures data safety and security.
  • These tools have easy MSG file selection options and advanced filters to get specific output.
  • Professional solutions help in organizing MSG files in separate labels which makes them easy to access.
  • Automated software is very fast, reliable, and easy to use.

FAQs

1. What is an MSG file format?

MSG files are the single files of Outlook that are saved locally in the system. They contain all the attachments and attributes of a particular Outlook email.

2. Why do people want to open MSG files in other formats?

The most common reason to open MSG files in other formats is to access and manage MSG files in any other email format or email client. Doing this also takes a backup of the important MSG files and saves them in a specific folder for long-term access.

3. Is there any free tool to access MSG?

Yes, the above-mentioned professional tools are some of the best options that are not only free to access MSG files but also avail licensed versions to convert them into other extensions.

Conclusion

After reading this blog post, we expect that most of the users have understood “what is a MSG file and how can one access MSG files swiftly”. Thus, we have suggested different techniques to have your hands-on Outlook message files immediately. Therefore, you can choose any method as per your choice to deal with MSG files in any desired format.

Read Next: Quick Guide to Save Attachments From MSG Files