MSG files can be tricky to open if you don’t have an Outlook email client. But don’t worry in this article we are going to discuss how to open MSG files without Outlook through Free and Paid methods. Read the full article properly and follow the given steps to open MSG file.
Why your MSG file is not Opening without Outlook?
MSG files are specially designed to support only Microsoft Outlook, which means they are not compatible with any other email client or text editors. Outlook uses a smart file structure which means Outlook saves data (like emails, contacts, calendars, etc.) in its specific format that is only understood by Outlook. This is the reason to open MSG files without Outlook or in another email client application.
Reasons to View MSG File without Outlook
There are several reasons you might need to open MSG files but you don’t have Outlook installed:
- You don’t have Outlook on your personal computer
- You are using a non-window platform such as a Mac or Linux device.
- Users just need to access the MSG file without the hassle of setting it up on Outlook Client.
- Forensic analysis or Evidence examination purpose.
Method 1: Open MSG Files without Outlook Using the Paid Method
It is hard to open MSG files without Outlook but after too much research I’m going to explain this method. In this method, I’m explaining you Open MSG file without using your Outlook email client. To execute this method, you need to download MSG converter software. After downloading the software, you can access your MSG file.
- Download and Install the software into your device.
- Click Open and Choose Email data files >> Select MSG files >> Choose file.
- After choosing the file the tool displays the MSG file data.
Note:- Using this software, you can view MSG files without Outlook. Also, you can save the MSG file in multiple file formats such as EML, MBOX, PST, PDF, HTML, TEXT, CSV, vCard, ICS, Gmail, Office 365, IMAP, and Thunderbird.
Benefits of Using the Paid Method
- User can access MSG files in bulk at once.
- Using this software, you can directly import files to Gmail, Thunderbird, and Office365
- This software comes with the most advanced features to export files in multiple formats.
- This software is easy to use with a user-friendly interface.
Method 2: View MSG File without Outlook through Free Method
4n6 MSG File Viewer an online web-based software that can open MSG files without Microsoft Outlook. This online software offers the ability to view MSG files instantly without any charge or hidden fees. To access the file, you need to follow the given steps:
- First, open the MSG File Software on your browser.
- Now, access the file by Drag and drop or Click to open.
- After that, choose the File that you want to open and click open.
- Finally, scroll down the page and view your MSG File Components.
Method 3: Open MSG File Using Offline MSG Software
Here’s the offline method that defines how to open MSG files without Outlook. This method differs greatly from the online free method of opening an MSG file. This method requires the download of the software. Download the Offline free software and follow the easiest steps to open MSG file for free.
- First, Download and Install the software.
- On the left side of the software window click on Open.
- Click to Choose file or choose folder if you bulk MSG file.
- After choosing the file click on the File that appears in the software.
- Finally, your MSG File email data has appeared.
Comparison of Online and Offline Free Software
| Features | Online Software | Offline Software |
| Download and Save Attachments | You can easily download the MSG file email attachments using the online software. | If you want to download the MSG files email attachments then you have to open the mail and right click on the attachment and click save the attachment. |
| Unlimited Time Usage | You can freely use unlimited time to access the MSG file without any restriction. | Through the offline method, you can also access files unlimited times. |
| Device Compatibility | This online software supports all kinds of devices. | Offline software does not support all kinds of devices. |
| Browser Supports | This online free software supports all kinds of browsers. | This software does not require any kind of browser because this is an offline msg free software. |
| Supports all Operating System | This online software supports all kinds of operating systems. | This software only supports Windows operating systems. |
| View multiple MSG files at once | You only view one MSG file at a time Using the Offline Software. | Using the Choose Folder option you check multiple MSG files at once. |
| In-depth analysis of Forensic and Government Examine. | You can easily analyze your MSG file component without worrying about security or privacy. Using the software, you can easily access the file without downloading. | Offline Software comes with more features and gives you more benefits to analyze MSG files for Forensic purposes. Using this you analyze bulk MSG files at once. |
Features and Benefits Comparison of Free and Paid Method
| Features | Paid Method | Free Method (Include Offline and Online Method) |
| Cost | Requires purchasing a license to access full features. | Completely free to use with no hidden costs. |
| Install Required | You need to download the software to access the MSG file. | For the online method you don’t need to download any software but for the offline method requires software download. |
| Accessibility | Accessible only on the devices where the software is installed. | Users can access MSG files anywhere from any device. |
| File Format Support | By using this software users can export files in multiple file formats such as EML, PST, MBOX, PDF, HTML, and more. | There are no exporting options available in online and offline free software. |
| Forensic Analysis | Using this software forensic experts analyze files in a broad and in-depth way with advanced filtering and search options. | Suitable for basic analysis to view MSG files. |
| OS Compatibility | Compatible with only Windows devices. | Users can access the file through a web browser from any device. |
| Attachment Downloading | Allow users to download attachments in bulk. | Using this method users can download the msg file one by one. |
Understand How to Open MSG Files with Outlook
As we discussed in this article to open MSG files without Outlook most of the users have a query to open MSG files with Outlook. So, in this method, we are going to discuss how to open MSG file with Outlook. So, follow the steps to execute the method:
- Open Outlook Email Client.
- Drag and drop the file to the Outlook email client.
- Now click the File that you drag and drop.
- Finally, your MSG File data has appeared.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed four different methods, free method, paid method, online method, offline method, and without Outlook method. For forensic and data analysis paid software would be the best choice using this you analyze the data deeply and broadly but the free online and offline methods also have features to analyze the data in a limited way. Every single method that I have mentioned you is fully secure, safe and maintains data privacy no what method you are using. So use any method hassle-free without worrying about your valuable data.
FAQ’S
Q1: Why can’t I open MSG files without Outlook?
MSG file is specially designed for Microsoft Outlook, using a smart format to store emails, contacts, and other data. Due to this they are not natively supported by other email clients or editors.
Q2: What are the major advantages of using the paid software to open MSG files with Outlook?
- You can open MSG file in Bulk
- This method allows users to export MSG files in multiple formats.
- The software offers advanced features such as importing files directly to Gmail, Office 365, and Thunderbird.
- Allows users to access files easily.
Q3: Can I use the free method for forensic analysis?
Yes, you can use the free method for Forensic analysis but keep in mind the free method comes with limited features but the paid method has many more features to analyze files deeply.
Q4: Can I export MSG files in other file formats using the free method?
No, you can’t export MSG files in other formats using the free method. It is only possible when you use the paid software.
