How to Convert EML Files to MSG on Windows and Mac OS?
Fact-checked and reviewed in accordance with our Editorial Policy
Quick Summary: To convert EML files to MSG, you can use a desktop email client like Outlook or use a specialized EML to MSG converter tool. However, you can also use an online EML to MSG converter tool, but they are not safe, and professionals recommend not using them.
- Manual Method (MS Outlook): Drag and drop the .eml file into Microsoft Outlook, right-click, and choose “Save As” .msg.
- Free Online Converters: Upload your EML file to an online EML to MSG converter (online tools may store your data to their server) and download the MSG one-by-one.
- Offline Software: Use a dedicated tool like EML to MSG converter by BitRecover to safely and easily batch convert EML files to MSG without losing original folder structure, formatting and metadata.
Users may be required to convert EML to MSG (Outlook Message) format because some Outlook object models, such as Dynamics 365, CRM, and legal documentation submissions, support MSG specifically.
How to Convert EML to MSG? 3 Ways
Here are the step-by-step instructions for using all these 3 methods to convert EML files to MSG:
Method 1: Use Microsoft Outlook Desktop Client
If you only need to convert a small number of EML files into MSG and have Microsoft Outlook installed, you can use the desktop client for free.
- Open the Microsoft Outlook application on your desktop.
- Open File Explorer and drag and drop the .eml file directly into any of your Outlook mail folders (like your Inbox).
- Right-click the newly imported email inside Outlook and choose Save As.
- Change the “Save as type” dropdown to Outlook Message Format (.msg).
- Choose your destination folder and click Save.
What about “New Outlook” or Mac?
- New Outlook for Windows: Click File > Open & Export > Import. Under the “Email Files (.eml)” segment, click “Start Import”. Open the imported message, click the (…) more actions button, and choose “Save As” MSG.
- Outlook for Mac Limitations: Outlook for Mac can import/open EML files, but there is no built-in option to export them as MSG. You will need to rely on a third-party Mac converter or move the files to a Windows machine.
3. Free Online EML to MSG Converters (Web-Based)
If you want to use an online tool for converting EML files to MSG, then follow these steps: Simply visit an online EML to MSG converter, upload the EML file from your local storage, click Convert, and download the resulting MSG file.
Why Online / DIY Methods Carry Risks
- Size Limits: Online converters generally restrict free conversions to 25MB.
- Data Privacy: Because the conversion happens on a remote server, confidential business data or PII could be exposed.
- Time Consuming: The manual Outlook approach processes one file at a time, creating massive bottlenecks and room for human error.
Method 3: Specialized Tool to Batch Convert EML to MSG
If you need to overcome the file-size limitations of online tools or the manual repetition of Outlook, you should choose a reliable offline solution such as BitRecover EML Converter Software. This tool is specially designed to batch convert bulk of EML files to MSG format at once in offline mode, preserving original headers and attachments.
Complete Video Tutorial to Use Offline EML to MSG Converter
- Download and run the BitRecover EML to MSG Converter on Windows or Mac.
- Click on Select Files or Select Folders to load your EML data.
- Enable the folder of EML files you need to convert EML to MSG.
- Choose the Saving option as MSG from the drop-down list.
- Select your destination path and naming format.
- For advanced selective conversion, click on Filter options.
- Finally, tap on the Convert button to change EML to MSG format in batch mode.
Quick Comparison: Which Method is Best to Convert EML to MSG?
| Criteria | Desktop Software (BitRecover) | Manual Outlook Method | Free Online Converters |
| Speed & Batch Processing | Fast bulk conversion | Slow (one by one) | Dependent on internet speed |
| EML Size Limit | No file size limitation | No size restrictions | Commonly limited to 25 MB |
| Data Privacy | 100% Local / Offline | 100% Local | High Risk (Remote Servers) |
| Platform | Windows and Mac OS | Windows OS Only | Web Browser (All OS) |
Understanding EML and MSG File Formats
- What is an EML File? An EML file is a simple text format for email designed for use on different platforms such as Thunderbird, Gmail, and Apple Mail. Its content, attributes such as sender and receiver IDs, timestamps, and its attachments are stored in MIME format.
- What is an MSG File? A MSG file is a format created by Microsoft specifically for its MS Outlook and Exchange Server mail clients. It uses a technology called CFBF to provide maximum support for MS Outlook mail features.
EML Vs MSG File: Major Differences
| Criteria | EML | MSG |
| File Format Architecture | Plain Text MIME Format | CFBF/OLE2 (Binary) |
| Compatibility | Universal (Multiple Email Platforms) | Microsoft Outlook & Exchange Server Only |
| Best Used For | Cross-Platform Sharing & Archiving | Outlook-Specific Workflows & CRM Integration |
Top Reasons to Convert EML to MSG
- Compatibility with Native Applications: The MSG file type showcases all beautiful formatting features, intricate calendaring processes, and even embedded attachments perfectly as Outlook designed it to.
- Integration with Various Systems: Most business CRM’s, e-discovery tools, and document management systems work directly only with MSG files.
- Accessibility: For businesses using Microsoft 365, MSG files can be opened directly in Outlook without a need for import procedures.
Common Problems Users Face During Conversion
When using manual methods or online tools to convert EML to MSG, users often experience:
- The problem of losing attachments that were originally integrated or inline images.
- Broken HTML format in the body of the e-mail The issue of encoding, which makes certain characters to be shown wrongly.
- Moreover, it changes in metadata (creation time of the file alters the time when the e-mail was sent).
Concluding Thoughts
Overall, this guide outlines different methods to convert EML to MSG files. Although there are several methods available to convert EML files to MSG, they can present privacy issues or be time-consuming if you have a large number of EML files to convert into MSG. In order to achieve 100% accuracy in data, maintain the folder structure of your files, and batch convert EML files to MSG, use the professional tool like BitRecover EML to MSG Converter.
About the Author
