Simple Methods to Convert EML to MSG File Format

EML file is a standard email format that is compatible with different email clients. Often, due to specific use cases like switching to Outlook email client, the user has to convert EML to MSG format. Both EML and MSG are used to store a single email file, but MSG offers more advantages when we are talking about Outlook, email archiving, and searching.

In this guide, we will see how to convert EML files to MSG format using Classic Outlook and the New Outlook tool. Alternatively, we will also discuss the method to convert EML files without Outlook with a professional tool.

Major Reasons Why You Need To Convert EML to MSG?

There are several reasons to convert EML files to MSG format. Some of the major reasons are listed below:

• The most common reason for the conversion is shifting to the Outlook email client. Since MSG is Outlook’s native format, it works much better than the standard EML file.
• EML files take more space than MSG files when saving emails with attachments. Thus, EML to MSG conversion supports email backup and archiving.
• MSG uses OLE structured storage, but EML files use plain text to save messages, which is more vulnerable to email corruption.
• MSG files better handle attachments and are also easy to index by many enterprise search tools because of their binary file structure.

How to Convert EML to MSG Format?

There are two approaches to converting EML files to MSG format. To convert only a few emails, use Outlook. But Outlook can only convert one email at a time. Therefore, for bulk EML conversion, users mostly prefer an automated email converter tool. We have discussed both approaches in the below section.

Note: Before you try any of the conversion methods, make sure to back up all your EML files.

Method 1: Manual Method to Convert EML Files to MSG Using New Outlook

If you are using the New Outlook, conversion of EML files into MSG is very simple. Follow these steps:

• Open the New Outlook application and click the Settings button at the top right.
• From the left navigation menu, click Data files and select the Import
• Click the Start import
• A file explorer window will open automatically. Here, select the folder containing the EML files and click Upload.
• Confirm to upload the selected EML files from the folder to Outlook.
• Then, choose the destination folder in your Outlook.
• Finally, click on the Import button.
• The New Outlook starts importing the EML files.
• When all the EML files from the local folder on the hard disk are imported, go to the selected Outlook folder to view them.

Method 2: Convert EML files to MSG Using Classic Outlook

For users who are using the classic Outlook, use the following steps to convert EML files:

• Open Outlook and in the file explorer, go to the location where the EML files are stored.
• Select an EML file, drag and drop it into the Outlook account.
• It will save your EML file in the Draft.
• Now, right-click on the file and select the Move to Inbox option.
• After that, select the email you just moved, click on the File option and select the Save As option.
• Specify the location where you want to save the email.
• Make sure to select the .msg extension for the Save as type property to save the file in MSG format. Finally, click Save.
• At last, go to the location where you saved your file and check whether it saved in the .msg extension.

Note: In the latest Outlook classic version, many users are facing issues when adding and converting EML files. In that case, it is advised to use New Outlook for EML to MSG conversion.

The biggest difficulty of using Outlook to convert EML to MSG format is that you can only convert a single email at a time. If you are converting a few EML files to MSG, you can use the manual method. But for bulk email conversion, say 1000+ emails, manually converting each one will be tedious and unrealistic. A better way to perform large-scale EML file conversion is to use an EML converter tool that supports saving EML files to MSG.

Method 3: An Automated Solution for Bulk EML to MSG Conversion

Kernel for EML to PST Converter is a highly effective tool that can help you convert multiple EML files to MSG format quickly and securely. It is compatible with every EML file created on any email client and works on all versions of Windows OS. While performing the EML to MSG conversion, this tool retains the integrity of emails and information, such as To, From, Sender, attachments, etc. You can also view EML files before saving them to MSG. The tool allows you to add and convert as many EML files as you want, of any size, to your desired location.

The working process of the software is straightforward and simple. Download and install the tool, then follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Launch the tool. The home screen of the tool will appear on your screen.

• Step 2: Using the left navigation pane, open EML file location and select the EML folder. The tool will list all the EML files in the folder to preview on the right-side pane.


Note: If you don’t know the location of EML files, just click on the Find button. Search EML file dialogue box will appear on your screen. Now, select a drive to search for EML files and click the Search button. All the EML files of the drive will be listed. Select the EML file you want to add and click OK


• Step 3: After selecting the EML folder from the left pane, click the Save button.

• Step 4: Now apply the Conversion Rule to filter your data on the basis of From, To, Date and Subject, and then click on Next.


Note: To get only the emails with attachments, check the Attachment check box at the bottom.

• Step 5: To convert EML files to MSG, select the Save in MSG option. Then, click Browse and specify the location to save the converted email files. Finally, click Save.


Note: To keep the original source folder hierarchy in the destination while saving, make sure to check the “Save in Folder Hierarchy” checkbox.

• Step 6: The tool starts the EML to MSG conversion.

• Step 7: After the successful conversion, you will get a confirmation message along with a link to the saving location.

This way, perform multiple EML to MSG file conversions with the tool without any difficulties.

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Final Words

Converting an EML file to MSG is a necessity for individuals who mostly use Outlook. In this blog, we have discussed manual and automated methods to convert EML to MSG. Make sure to back up emails before trying any conversion method. For converting a few emails, prefer Outlook. But for bulk emails conversion, save your time with the professional tool. In addition to MSG, you can also use the tool to convert EML to PST for importing EML files into Outlook directly.

About Abhishek PandeyTechnical Writer

Abhishek Pandey is an experienced technical writer who combines a deep interest in technology with strong writing skills to create clear and user-friendly content. He writes documentation, help guides, blogs, and more for various cloud platforms, making complex topics easy to understand for end users. Know more about author