Professional Methods to Convert MSG to EML Format in 2026

When you switch to a different email client from Outlook, the MSG files become almost inaccessible. It is difficult to open or read MSG files outside of Outlook without converting them first. This blog explains how to convert MSG to EML using a manual method you can try without spending anything. It also covers the EmailProHelp MSG Converter Tool for anyone dealing with a large batch of files or wanting cleaner results.

Common Reasons to Export MSG Files to EML

• Most people switch to Thunderbird or Apple Mail, and those clients just don’t support MSG files.
• EML files are easier to archive and store without needing Outlook installed on your system.
• Some legal and compliance teams specifically ask for EML format when collecting email records.
• Moving emails between different platforms becomes much smoother when everything is in EML format.
• Files in EML format are easy to share with non-Outlook users. 

What is MSG and EML Format?

MSG is a file format created by Microsoft, and it only really works well inside Outlook. The user can not open an MSG file in Thunderbird or any other email client. It stores everything together, the email body, attachments, and sender details, all packed into one proprietary file. The problem is the proprietary part. Since Microsoft owns the format, other email clients cannot access this file.

EML is different. It’s an open format that works across pretty much every email client out there. Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Windows Mail, most webmail tools, they all handle EML without any issues. EML file format follows a standard structure that’s been around for a long time.

Manual Method to Convert MSG to EML Format

This method will only work for a few MSG files, and this method allows the migration without any third-party software. It is a cost-free approach that works very well for basic conversion needs.

Steps to Convert MSG file to EML

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
2. Drag and drop the MSG file into Outlook.
3. Open the email and click File → Save As.
4. Choose a destination location.
5. Select Text Only (*.txt) as the file type and save it.
6. Locate the saved TXT file and rename its extension from .txt to .eml.
7. Click Yes to confirm the extension change.

Why Does This Method Fall Short?

• The process is time-consuming for bulk MSG files.
• You need Microsoft Outlook installed on your system.
• Changing file extensions manually may confuse non-technical users.
• Attachments and metadata may not transfer properly in some cases.
• The method does not support batch conversion.
• Manual conversion becomes difficult when handling large numbers of MSG files. 

Professional Method to Convert MSG to EML Format

The EmailProHelp MSG File Converter Tool is a advance way to convert the MSG file to multiple file formats. This smart utility handles the attachment and keeps the original formatting intact during the process. The tool can migrate large files easily without crashing and provides accurate results. Additionally, more than file formats, you can even import your MSG files directly into many email clients, like Outlook, Gmail, or other clients.

Steps to Save MSG as EML Format

1. Download the MSG to EML Converter Tool.
   
2. Select and add your MSG files and click the Next button.
   
3. Furthermore, preview and select the files and press Next.
   
4. Afterwards, choose the EML file format.
   
5. Lastly, set filters, choose the path to save, and click Convert.
   

Conclusion

To conclude, there are two methods that we discussed to convert MSG to EML file format. Both methods are working well according to the suitability. Using the manual method for limited files will give you better results. But if you want to perform an enterprise-level migration, then using the professional converter tool will provide accurate and intact results. Moreover, if you find any difficulties while using the tool, you can contact our support team for any help.

Frequently Asked Questions