How to Convert MSG to EML in Outlook Windows 11?

Admin | How to's msg Software Technology | 4 minutes read | Modified on: 25-05-2026

We all know that MSG is an MS Outlook supported format, so for people who no longer have access to Outlook or are looking forward to switching to another email client; this becomes the biggest hurdle. On the contrary, EML is an open source format which is supported by most email clients such as Thunderbird, Windows Mail, Apple Mail, etc.

Thus, MSG files are difficult to exchange due to their non-universal format. Users choose to convert MSG to EML because it preserves the email’s structure and integrity. Sharing and accessing it on any device is simple. However, lack of guidance would lead to data loss and privacy breach. Therefore, through this blog you will understand how to convert MSG to EML in Outlook Windows 11.

Reasons When Users’ Need to Convert MSG to EML

  • MSG is dependent on Outlook and it is almost impossible to directly access these files without Outlook. Windows users can access these files, however, Mac and Linux users cannot open MSG files with or without Outlook.
  • Lawyers, investigators, and the forensic department prefer EML over MSG as they are easily accessible.
  • EML is the most flexible format to utilize when a user wants to import and manage data on the cloud rather than locally. 
  • Users often need to export their MSGs into an accessible format when switching from the Microsoft Outlook platform to another service. 

How to Transfer MSG to EML in Outlook Windows 11? 

Since your primary concern is to understand how to convert MSG to EML in Outlook Windows 11, there are two primary ways: 

  1. Manual Method – Configure your Gmail account in your Outlook and save MSG as EML, use Thunderbird, PowerShell codes.
  2. Automated Way – Use the automated MSG file converter to batch convert MSG to EML. 

** Note: For the manual method you must have Outlook installed and subscribed to your computer. Even after that there is no guarantee in data security, maintained hierarchy, or preserves data attributes.

Manual Method to Convert MSG to EML

By setting up the email account in Microsoft Outlook and installing Thunderbird add-ons, you may convert MSG files to EML format. Let’s see how each of the two approaches operates below: 

A. Configure Gmail and Drag & Drop MSGs:

  1. Open MS Outlook > create a new folder for you MSG files to sync
  2. Next, go to File > Info > Add Account > Enter your Gmail Account Credentials.
  3. Then, drag and drop each MSG file one by one into your desired folder.
  4. Now, in your Gmail> search your dropped .msg files in the folder and open them. 
  5. Send each file individually to your email address.
  6. Then, start the sent file> click on three dots> download message. 

Your MSG files will be converted into .eml format.

B. Export MSG to EML Using Mozilla Thunderbird: 

  1. Begin with configuring the same email id in both MS Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird.
  2. Drag & Drop each of your MSG files into the desired folder in Outlook. 
  3. Next, right-click on the same in Mozilla Thunderbird > click on ImportExportToolNG>export all messages in folder> EML message format> messages and index with subfolders. 

Reasons to Not Follow the Manual Methods

  • The methods are time consuming, prone to mistakes, and cannot handle huge volumes of files. Bulk conversion is not possible.
  • The manual method of saving MSG as EML does not have a direct method. To convert MSG to EML without any data security, you will need to install email applications like Outlook or Thunderbird. 
  • There is no data security, and the original data hierarchy can be disrupted. 
  • The most frequent mistake that you can encounter is the “synchronization error,” which occurs when the MSGs stop syncing or take a long time after being dropped into the correct email folder. As a result, the Gmail account does not display the files that were added to the required folder. 

How to Convert MSG to EML in Outlook Windows 11 Using a Faster Method?

Use the CubexSoft MSG to EML Tool, which can efficiently export MSG to EML in bulk without any errors or data loss. Installing Outlook is not mandatory, you can save MSG to EML with a few clicks. It can convert a lot of MSGs at once without changing the original data structure or folder hierarchy. Let’s see how to use the expert tool.

Steps to Convert MSG to EML 

  1. Open the MSG Converter Tool on your Windows PC.
  2. Click on Add File(s) or Add Folder(s).
  3. Select your desired files or folders.
  4. Once selected, check the folders from the “Folders List” you want to “Export”.
  5. Click “Export”.
  6. Select “EML” from the “Select Saving Options”.
  7. Choose “File Naming Options”.
  8. Select optional “Advanced Filter Options”, if needed.
  9. Locate your preferred “Destination Path”.
  10. Click “Convert”

Why Choose the Professional Tool 

  • You can bulk convert MSG files without any size limitations.
  • No need to have MS Outlook already installed.
  • Maintains data integrity throughout the conversion process.
  • Compatible with all EML file applications such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc.
  • Works with all Windows OS such as 11, 10, 8.1, 8, etc.
  • Before purchasing the full software, users get a free demo feature where they can convert 25 MSG files for free.

Parting Notes

To conclude this article, it is evident that there are two methods for converting MSG to EML: an automated method and a human method. Each method is efficient in itself. The automatic method is fast and safe, while the manual method occasionally exhibits faults and operates slowly. Due to this choose a software that makes faster EML Converter. You may refer to this blog to understand how to convert MSG to EML in Outlook Windows 11.