How to open a .msg file without Outlook
Someone sent you a .msg file and you don't have Outlook? Here's what the file is and three free ways to read it.
The quick answer
A .msg file is Microsoft Outlook's format for one saved email. To open it without Outlook, convert it to PDF in your browser: drop the file on our free email to PDF converter and the message becomes a readable PDF — no software to install, and the email is never uploaded to a server.
What is a .msg file?
A .msg file is Microsoft Outlook’s proprietary format for a single saved email message, based on the Compound File Binary format. It contains the message headers, body and attachments, and is created when you drag an email out of Outlook or use Save As.
What is a .eml file?
A .eml file is the open, standard email format (RFC 5322) used by Gmail exports, Thunderbird, Apple Mail and most non-Microsoft mail software. Unlike .msg, it is plain text and readable by many programs.
MSG vs EML — what’s the difference?
Same content, different container: .msg is Outlook’s binary format, .eml is the open plain-text standard. Outlook creates .msg; almost everything else creates .eml. Converting between them or to PDF preserves the message itself.
How do I open a .msg file without Outlook?
The fastest way without installing anything: convert it to PDF in your browser — drop the file on StaysPrivate’s email converter and the message opens as a readable PDF with subject, sender, date and body. Alternatives: free desktop MSG viewer apps (Windows), or importing into Thunderbird via an add-on.
How do I convert a .msg or .eml file to PDF?
Drop the file on staysprivate.com/eml-to-pdf — conversion runs in your browser (the email is never uploaded), and the PDF downloads with the message formatting preserved. Up to 5 emails per batch are free.
Three ways compared
- Convert to PDF in the browser (fastest): nothing to install, works on any OS, keeps a shareable copy — do it here free.
- Free MSG viewer apps: fine for Windows if you do this daily, but you're installing software from small vendors — check reputations carefully.
- Thunderbird + add-on: free and open-source, but the most setup work; best if you're migrating away from Outlook entirely.
Last updated: