Understand the easiest way to convert EML to MSG format. Reading this article can help you to convert files without any data loss and save time. Also, get a proper explanation for professional EML to MSG converter.

EML, aka Electronic Mail file format, is a proprietary email file format commonly used for storing a single email. EML files can be accessed using many email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Windows Live Mail, etc.

Files with the extension .eml contain metadata like information about the sender, recipient, subject, date, etc., along with the email body. Having an EML file enables a lot more options to do. But in some cases, we need to convert it to MSG format.

When it comes to converting or migrating, it becomes very difficult for some non-technical users. There is a single-click option available. You need a verified solution to convert EML to MSG format. Let’s check out professional software features.

EML vs MSG: What’s Actually Different

EML and MSG are both single-email file formats. But they’re not built the same way.

EML follows the MIME standard. Most email clients can open it, like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Windows Live Mail. It’s an open format, so a lot of tools support it out of the box.

MSG is different. Microsoft built it specifically for Outlook. It stores extra metadata that Outlook uses internally, things like read/unread flags, categories, and some formatting details that don’t always survive in EML.

That’s the real reason people convert EML to MSG. If your workflow lives in Outlook, EML files can behave oddly there. Attachments might not preview right. Formatting can shift. MSG files just work because Outlook was built around them.

One thing to know before you start converting EML to MSG: attachments and embedded images usually carry over fine in a proper EML to MSG conversion. What can get lost, especially with manual methods, is metadata like original timestamps or custom flags. Keep that in mind if you’re archiving emails for legal or compliance reasons.

Also Read: How to Extract Attachments from EML Files? Simple Methods

Manual Way to Convert EML to MSG (No Software)

You don’t need to buy anything for a handful of files. Here’s a manual method that actually works, using Windows Live Mail.

What you’ll need: Windows Live Mail installed and your EML files ready in a folder. But we know that Windows Live Mail is a discontinued mail application.

  • Step 1. Open Windows Live Mail.
  • Step 2. Right-click on any folder in the left panel and create a new folder. Name it something you’ll remember, like “EML Import.”
  • Step 3. Go to your EML files in Windows Explorer. Select the ones you want to convert.
  • Step 4. Drag and drop them straight into the new folder inside Windows Live Mail.
  • Step 5. Once they’re loaded, select the emails again inside Windows Live Mail.
  • Step 6. Drag them out onto your desktop, or any folder in Windows Explorer.

That last drag-and-drop is the trick. Windows Live Mail saves the dragged-out files as .msg, not .eml. No conversion button needed.

Where this breaks down: it’s slow for large batches. You’re doing it one drag at a time, and Windows Live Mail isn’t exactly reliable with big folders. There’s also a real risk of missing attachments or corrupting a file if the drag gets interrupted. For 5 or 10 emails, fine. For hundreds, you’ll want dedicated EML to MSG converter software instead.

EML to MSG Converter Software For Windows OS

You can easily export your batch EML files into MSG format. SysTools has designed an all-in-one EML converter utility. It offers some of the best features that can be used for converting EML to MSG format. This tool is best for securely converting batch EML files to MSG format without any data loss. The tool is compatible with Windows OS versions and Mac OS versions.

  • Convert Multiple EML Files to MSG Format Simultaneously
  • Export Emails with Attachments from EML to MSG Format
  • Date Filter Option to Convert Selected EML Files to MSG Format
  • Support Complete Data Conversion from EMLX and EML Files
  • Apart from MSG, it Can Also Export EML in PST, PDF, MBOX, NSF, HTML

Steps to Convert EML to MSG Format

After getting familiar with the software tool’s features. Let’s understand the step-by-step process to convert EML to MSG format. Mac OS users can scroll down.

Step-1: Download EML to MSG Converter and install it on Windows OS.

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Step-2: Launch the software, explore the Folder Tree, and select the folder that contains EML files. After that, preview the complete data in the preview panel. After that, click on the Export button.

Load EML file for MSG conversion

Step-3: Select the MSG export option and click on the Advanced Settings option.

Select MSG export option

Step-4: Apply the Advanced Settings feature, like Naming Convention to set the file name like Subject, Subject +Data, etc., and the Date Filter to set the date range. To include only those files for conversion which come under the date range.

Apply Advance Options

Step-5: Set the destination path where all converted files will be saved. After all the settings are done, press the Export button to convert EML into MSG format.

EML to MSG

Steps to Convert EML to MSG Format on Mac OS

If you are a Mac OS X user, then follow the steps listed below:

Step-1: Download Converter for Mac OS EML to MSG and install it on your system.

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Step-2: Select the option to add EMLX and EML file(s) either by File or Folder.

Add File or Folder

Step-3: After that, all selected EML and EMLX files will be loaded into the software panel. Simply click on the Next button.

EML to MSG Mac

Step-4: Here, select the MSG option and apply the advance setting. After this, browse to the path to save the exported MSG file and hit an Export button at the end.

Select MSG option

Step-5: Navigate to the provided path and view the MSG file that is created from EML and EMLX files.

view exported file

Reason for Converting EML to MSG Format

Various questions are raised by the users, why they should convert EML to MSG format? So, by mentioning the reason, we will be answering the question.

The first Reason is that users want to save storage space. They convert from one format to another, and the MSG format is lightweight; for the user, it is a more useful format to save files and access them easily.

The second reason is that, when compared with MSG files, EML files do not get processed properly by Outlook. MSG data files get processed and open easily without any issues.

Does Any Manual Process Exist?

We know that the user wants an easy and cost-free approach or any manual approach that they can use to convert EML to MSG. Manual ways are available, but using those methods will not solve the user’s problem. By using those methods, users might find it difficult and can create a huge chance of data loss.
The user has to first shift their files to PST format and then to MSG format. Users can use this if they have fewer files. And before attempting, it is advised to take a backup of the files.

Note- It is not advised to convert EML to MSG manually for batch files, as chances of data loss or data corruption can increase.

At this point, making a wise decision of using third-Party software will be the safer choice. Using software for batch file processing will be the best solution.

If the user wants a converter to convert batch EML files to MSG, then the automated solution is the best.

User’s FAQ

Q: Does converting EML to MSG cause data loss?
Answer: Not if you use a proper method. Manual drag-and-drop tricks are fine for a few files but get risky at scale. Dedicated conversion software keeps attachments, formatting, and metadata intact.

Q: Can I convert EML to MSG without Outlook installed?
Answer: Yes. Some standalone converter tools don’t need Outlook running in the background. Windows Live Mail also works without Outlook installed, since it’s a separate Microsoft product.

Q: Is there a free way to convert EML to MSG?
Answer: The Windows Live Mail drag-and-drop method above is free. It works well for small batches. For large volumes or business use, paid EML to MSG software is faster and more reliable.

Q: Will my attachments survive the conversion?
Answer: In most cases, yes. Attachments usually convert cleanly with both manual and software methods. Double-check a few converted files after any bulk conversion, just to be safe.

Q: What’s the fastest way to convert hundreds of EML files at once?
Answer: Manual methods don’t scale well past a few dozen files. Batch conversion software is built for this and can handle hundreds or thousands of EML files in one run, with a date filter to convert only what you need.

Q: Does EML to MSG conversion work on Mac?
Answer: Windows Live Mail is Windows-only, so the manual method above won’t work on Mac. Mac users need a dedicated tool for EML to MSG that supports macOS listed above.

In Nutshell

This informative article explains how to convert EML to MSG format. We have discussed the reasons for conversion and understand why and when an EML to MSG converter is required.

Also listed are the Manual and automated solutions for conversion; we have briefly mentioned the features of the EML to MSG converter tool. It is advised to use professional tools for conversion. It will also help you to convert EML files into HTML format.

Also Read: MSG Files Will Not Display in Windows Explorer Preview Pane – Solved