Are you trying to figure out how to open an MSG file without having Microsoft Outlook installed on your computer?
MSG files are email message files created and used by Microsoft Outlook, but if you do not have Outlook installed, trying to open them can be tricky.
Without the right application, your computer will not be able to read the file properly, and you might get an error or nothing will happen when you double-click it.
Meanwhile, you may be able to open the MSG file on another device or app that supports it, meaning the problem is not with the file itself but with the software you are using.
In this guide, you will learn how to open MSG files on your computer without Outlook.
How to open an MSG file without Outlook
To open an MSG file without Outlook, you need to follow a few simple steps in this guide.
Usually, when you cannot open an MSG file, it is because you are missing software that can interpret the file’s format.
After you have confirmed that the MSG file is not corrupted, you can move on to the actual methods of opening it.
- Download and install a free MSG file viewer or third-party software like FreeViewer MSG Viewer or CoolUtils Mail Viewer.
- Try opening the MSG file using an online service that can convert MSG to PDF or HTML, such as Zamzar or OnlineConvert.
- This third step will involve using a text editor, here is how:
Right-click the MSG file and choose “Open With” Select Notepad or another text editor from the list.
While the formatting may look messy, you can read the plain text content.
If after trying all the above the file still does not open properly, you may need to ask the sender to export the email in a more universal format.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when you cannot access an MSG file, especially when it contains important information, but there is always a way to view its contents.
This guide will help you open MSG files successfully on your computer without needing Outlook.
Additional Reading:
How To Add a Signature in Outlook 2007
How To Save Outlook Emails When Leaving Job
How To Add The UserMgr File To My Files Explorer On Xbox
Brianna is based in Minnesota in the US at the moment, and has been writing since 2017. She is currently a 3rd Year med student at the time of writing this.
