Introduction

Managing and transferring email data between platforms can be tricky, especially when dealing with different file formats like EML and MSG. Both are popular file types used to store individual email messages, but they serve different email clients. EML files are used by Windows Live Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird and Outlook Express, while MSG files are exclusive to Microsoft Outlook. When users switch to Outlook or need to access their emails within it, converting EML files to MSG becomes necessary.

In this guide we will cover both manual and automated ways to migrate EML  Files to MSG Format. By following this guide you’ll ensure your email data remains intact, accessible and secure throughout the migration process.

 

What are EML and MSG File Formats

Before we begin the migration, let’s understand the difference between these two formats:

EML File:

An EML file stores a single email message including header, body, attachments, sender and recipient details. It is used by email clients like Windows Mail, Thunderbird and Apple Mail.

EML files are simple, lightweight and stored in plain text format so can be opened with multiple applications.

MSG File:

The MSG format is used exclusively by Microsoft Outlook and Exchange. Each MSG file contains a single email message along with its properties like metadata, attachments, hyperlinks and rich text formatting.

MSG files are in binary format so ideal for Outlook users who want to maintain complete mail properties.

Why Convert EML Files to MSG

There are several reasons why users may need to convert EML to MSG:

1. Switching Email Clients: Moving from Thunderbird or Windows Live Mail to Outlook.
2. Data Accessibility: Outlook users can easily open, read and manage MSG files.
3. Backup and Archival: MSG files are better suited for long term storage and backup within corporate systems.
4. Forensic and Legal Use: MSG files are required in email investigations as they store complete metadata.
5. Integration with Microsoft 365: MSG files integrate seamlessly with Outlook 365, Exchange Server and Teams.

Manual Ways to Convert EML Files to MSG

There is no import/export feature in Outlook for EML files but with a few simple steps you can convert your emails.

Method 1: Drag and Drop in Outlook

This is the easiest and fastest way to convert EML to MSG.

Steps:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
2. Go to the folder where your EML files are located.
3. Select one or more EML files and drag them into Outlook.
4. The emails will open in Outlook.
5. Now drag the email from Outlook to your desktop or desired folder.
6. The file will save as .MSG.

Limitations:

1. Suitable only for a small number of emails.
2. Manual handling can lead to data inconsistencies.
3. Time-consuming for bulk migration.

 

Method 2: Using Outlook and Windows Live Mail Together

If you have Windows Live Mail and Outlook installed on the same system, you can transfer emails easily.

Steps:

1. Launch Windows Live Mail.
2. Go to File > Export Email > Email Messages.
3. Choose Microsoft Exchange as the export option.
4. A dialog box will appear — click OK.
5. Choose the Outlook folder where you want to export the EML files.
6. Click Finish when the export process completes.
7. Once exported to Outlook, open each email and save it as MSG.

Limitations:

1. Requires both clients installed on the same computer.
2. Manual saving of each email is still required.
3. Not ideal for bulk conversion.

Automated Method – Convert EML to MSG Using Professional Software

Manual methods work for a few files but can be impractical for large-scale migrations. To overcome these limitations, it’s best to use a professional ZOOK EML to MSG Converter tool. Such tools are designed to automate and streamline the entire conversion process, maintaining the original folder hierarchy, metadata, and attachments.

Key Features of a Professional EML to MSG Converter Tool

1. Batch Conversion: Convert multiple EML files to MSG format in one go.
2. Preserve Email Properties: Maintains sender, recipient, date, subject, and attachments.
3. Maintain Folder Structure: Keeps the original directory layout intact.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Simple GUI suitable for non-technical users.
5. Compatibility: Works with all versions of Outlook, including Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and Office 365.
6. Preview Option: Allows you to preview emails before conversion.
7. No Data Loss: Ensures a 100% secure and accurate conversion process.

Steps to Use an Automated Tool

1. Download and install the EML to MSG Converter software.
2. Launch the program and add EML files or folders.
3. Choose the MSG format as the target output.
4. Select the destination path to save converted files.
5. Click Convert to start the migration.
6. After completion, open the saved MSG files in Outlook.

Benefits:

1. Saves time and effort.
2. Suitable for large-scale email migration.
3. Ensures complete data integrity and accuracy.

Tips to Ensure a Smooth EML to MSG Migration

1. Backup your emails before conversion to avoid accidental data loss.
2. Verify that Microsoft Outlook is installed and properly configured.
3. Always use a trusted converter tool to maintain data security.
4. Check the integrity of converted MSG files after migration.
5. Organize the output folder structure to simplify access and retrieval.

Conclusion

Convert EML files to MSG format is a crucial step for users migrating to Microsoft Outlook. While manual methods can handle small conversions, they lack efficiency and data accuracy for bulk email migrations. To ensure a flawless, secure, and fast conversion process, professional EML to MSG converter tools are the best choice. They not only simplify the task but also guarantee that all email elements, including attachments and formatting, remain intact.

 

By following this guide, you can confidently migrate EML files to MSG format and ensure that your valuable email data is preserved and easily accessible within Outlook.