Import MSG Files to Outlook: A Complete Guide

Imagine you received a folder of files ending in .msg and tried to double-click them, but nothing happened because you don’t have the right software. The most reliable solution is to import MSG files to Outlook whether you are an IT professional or someone who just wants to read an old email.

By importing the file you can turn a frozen file into a live email that you can search. Here we will look at what these files are and provide every method to import and upload MSG files to Outlook. 

What Is an MSG File?

An MSG file is a compound binary file format created by Microsoft. When you drag an email out of Outlook onto your desktop, Outlook stores that email in the MSG file. Inside the file it stores the following:

• The Message Body: The text that you read.
• Headers: Technical details like the IP address of the sender.
• Metadata: Information such as the Sent time, Subject and From address.
• Attachments: All the PDFs, images, or documents that were sent with the email.

It is difficult to open a MSG file without Outlook because it is written in binary language. Your computer’s Notepad or TextEdit app cannot read this language so they show you unreadable data. If you want to know how to open MSG files without Outlook, you can read this.

Method 1: Import MSG Files In The Classic Outlook

The drag-and-drop method is available only on the Classic version of Outlook and is the easiest way to import MSG files to Outlook.

1. Open the Classic Outlook on your computer.
2. Create a new folder in your mailbox.
3. Open the folder on your computer where your MSG files are stored.
4. Highlight the files and drag them to the Outlook window.

This is the fastest way to add MSG files to Outlook, but it works only for a few files. You can use a professional MSG to PST Converter Tool if you have hundreds of emails as it helps to move everything together and also keeps the folder structure in place.

Method 2: How to Move MSG Files to New Outlook

Many users have shifted to the New Outlook but the biggest problem they are facing is that there is no import or export option. This makes it harder to import MSG files to Outlook. Follow the steps mentioned below to import the files:

1. Open the New Outlook application.
2. Go to Settings > General > Import.
3. Because the New Outlook is web-based, you will need to select the folder from your PC.
4. You will need to select the folder from your computer because the New Outlook is web-based.
5. Then click Upload.

This method will upload MSG files to Outlook directly to Microsoft’s cloud server. When you move MSG files to New Outlook there is a 14MB limit per file. You will find it difficult to import MSG files to Outlook if your email has a very large video or PDF attached.

Method 3: Uploading MSG Files to Outlook Web (OWA)

You need to get your MSG files to Outlook Web if you do not use the desktop application. The process on this is different as it runs on a browser like Chrome or Edge. Use the following steps to add MSG files to Outlook Web:

1. Log in to your account at outlook.com.
2. Open your Inbox.
3. Drag the MSG file from your computer folder directly into the Message List.
4. The browser will start to upload MSG files to Outlook.

When the upload is finished, your data is connected to the server. This is the best way to get MSG files to Outlook Web if you are working on a computer where you cannot install the software.

Why Cannot I Import My Files?

These are some of the common issues you can face while importing MSG files to Outlook:

1. File Corruption: Outlook will not recognise the file if it is not saved correctly.
2. Size Limits: The file may be too large to handle for your internet connection when you are trying to get MSG files to Outlook Web.
3. Permissions: Make sure the file is not marked as Read Only in your Windows settings before you try to add MSG files to Outlook.

Try to open the MSG file without Outlook online to see if the file is readable if you are stuck. The issue may be with your Outlook settings if it opens but you cannot import MSG files to Outlook.

Summing-Up

Storing emails in MSG files is a long process, but getting them back on Outlook is easy when you know which version of Outlook you are using. In the Classic version, the simple drag-and-drop method is the fastest. When you move to the New Outlook, you can use the import tool in your settings while Outlook Web users can drag the files into their browser window.

In the New Outlook files have a 14MB limit and you should check your file permissions if you get into trouble. By following these steps you can ensure that your important emails and attachments are right where you need them, whether you have one file or thousands of them.