How to Open EML File in Outlook 2019, 2016?

Editorial Team | September 3rd, 2024 | how to, Email, outlook

If you have encountered the need to open EML files in Outlook then you are not alone. EML files, which store individual email messages, are widely used by various email clients such as Windows Live Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, and others. However, if you’re an Outlook user, the process of opening EML files might seem daunting. This guide will walk you through the step by steps solution to efficiently open EML file in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013 and all below version.

What is an EML File?

An EML file is a general file format used to store email messages. These files contain the message content, attachments, metadata, and headers. EML files are plain text files, meaning they can be opened by various text editors. If you wants to view or open EML file in Outlook of any editions then you need to convert EML file to Outlook compatible PST format.

Why You Might Need to Open EML Files in Outlook?

There are several reasons when you might need to open EML files in Outlook:

Migration: Moving from another email client like Windows Live Mail or Thunderbird to Outlook.

Email Backup: Accessing archived emails that were saved in the EML format.

Attachment Viewing: Sometimes, EML files are sent as attachments that you may need to view or respond to.

Method 1: Drag/Drop EML Files into Outlook

One of the simplest ways to open an EML file in Outlook is by using the drag-and-drop method. This method works for mostly versions of Outlook and is particularly useful when dealing with multiple EML files.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Outlook: Launch the Outlook application on computer.
  2. Locate the EML File: Find the EML file on your computer. This could be in your Downloads folder, an email attachment, or a specific directory.
  3. Drag and Drop: Click on the EML file, drag it, and drop it into the desired folder in Outlook.
  4. Open the File: Once the file is in Outlook, simply double-click to open it. The email should now appear as any regular message in Outlook.

Pros:

  • Quick and Easy: Ideal for single or small numbers of EML files.
  • No Additional Software Needed: You can complete this process directly in Outlook.

Cons:

  • Limited Functionality: This method may not work for bulk EML files or files with complex structures.
  • This method may not work in some versions of Outlook.

Method 2: Converting EML Files to PST Format

Another efficient method to open EML file in Outlook is to convert them to PST format. The PST (Personal Storage Table) format is Outlook’s proprietary file format, designed to store all your emails, calendar entries, and other data. This task can be easily done by useful EML to PST Converter. It is dedicated tool to convert EML to PST file format and access or open all your EML data into all versions of Outlook.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Download EML to PST Converter in your Windows computer.
  2. Install and Run the Software
  3. Choose the EML files or folders you wish to convert.
  4. Set desired location where you want to save converted PST file.
  5. Start the conversion process using Convert Button

Note– After conversion, you can easily import the PST file into Outlook by navigating to File > Open & Export > Import/Export in Outlook.

Pros:

Full Compatibility: Once converted to PST, the files are fully compatible with Outlook.

Ease of Management: Managing a single PST file is often easier than handling multiple EML files.

Cons:

Conversion Time: Depending on the number of files, conversion can take some time.

Important Benefits of Using EML to PST Converter

Platform Compatibility: EML files are used by various email clients such as Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, and others, while PST is the format used by Microsoft Outlook. Converting EML to PST allows users to access their emails in Outlook.

Data Integrity: This tool ensures that the data is transferred without loss or corruption. This is critical for maintaining important emails, attachments, and metadata during the conversion process.

Batch Conversion: The tool allows for batch processing, enabling users to convert multiple EML files to PST format at once

Folder Structure Preservation: It is committed to maintain the original folder hierarchy during the conversion process, ensuring that emails are organized in the same way they were in the original EML format.

Compatibility with Different Outlook Versions: It is compatible with various versions of Outlook, which allow users to transfer their email data regardless of the Outlook version they are using.

Wrapping Up

Now opening EML files in Outlook does not have to be a challenge. Whether you prefer the simplicity of drag-and-drop or using EML to PST conversion method. Both are safe and easy method. You can use, which suit your needs. Both methods ensure that you can easily open EML file in Outlook without any hassle allowing you to manage and view your emails in Outlook with ease.