File Extension Database

Open MSG File

MSG file extension is a message created by Microsoft's email program Outlook and saved as files. These files contain messages that were encoded with MSG extension that Outlook can open. Mostly this extension can be found on computers running Windows operating systems. These files are saved as DocFile which is also being used with Excel, Word and other Microsoft applications.

An MSG file contains information such as nameid, attachment, recipient, sender, body of the message, and others. Some parts of the file are encoded in binary and others are in ASCII. This MSG file can also be sent over the Internet to allow a recipient to download the file and open it with a specified software application.

Once Outlook is used to send emails, it generates files with MSG extension. Uninstalling Outlook may not remove all these files. You can open MSG files with applications such DFVIEW.EXE, but may not contain comprehensible email message. In addition, Microsoft Outlook application includes a calendar, contact and task manager and can do web browsing.

Applications supporting this file include Outlookfiller, OutlookEML, MSGconverter, and OpenOffice. There are several commercial applications customized to open MSG files. These include MsgViewer Pro and MsgViewer Lite. These applications look like ordinary third-party email application that can browse through MSG files located on the hard drive.

Typical MSG application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office12\OUTLOOK.EXE /f "%1"
"C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office14\OUTLOOK.EXE" /f "%1"

Frequently used application names to open MSG files:

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Office - Office14

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Outlook.File.msg
Outlook.File.msg.14

How Can I Open MSG File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MSG file is to find a MSG file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MSG file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MSG file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MSG file opener then try to search online for "MSG viewer", "application to open MSG file" or "open MSG file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MSG file

How Can I Open MSG File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MSG file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MSG file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MSG file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MSG file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MSG file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MSG file then try to search for "MSG viewer", "application to open MSG file" or "read MSG file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MSG file

How Can I Open MSG File on Android

If you downloaded a MSG file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MSG file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MSG".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MSG viewer", "MSG file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MSG File on iPhone or iPad

To open MSG File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MSG file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MSG". This way you can find apps which can open MSG files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MSG viewer" or "MSG file" online in your favorite search engine.