How to Fix “MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook”?

Microsoft Outlook is a widely used email client that stores individual email messages in the MSG file format. The files contain all the message components – sender and recipient details, subject, attachments, body content, and metadata. Even though there are some users who report that they encounter issues like the MSG Files not opening in Outlook accounts.

If you tried double-clicking the MSG file and nothing is happening, or Outlook is showing an error, don’t worry, the problem is quite common. In the comprehensive guide, we will explore the main reason why MSG files are not opening in Outlook and provide the step-by-step methods to fix the issues effectively.

What are MSG files?

Before troubleshooting, we need to understand the MSG file. The MSG files are single messages created by Microsoft Outlook or Exchange. When you drag and drop the emails from Outlook to the desktop or a folder, the files are saved in the MSG format.

The file is designed to open only in Microsoft Outlook or another compatible email client. Therefore, opening MSG files outside of Outlook or the system without Outlook is not possible.

How to Fix the Issue “MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook”?

Now, we know some of the causes of the issue; let’s find out the troubleshooting mechanism one by one.

Check if Outlook is installed or updated. Make sure that Microsoft Outlook is properly installed on the PC.

• In case you don’t have Outlook installed, a freeware file Viewer tool is the best way to open the file.
• If Outlook is already on your computer, make sure your version of Outlook is up to date. An old version of Outlook may not be compatible with the MSG file format created by the newer releases.

Set Outlook as the Default Application for MSG Files

If MSG files are opening with another app or not responding, try setting Outlook as the default program.

Windows 10/11

• Right-click on any *.msg file.
• Select Open with > Choose another app.
• Pick Microsoft Outlook from the list.
• Check the box with “Always use this app to open .msg files.”
• Click Ok.

Now again double-click the MSG file. If the MSG files not opening in Outlook again, then try the next method.

Try Outlook in Safe Mode

As we mentioned earlier, it is the case that add-ins can cause some kind of interference and an inability to open the files in the MSG format. If you want to find out, you have to start Outlook in safe mode:

• Press Windows + R, and the Run dialogue will appear.
• In the Run dialogue, type outlook.exe / safe and press the Enter key.
• At this point, try to open the files in the MSG format once again.

If it is successful in safe mode, it means that the add-in was to blame.

Disable Unnecessary Add-ins to Resolve “MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook”

• Access the Add-ins section through the File > Options menu.
• Clicking Go near the “Manage COM Add-ins” allows you to manage your add-ins.
• Deselecting the suspicious add-ins and then rebooting Outlook will return it to the normal state is what you should do next. ​‍​

Repair Outlook Profile

Any damage to the Outlook profile can cause unexpected issues. To repair it:

• Open Control Panel > Mail > Show Profiles.
• Select the Outlook profile and click Properties > Email Accounts > Repair.
• Follow the prompts to complete the repair.

If the repair does not work, try creating a new profile.

In the same Mail window, click Add, create a new profile name and configure the email account again.

Repair​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Outlook Installation 

If you can’t open MSG files in Outlook,  there could be a chance that files or registry entries of Outlook are corrupted, and MSG file may not open. A repair of the Outlook installation should bring things back to normal:

• Navigate to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
• Select the Microsoft Office and press the Change button.
• Firstly, select the Quick Repair option. If the problem is still there, then choose the Online Repair option.
• A restart of the machine is required before checking whether the MSG files can be accessed now.

Change File Extension Manually

There is a chance that a person has renamed an MSG file or changed its extension by mistake entirely. It is necessary to make sure that the file is with the right extension.

• Right click > Rename > Confirm that it is finishing with *.msg
• Afterwards, open it by double-clicking in Outlook once ​‍​‌‍​‍‌again.

Check Windows Registry Setting

If MSG files are still not opening, the issue may be linked to incorrect registry entries.

Note: Editing the registry should be done carefully.

• Press Windows + R, try regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to:
• HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.msg
• Ensure the Default value is set to:
• Outlook.File.msg
• If it’s incorrect, right-click > Modify > Enter the correct value.
• Restart the system.

Use Alternate Methods – A Tool to Fix “MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook”

The MSG File Viewer is the best tool that will help to open the emails if you can’t open them in the Outlook application. It will let the user know which files have the attached document, as it shows under the Att. option. It provides a simple, reliable way to access email content, including message details, body text and attachments. Identify the important document without opening each file individually. Get the tool from here:

Conclusion

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Issue of “MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook” may arise because of different causes, such as a wrongly configured setting, a corrupted file or incompatibility between versions. Nevertheless, a proper troubleshooting procedure will solve the issue in no time. If not, you may as well proceed with the solution given here. First, make sure that Outlook is your default app and then verify add-ins, file corruptions and compatibility problems. Once you have carried out the actions indicated here, you will be capable of opening the MSG files in Outlook without any issues and thus managing your emails will be a breeze from now ​‍​‌‍​‍‌on.