Are MSG Files Safe or Dangerous? Learn How to Stay Protected
Published: January 5th, 2026 • 6 Min Read
Overview: Received a file with a .msg extension and want to know if msg files are safe? You’re not alone.MSG files are standard email file formats used by Microsoft Outlook. However, they can also be used to spread malicious content. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what MSG files are potential risks, and how to safely open them.
What is a MSG File?
Ever seen a file that ends in .msg and thought, “What’s this?” It is actually just a saved email from Microsoft Outlook. These files include everything in an email:
- The subject line
- Who sent it and who it’s to
- The date and time
- The actual message
- Any attachments
A MSG file is a type of file created by Microsoft Outlook. It is used to save a single email message so you can keep it or share it outside ofthe Outlook program. These files store all important details of an email in one place.
Are MSG Files Safe or Dangerous?
MSG files themselves are not inherently dangerous; they are just email files created by Microsoft Outlook to store individual messages. However, like any email file, they can contain harmful content which depends on what’s inside.
When are MSG Files Safe?
- The file is from a trusted sender.
- It is open easily using Microsoft Outlook without any errors or difficulties.
- It contains only plain text or HTML content without any suspicious links or attachments.
When MSG Files Can Be Dangerous?
- When someone sent MSG file from an unknown or suspicious source.
- Sometimes, MSG Files includes phishing links or spam content in the email body.
- In the situation when the MSG file contains malicious attachments (e.g., EXE, ZIP, or macro-enabled Word/Excel files).
Overall, MSG files are generally safe, but their contents can pose risks. Always be cautious, especially if the file is unexpected or from an untrusted source.
Is It Safe to View MSG Files In MS Outlook?
Yes, it is generally safe to import MSG files into Outlook, but only ifthe MSG file comes from a trusted source.
Why It is Usually Safe to Open with MS Outlook
- Outlook is designed to handle MSG files, and it is also the program that creates MSG files.
- MS Outlook applies security filters to block unsafe content (like automatic scripts or dangerous links).
- Attachments are sandboxed and won’t open unless you choose to open them manually.
But Be Careful In the Situations Mentioned Below
- The MSG file came from an unknown or suspicious email address.
- When the MSG file includes unexpected attachments (like .exe, .bat, .js, or .docm files).
- The message body contains links or language that urges quick action (a common sign of phishing).
- Moreover, opening MSG files in Outlook is safe if you trust the source and take basic precautions.
- Outlook will block or warn you about the most dangerous content.
How Risky Is It to Click MSG Files Attachments
Open MSG file attachments can be dangerous if they come from unknown or suspicious sources. While MSG files are often used to save Outlook email messages, these files can also contain harmful elements like malicious attachments, phishing links, or embedded scripts. MSG files are frequently used by attackers to sneak malicious content past security filters and deceive users.
Here are key risks to watch for
- Malicious Attachments: Embedded .exe, .docm, or script files can install malware.
- Phishing Attempts: Some MSG files contain fake emails or links to phishing sites.
- Hidden Scripts: Exploits or HTML scripts may run through vulnerabilities in Outlook.
- Security Bypass: Nested MSG files can sometimes evade antivirus scanning tools.
Always scan MSG files with antivirus software or extract MSG files attachments separately and never open them if the source is uncertain to ensure maximum safety.
How to Check if MSG Files Are Safe or Dangerous?
If you receive a MSG file and are unsure whether it is safe to open. First, it is important to inspect carefully before clicking on any suspicious MSG file. Not all MSG files are harmful, but some may contain malicious attachments or phishing content designed to trick you. Opening such files without safety precautions can put your system and data at risk.
Solutions to Safely Read MSG Files
Use an Free Software
Instead of opening MSG file directly in Outlook, use a BitRecover free MSG file viewer. These tools let you preview the contents without executing any potentially dangerous elements. A dedicated tool also helps you to avoid triggering hidden scripts or links.
Use a Pro Automated Software
The BitRecover MSG Converter Tool allows you to convert MSG files to safe formats like PDF or TXT without needing Outlook. This way you can examine content in a non-interactive format, which reduces the risk of exposure to malicious code.
Bonus Point: If you are a professional, investigator, lawyer, IT admin, or an individual, you should use the MSG to PDF converter, as converting MSG files into PDF preserves the content and all of its elements without any data loss. Also, PDF format is preferred in legal, forensic, and compliance work due to its high security.
Conclusion
MSG files themselves are not dangerous; they can pose a significant risk if they contain malicious attachments, phishing links, or hidden scripts. To protect your data, always take care and don’t click MSG files directly when reading MSG files in your system, particularly from unfamiliar or suspicious sources. Use the tools that are mentioned above in the blog, which allow you to safely view and convert files into a non-interactive format to reduce the risk of harmful content. With these safety measures, you can handle MSG files without compromising data security.