How to Convert EML Files to MSG on Windows and Mac OS?
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Pro Solution to Batch Convert EML to MSG Format
If you need to overcome the limitations of the above-described solutions for converting EML to MSG, then you may choose a reliable and offline solution such as BitRecover EML Converter Software. This solution is specially designed to batch convert EML files to MSG format at once in offline mode. Additionally, this solution is equipped with several filter settings to selectively convert EML to MSG format from multiple files at once. You can try the free version of this desktop-based tool on both Mac and Windows OS to test its out-of-the-box functionalities and capabilities. To know the working of this simple utility, please walk through the steps described below.
How to Transform EML to MSG File Format? Stepwise Tutorial
- At the start, download and run the BitRecover EML to MSG Converter on your PC.
- Next, tap on the Select Files or Select Folders option to load EML files for conversion.
- After that, enable the folder of EML files you need to transform to MSG format.
- Thereafter, choose the Saving option as MSG from the drop-down list.
- Now, choose the destination path and naming format for converted MSG files.
- Then, for advanced selective EML to MSG conversion, click on Filter options and apply accordingly.
- Finally, tap on the convert button to change EML to MSG format in batch mode.
Automate EML to MSG Conversion With a Script or API
Developers and users who need frequent EML to MSG conversion required to be integrated into a larger workflow can use MAPI-based libraries and paid conversion APIs that can be scripted in Python, PowerShell, or run from the command line for server-side EML to MSG conversion.
The script based method for EML to MSG conversion is for IT admins proficient in coding who require thousands of EML to MSG files to be integrated into the pipeline. It lacks a ‘Preview before conversion’ feature and requires extreme technical knowledge.
Free and DIY Ways for EML to MSG Conversion
If you need to turn a small number of EML files to MSG and do not have confidential information, then you may choose 3 ways described below to overcome your problem. If you are using Windows OS, then you may use the Outlook client to change EML to MSG format. Alternatively, for Mac OS, you may use the online converter available on the web. However, these free online EML to MSG converters often have EML data privacy concerns. Therefore, these tools are not suggested by experts.
How to Convert EML to MSG Using MS Outlook Classic for Windows?
- Initially, go to the file explorer and locate your EML files for conversion.
- Next, right-click on the EML file and choose Open with > Outlook.
- Now, click on the File tab from the top-left corner and choose the Save As option.
- After that, define the name of the exported file and select the destination path.
- Lastly, click on the save button to convert EML to MSG using MS Outlook.
Turn EML into MSG on Mac and Windows OS Via Online EML to MSG Converter
- At the start, run any of the online EML to MSG converters.
- Next, add the EML files from your local storage for conversion.
- Thereafter, you need to generally click on the Convert button.
- Lastly, the online converter will provide EML to MSG format in your downloads folder in Windows and Mac OS.
How to Convert EML File to MSG Using New Outlook?
New Outlook is a free desktop application for Windows – that is suitable to change .eml to .msg format without needing a Microsoft subscription. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open New Outlook on your Windows PC.
- Click on File >> Open & Export and go to the “Import” section.
- Under the “Email Files (.eml)” segment click on “Start Import”.
- Select the Folder containing EML files to be modified to MSG. Alternatively: Use drag and drop for .eml to Outlook .msg conversion.
- Open the imported EML emails in Outlook.
- Click on the (…) more action button and choose “Save As”.
- Save the EML message as MSG.
EML File to MSG Conversion Limitation on Mac Devices
Outlook for Mac can import/open EML files but there is no in-built option to save them as MSG via New or Legacy Outlook for Mac. Thus users are required to rely on a third-party EML to MSG converter – free online converter or BitRecover’s GDPR, HIPAA & SOC-2 compliant EML to MSG Converter for Mac. Alternatively you can move the EML files to a Windows machine with Outlook installed, carry out the conversion and transfer them back to your Mac device.
Why DIY Methods Can be a Risky Way for EML to MSG Conversion?
- The online converter to change EML to MSG format generally has a 25MB file size limitation for free conversion. For more, you need to pay for the excess, depending on the pricing policy of the online software provider.
- Another major drawback of the online tools is that they process your data for EML to MSG conversion on the server side. Therefore, there is always a chance that your data might be sold or handed over to someone else for money.
- The downside of using the Outlook email client is that you must repeat the same steps for turning each EML file into MSG format. This is a very time-consuming process and always has the chance of human error during the conversion process.
- The free approach is only suitable for users who need to convert a few EML files to MSG, like three to five, and do not handle crucial data in EML files. If these conditions do not apply to you. Then it is not suggested by experts to choose free or DIY approaches.
How EML and MSG File Formats Differ from Each Other?
- What is EML File Format: EML files are a standard email file format used by several email platforms like Thunderbird, Gmail, etc. This file format stores email content, sender and receiver email IDs, subject, date, email header, etc.
- What is MSG File Format: MSG files are a proprietary file format developed by Microsoft to store a single email message containing all email data, including the header. It is primarily supported by MS Outlook and Exchange Server with advanced metadata and object handling capabilities.
EML Vs MSG File: What is the Major Difference?
| Criteria | EML | MSG |
| File Format | Plain Text MIME Format | CFBF/OLE2 |
| Compatibility | Multiple Email Platforms | Microsoft Outlook and Exchange Server Only |
| Developed By | Microsoft + Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) | Microsoft |
| Best For | Cross-Platform Sharing | Outlook Specific Use |
Reasons to Change EML File to MSG?
- Compatibility: MSG files are more compatible with Microsoft Outlook because MSG files are the native email formats of Outlook. It also preserves formatting and includes attachments very well.
- Accessibility: MSG files are easier to open and read for users who primarily use the Outlook application. This point is very important when it comes to converting an EML file to MSG.
- Easy Backup and Archive: MSG files work better in systems that are Outlook-optimized for archiving and backup applications.
Note: Users can leverage MSG files for these advantages. Converting EML to MSG files is essential, especially if you use Microsoft Outlook for email management and communication.
Common Problems Users Face During the Conversion Process
- Users may miss attachments while converting emails.
- Converting file formats may affect formatting of email bodies.
- Users can face encoding issues.
- Sometimes output files become corrupted or are duplicated.
- Sometimes timestamps also change after the file changes.
Online EML to MSG Converter Vs Offline Software Vs Free Ways: Quick Comparison
| Criteria | Online EML to MSG Converter | Desktop-Based Offline EML to MSG Converter | Free DIY Ways to Change EML into MSG Format |
| Speed | EML to MSG processing speed is directly proportional to the speed of the internet connection. | Fast with the ability to process multiple files in one go. | Slow, it can process only one EML file at a time. |
| EML Size Limit | Commonly limited to 25 MB | No file size limitation | No size restrictions |
| Data Privacy | Data privacy might be breached. Since the EML to MSG file conversion is done on remote servers. | 100% Data security assurance. All the EML to MSG processing is done on your local machine in offline mode. | 100% Data privacy, but users need to manually handle the EML files for conversion to MSG format. |
| Batch Processing | Often available in some tools and sometimes locked for the paid version. | Supports secure and fast EML to MSG bulk conversion. | Batch EML to MSG conversion is not supported. |
| Cost | Free for small files, but paid for large files | Paid EML to MSG converter with a free trial edition | Completely Free |
| Reliability | May fail for big or complex files. | Highly reliable | Prone to mistakes |
| Platform | Windows and Mac OS | Windows and Mac OS | Windows OS |
Concluding Thoughts
In this guide, we have discussed how to convert EML to MSG and provided a quick comparison. Secondly, we have seen the free and DIY ways to save EML files as MSG. However, these methods have many drawbacks and fail to maintain privacy. Therefore, we have shared the best EML to MSG Converter to overcome the limitations of free and online tools. After using this tool, users can convert any number of EML files, and finally, you will be familiar with the options after seeing the comparison of the three methods based on specific criteria.
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