How to Solve MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook in a Few Steps

Written By
Shivansh Shukla

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Updated on
November 12th, 2025

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5 minutes Read

Introduction: It’s annoying when MSG files not opening in Outlook 365. You double-click, and nothing happens, or sometimes an error just pops up for no reason. Most of the time, it’s something small like a damaged file or an Outlook glitch. Don’t worry, though; there are a few simple things you can try to fix it on your own. In this blog, we’ll go through the easy manual steps that can help, and also see how the MacSonik MSG Viewer Tool can make opening MSG files much simpler if the usual methods don’t work.

Why are Users Unable to Open MSG Files in Outlook 365?

Here, we mentioned some key points that represent why Outlook does not open MSG files in Outlook. Read these points carefully:

• Occasionally, the MSG file gets corrupted during saving or transferring, and it just cannot be read properly by Outlook.
• If the file is created in a newer version of Outlook, you may not be able to open it in an older version.
• Windows does not have Outlook set as the default application to open MSG files, and therefore, it fails to launch Outlook.
• If the MSG file is stored on a network drive or removable device, Outlook may block its access due to security settings.
• Some third-party Outlook add-ins can interfere with and block MSG files from opening normally.
• A corrupted Outlook profile, or missing data files (.ost/.pst), can also create difficulty with opening MSG files.
• Some overly protective anti-virus software may block certain MSG attachments or files stored locally.

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

Now that we know a few reasons why this happens, let’s go through some easy ways to fix it step by step.

1. Check if Outlook is Installed or Up to Date

Before doing anything else, make sure Microsoft Outlook is properly installed on your computer. If Outlook is already installed, check whether it’s updated to the latest version. Older versions can’t open .msg file in Outlook that were created with newer Outlook builds.

2. Set Outlook as the Default App for MSG Files

1. To begin with, right-click on any .msg file.
2. Then, select Open with -> Choose another app.
3. Pick Microsoft Outlook from the list.
4. Tick: Always use this app to open .msg files.
5. Click OK.

3. Start Outlook in Safe Mode

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
2. Type outlook.exe /safe and hit Enter.
3. Now try opening the MSG file again.

4. Disable Unnecessary Add-ins

1. In Outlook, go to File -> Options -> Add-ins.
2. Next to “Manage COM Add-ins,” click Go.
3. Uncheck any suspicious or unused add-ins.
4. Click OK and restart Outlook.

5. Repair Your Outlook Profile

1. Go to Control Panel -> Mail -> Show Profiles.
2. Select your Outlook profile and click Properties -> Email Accounts -> Repair.
3. Follow the on-screen steps.

If that doesn’t resolve the issue that cannot open MSG files with Outlook, create a new profile instead:

• In the same Mail window, click Add, name the new profile, and set up your email again.

6. Repair the Outlook Installation

1. To begin with, open Control Panel -> Programs and Features.
2. Then, find Microsoft Office and click Change.
3. Choose Quick Repair first. If that doesn’t help, try Online Repair.
4. Restart your system once the repair is done, then open the MSG file again.

7. Check the File Extension

1. Firstly, right-click the file -> Rename.
2. After that, ensure the file name ends with .msg
3. Save the changes and try opening it in Outlook again.

Fix MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook 2021

MacSonik’s MSG File Viewer is a very effective utility for anyone who cannot easily open MSG files directly in Outlook. MSG file viewer allows you to easily preview your emails, review message attributes, and start viewing attachments, without worrying about installing Outlook. The whole process is simple and convenient, so you can access the MSG file content and read anything from the body of the message to attachments; installation or configuration is not necessary. Moreover, you can import MSG files into Outlook with this utility

Steps to Fix MSG Files Not Opening in MS Outlook Issue

1. Firstly, Download MacSonik MSG Viewer Tool.
2. Then, add your .msg files and click Next.
3. After that, expand the folder structure and select the email to view.
4. Finally, you can see the emails and attachments by using the Preview and Attachment option.

Additionally, this tool can fix MSG import in Outlook.

Conclusion

If you’re the one who’s struggling with the issue “MSG Files Not Opening in Outlook”, you will be able to follow the required steps, including updating Outlook, verifying default settings, or repairing your profile settings, that will get you right back on track in no time. But if this doesn’t work and you want to skip the troubleshooting method, the MacSonik MSG Viewer Tool is another great option that allows you to effortlessly explore and open all MSG files without Outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Shivansh Shukla

Shivansh Shukla is a technical content writer who researches and provides reliable solutions to help users resolve their problems. He offers effective procedures for email migration, data backup, and file conversion for all technical and non-technical users.

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