How to Import MSG Files into Outlook 365?

MSG files are a common format for storing individual email messages, calendar appointments, tasks, and other items from Microsoft Outlook. If you've ever exported emails or received MSG files from someone, you might need to import these files into your Outlook 365 account.

Although the .msg file is supported by MS Outlook, it is difficult to import a large number of .msg files at once. Thus, it is required to opt for some simplified way to import a .msg file into MS Outlook. For doing this you can either go for a manual process or you can also go for a reliable tool to import MSG into Outlook 365. ?This guide will walk you through the steps to seamlessly import MSG files into Outlook 365, ensuring you retain all the essential information and can access your messages as needed.

What is an MSG File?

MSG files are used by Microsoft Outlook and Exchange to store a single email message, calendar event, contact, or task. Each MSG file contains all the elements of an Outlook item, including the text, metadata (subject, date, sender, recipient, etc.), and any attachments.

Why Import MSG Files? Possible Reasons and Circumstances

There are several reasons you might need to import MSG files into Outlook 365:

1. Migrating from another email system: If you're moving to Outlook 365 from another email service and have saved your emails as MSG files.
2. Accessing archived emails: You might have archived emails in MSG format that you now need to access.
3. Collaboration: You received MSG files from colleagues or clients and need to integrate them into your email system.
4. Restoring Backup; You have an old backup of data in a .msg file that you want to open in MS Outlook.

How to Import MSG Files in MS Outlook 365? Methods and Prerequisites

There could be two methods of doing this. You can either choose an MSG to PST converter which creates a PST from multiple .msg files and you can import the PST in any Outlook account. Another way is to go for the manual method in which you need to manually import .msg files into Outlook. Here, we are showcasing the process of manually importing MSG into Outlook. Before you begin the import process, ensure you have:

• Outlook 365 is installed and configured on your computer.
• The MSG files you want to import are saved on your computer.

Steps to Import MSG Files into Outlook 365

Step 1: Open Outlook 365

Ensure Outlook 365 is running on your computer. You will import the MSG files directly into the application.

Step 2: Locate Your MSG Files

Navigate to the folder on your computer where the MSG files are stored. You can have multiple MSG files in one folder.

Step 3: Drag and Drop MSG Files

1. Select the MSG files you want to import. You can select multiple files by holding the Ctrl key and clicking each file.
2. Drag the selected MSG files and drop them into the appropriate folder in Outlook 365 (e.g., Inbox, Sent Items, or any custom folder you’ve created).

Alternatively, you can use the Import/Export wizard in Outlook, though it involves more steps:

Using the Import/Export Wizard:

1. Open Outlook 365 and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
2. Choose Import from another program or file and click Next.
3. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
4. Click Browse and select the folder containing your MSG files.
5. Select Do not import duplicates (or another option based on your preference) and click Next.
6. Choose the folder to import the items into (usually your primary mailbox) and click Finish.

Step 4: Verify the Import

After the MSG files are imported, go to the respective folder in Outlook 365 and verify that all the emails have been successfully imported. Check that the contents, metadata, and attachments are intact.

Tips for a Smooth Import

• Backup: Always make a backup of your MSG files before starting the import process to prevent any data loss.
• File Naming: Ensure your MSG files have unique names to avoid confusion and potential overwriting.
• Folder Organization: Consider organizing your MSG files into folders that mirror your Outlook folder structure for easier import.

Troubleshooting

• Import Errors: If you encounter errors during the import process, ensure your Outlook 365 is up to date and check for any file corruption in your MSG files.
• Attachments Missing: Verify that the attachments do not exceed Outlook's size limits and are properly attached to the MSG files.

Conclusion

Importing MSG files into Outlook 365 is a straightforward process, primarily involving a simple drag-and-drop action. Whether you are migrating emails, accessing archived messages, or integrating received emails into your workflow, this guide provides all the steps you need to ensure a smooth import. Always remember to verify the import and organize your files for efficient email management. By following these steps, you can efficiently manage and access your MSG files within Outlook 365, maintaining productivity and ensuring no important emails are lost in the process.