The EML format created by Microsoft is recognized by multiple mail systems. Yet, users cannot open their files with one click, and every program has a different procedure. Discover three ways to open EML files without a mail client.
Three Proven Methods
The easiest way to view files is by using dedicated email viewer software. You could also import your messages into another mail client, such as Thunderbird, or change the file extension.
Using a Viewer
Different tools open EML files without Outlook. Some of them, such as CoolUtils Mail Viewer, are free. This lightweight utility can open emails saved anywhere on your hard drive.
After downloading the software, install and associate it with EML via the wizard. Next, let it detect your folders and generate a folder tree. Find your EML files in it, and click on any of them to view. This system will let you:
- See full details of every message, including sender, recipient, and body.
- View all attachments.
- Copy, move or delete emails.
- Generate a report in the form of a spreadsheet, PDF, or HTML document.
Using a Different Mail Client
If you do not have MS Outlook, try Mozilla Thunderbird. Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail are also suitable, but both are now obsolete. To open a file in the Mozilla client, follow the steps below or use the ImportExpertTools add-on.
- In the Folder pane, right-click on Local Folders and create a new one.
- Name the new folder.
- Drag and drop your files into it.
You will see the entire contents of every email. Formatting, images, and attachments will be accessible.
3. Changing File Extension
The *.eml extension may be replaced with *.mht, which corresponds to the MHTML format. This makes emails viewable via Internet Explorer and other browsers, however, only IE will format your data properly.
- Enable extensions if they are hidden on your PC. You can do it via File Explorer. In Windows 11, this option is accessible through ”View” and “Show”. In Windows 7 and older, go to the Control Panel to find “Folder Options” and “View”.
- Right-click on an EML file and choose renaming from the context menu. Type “mht” after the dot. Ignore system warnings.
- Right-click on an MHT file and choose Internet Explorer from the “Open with…” options.
Opening Files on Mac
Like Windows, Mac offers more than one way to open these files. You can use its pre-installed mail client or view your emails as plain text.
Method 1: Using In-built Tools
Both Apple Mail and Outlook for Macintosh recognize the EML format. You can also open it with Entourage, which came with Office 2008. Do the following:
- Right-click or Ctrl-click on an EML file.
- From “Open with…”, select a compatible mail app.
Method 2: Viewing as Plain Text
Using TextEdit, a pre-installed tool, you can view file contents immediately. However, this system does not show any attachments or images. You will also have to navigate HTML tags to identify the body of the message and any links inside of it.
