How to get Downloaded Emails to open in correct Format

Question

I have repeatedly set Outlook as the default app for .eml files in Windows 11, but my system refuses to open them in Outlook properly. Instead, .eml files either open in Windows Mail, try to open in Gmail via a browser, or don’t open in the correct format in Outlook. I need a system-level fix to force Windows to open .eml files in Outlook permanently."

Additional details:

I have already changed the default app for .eml files under Windows Default Apps settings multiple times.

I have right-clicked and selected "Open With" → Outlook and checked "Always use this app", but it does not stick.

I tried resetting the association via PowerShell and registry edits, but the issue persists.

I am using a work managed account on a personal computer

I need .eml files to always open in Outlook in the correct format without being overridden by another app.

💡 What I Need: "Please provide a permanent solution to force .eml files to open in Outlook and not revert to another app."

BTDUBS chatgpt wrote this so it's probably riddled with wrong info. but yeah I cant get my emails to open up in a readable format. THANKS!

Answer 1

Hi @Kim246246

Welcome to our forum!

Much appreciate for your information. However, here are a few steps you may want to take:

1. Set the Default Opening Method：
   • Right-click>Open with>Choose Another App>Select Outlook>Click Always>Double-click the file to see if the issue persists.
2. Set Defaults For Applications:
   • Go to Settings>Apps>Default apps>Outlook>Set the default mail app for file type (.eml, .hol, etc.) and link type.
   • Select an item>Outlook>Select Set default to confirm.
   • More information: Change default apps in Windows - Microsoft Support 
3. Check Default Apps Settings:
   • Go to Settings>Apps>Default apps>Scroll down and click on Choose default apps by file type.
   • Find .eml in the list and ensure Outlook is set as the default app.
4. PowerShell Command:
   • Open PowerShell as an administrator.
   • Run the following command to set Outlook as the default app for .eml files:

          Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts\.eml\UserChoice' -Name 'ProgId' -Value 'Outlook.File.eml'
     

5. Reinstall Outlook:
   • Sometimes, reinstalling Outlook can reset the file associations correctly. Uninstall Outlook, restart your computer, and then reinstall it.

In addition, please check for Updates and ensure both Windows and Outlook are updated to the latest versions.

Hope it helps! 

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