I have a Microsoft 365 subscription but can't open saved .msg files

Question

I have a Microsoft 365 subscription but can't open saved .msg files

Mark NoThanks 5

I sent myself copies of emails from my work to my home email in a zip file. When I try to open them, it says "This type of file requires a Microsoft 365 subscription to open." I purchased a subscription, but I am still unable to open these files.

Glen Thompson 75 Reputation points

2026-02-16T01:41:00.62+00:00

The same problem occurs with saved .EML files from Outlook. This is STILL and unsolved problem at Feb2026. My workaround is to use another email viewer but that is unsatisfactory in some cases.
Hornblower409 10,710 Reputation points

2026-02-16T06:21:20.9366667+00:00

@Glen Thompson said

The same [can not open MSG files] occurs with saved .EML files from Outlook.

I'm on New Outlook for Windows 1.2026.120.300 and I can import all EML files in a Windows Folder by doing:

View -> View Settings -> Files -> Import -> Email files (.eml)

Or individual EML files by drag-and-drop from a Windows Explorer into a New Outlook Folder.

Do you not see the same?

1 answer

Your answer

Glen Thompson 75 Reputation points

2026-02-16T01:41:00.62+00:00

The same problem occurs with saved .EML files from Outlook. This is STILL and unsolved problem at Feb2026. My workaround is to use another email viewer but that is unsatisfactory in some cases.
Hornblower409 10,710 Reputation points

2026-02-16T06:21:20.9366667+00:00

@Glen Thompson said

The same [can not open MSG files] occurs with saved .EML files from Outlook.

I'm on New Outlook for Windows 1.2026.120.300 and I can import all EML files in a Windows Folder by doing:

View -> View Settings -> Files -> Import -> Email files (.eml)

Or individual EML files by drag-and-drop from a Windows Explorer into a New Outlook Folder.

Do you not see the same?

Answer 1

Quinn.HP 9,280 Independent Advisor

Hello Mark!

To fix this, right-click the .msg file and hover over "Open With" then select Outlook instead of Outlook (new). This method should allow you to view the file without issue.

This prompt typically appears when trying to open .msg files using the new Outlook app, which has stricter requirements. If you're using Outlook (new), make sure the account you're signed in with is a Microsoft mailbox (e.g., @outlook.com) and is linked to an active Microsoft 365 subscription, this is necessary for opening .msg files in that version.

Glen Thompson 75 Reputation points

2025-08-02T13:10:24.1833333+00:00

I have the same problem as I now only use the New Outlook. If I try to view a .msg file with Outlook I get the 365 subscription message although I've been a 365 subscriber for several years. I see the point about having to be signed in with a Microsoft mailbox but I CAN'T change my existing email address to a Microsoft one as it's much too hard. Outlook works fine for me on Windows except for this one problem. (I do have other sync problems with Outlook on my Android phone.)
Hope T M Ritter, III 10 Reputation points

2026-01-19T01:00:57.15+00:00

It is a major problem to have MS 365 subscription working in every way except for viewing saved Outlook messages. I have found no clear step by step information to resolve the problem.