How to open previously saved emails

Question

I recently purchased a new laptop Windows 11 and transferred my data. I can open new emails in outlet. However when I try to open an email that was saved in a file referred to as an outlet item it states that I must be a Microsoft 365 registered but I already am. How do I solve this problem.

Answer 1

Hi michael bertrand

I understand you’re having a problem opening previously saved Outlook email items on a new Windows 11 laptop, and you see a message saying you must be a Microsoft 365 registered even though you already are.

Please reply with: 

• The exact file extension you’re opening (.msg, .oft, .eml, or .pst) and the approximate file size (especially if it’s over 14 MB).  
• Whether Outlook (classic) is installed and whether you see the toggle in new Outlook to switch back.  
• Screenshot of the “must be a Microsoft 365 registered” message (Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data) 

Meanwhile, follow these steps if the AI steps do not work:  

• Check the blocker new Outlook has for saved items (file size) 
  • New Outlook can open .eml / .msg / .oft, but .msg and .oft have a 14 MB size limit. If your saved “Outlook item” is larger than 14 MB, it may fail to open in new Outlook even when your subscription is valid. 
  • Workaround if the file is >14 MB: open the file in Outlook (classic) instead. See: Open .eml, .msg, and .oft files in new Outlook - Microsoft Support 
• If Windows is forcing New Outlook and causing the subscription prompt, switch back to Classic Outlook  
  • In new Outlook, use the toggle to Switch back to classic Outlook. If you do not see the toggle, that usually means Outlook (classic) is not installed on the device.  
• Open the saved email items using Outlook (classic) (works even when new Outlook won’t open the file) 
  • Install/use Outlook (classic) to open saved Outlook items when new Outlook shows the “Microsoft 365 subscription/registered” prompt.  
• If the issue is file-association related (Windows shell), bypass it and test the file directly in Outlook (classic) 
  • If Outlook (classic) is installed, to confirm the file isn’t corrupted (and bypass Windows “Open” associations): open Outlook (classic) and drag the saved .msg into the Inbox/message list. If it opens this way, the file is fine and the problem maybe Windows/app association handling.  
• Repair Office to reset Outlook handlers (when .msg/.oft won’t open even in classic Outlook) 
  • If saved items still won’t open correctly in Outlook (classic), please run an Online Repair of Microsoft 365/Office to re-register components and file handlers.  

Please tell me how it goes. If the problem persists, please don’t hesitate to reply to this thread and I will be happy to help. Have a lovely day!   

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Answer 2

Saved Outlook items are typically .eml, .msg, or .oft files. On a new Windows 11 PC with new Outlook, opening these has specific requirements and methods.

1. Confirm the file type
   • In File Explorer, right-click one of the saved emails > Properties.
   • Check the file extension: .eml, .msg, or .oft.
2. Open saved emails in new Outlook
   • Make sure new Outlook is installed and signed in with the Microsoft 365 account.
   • Ensure there is an active Internet connection (required to open these file types).
   • Use one of these methods:
     • Drag and drop:
       1. Open new Outlook.
       2. Open File Explorer and locate the saved email file.
       3. Drag the .eml, .msg, or .oft file onto the reading pane area in new Outlook.
     • Right-click:
       1. In File Explorer, right-click the file.
       2. Select Open with > Outlook (new).
     • Double-click:
       1. Double-click the file in File Explorer.
       2. If it does not open in new Outlook, set Outlook (new) as the default app for that file type (via Windows “Change default apps”).
3. If the message says a Microsoft 365 subscription is required
   • That requirement applies to opening Outlook Data Files (.pst) in new Outlook, not to individual .eml/.msg/.oft files.
   • If the “Outlook item” is actually a .pst file, it cannot be opened in new Outlook unless:
     • The account in new Outlook has an active Microsoft 365 subscription, and
     • The device is not using the ARM version of new Outlook, and
     • New Outlook is not in Safe or Recovery mode.
   • If those conditions are not met, open the .pst in classic Outlook instead.
4. If classic Outlook is not available on the new PC
   • Many new Windows 11 devices ship only with new Outlook. In that case, classic Outlook must be installed separately if .pst support is needed.

If the saved emails are .eml/.msg/.oft, use the drag-and-drop or Open with steps above. If they are in a .pst file and new Outlook shows the subscription requirement, use classic Outlook on a supported Microsoft 365 subscription account to open that .pst.

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References:

• Open .eml, .msg, and .oft files in new Outlook
• Open and find items in an Outlook Data File (.pst)
• You can't open classic Outlook on a new Windows PC