Why Can’t I Open EML Attachments? Reasons & Easy Fixes

Published By Jamie Kaler

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On July 9th, 2025

Reading Time 6 Min Read

Why can’t I open EML attachments? Is a very frustrating question that many users ask when they have an EML file and are still unable to view its content or open its attachments. Despite being a widely used file format for storing individual emails messages, EML files are not always smooth and compatible. Sometimes while opening your EML files and its attachments, your system sound- Windows can’t open this EML file. And clearly you’re not alone to face this issue.

Understanding why can’t I open EML attachments can be the first step towards resolving this issue. EML files are generally supported by WLM, Outlook Express, Thunderbird and multiple others. However, when opened without an email client sometimes users slip into errors or see an unreadable file. This may also be because of corrupted files, unsupported platforms or security settings.

In this blog, we are going to break down all the reasons and solutions for your why can’t I open EML attachments issue. Obviously you need a solution that is reliable enough to help you open your attachments while maintaining all the safety concerns. Whether you’re handling one file or hundreds of them, this guide will help you to complete this task accurately when you can’t open EML file and attachments.

Common Reasons of Unable to Open EML file Attachments

Your device might not have any compatible email client installed, and the .eml file needs to be open in a natively supported email client.
Sometimes your system doesn’t associate your EML files with the correct program and as a result you can not open your files.
Your EML file can be corrupted or damaged and that can also be the reason for you being unable to open EML file attachments.
Older versions of your email clients do not support your EML file and you are unable to open EML file attachments.
Multiple times antivirus security may block .eml files as potentially dangerous especially when it consists of some links and it leads you to can’t open EML file and attachments.

Disadvantages of being Unable to Open EML Files

You can not access your important emails and attachment data.
You can face delays in your work due to unreadable communications.
Trouble auditing your archived emails or attachment data stored in your particular EML file.
You may face incompletion of your email migration and backup

Using Notepad to Open EML Attachments

Locate your file that makes you question why can’t I open EML attachments.
Right click on your EML file.
Choose Open with option and then click on Notepad.
You can now see raw HTML/Text like structure of your data.

Note: It is good for viewing your data but lacks in formatting and is not suitable for your attachments.

Using Windows Live Mail or Microsoft Outlook

First of all, install WLM or Outlook on your system.
Now, choose Open with and then WLM/Outlook from the options.
You can now see your emails opened in your preferred email client.

Note: Make sure that you have set Outlook as a default application for .eml files. If not you can go to the settings, then App, then Default Apps, and then select EML under Choose by file type.

Drag and DROP EML to an Email Client

First of all open Outlook or Thunderbird on your system.
Now, locate your EML files, drag and drop into the email client that you have opened.
It may open in a new tab once imported into the interface.

Note: This method works well but you need to install the email client and configure it with the system’s data.

Professional Method to Solve Why Can’t I Open EML Attachments

If you are someone who is handling a large amount of EML files, you need a tool that not just makes your attachments accessible, but also keeps it safe and secure. RecoveryTools EML Converter is one of the most sophisticated tools that will help you to effortlessly convert your inaccessible or corrupt EML files into an accessible file format. This tool effortlessly resolves why can’t I open EML attachments easily without even consuming much time.

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This is an amazing solution that offers you a wide range of mesmerizing features that helps you to make your EML data files more accessible as well as safe. It gives you the 100% Ensuring of keeping your data intact and wont even let you lose any bit of your data. Your data can be important and confidential and your security is something we prioritize the most. Let us go through its features and steps to use it to know about it even more thoroughly and to effortlessly and accurately complete the task when you can’t open EML file and attachments.

Effortless and Easy Steps to use this Tool

Firstly install and open his tool to resolve why can’t I open EML attachments.
Upload your data into the panel through Select Files or Select Folder options.
Upload uploaded, preview all your uploaded data and click on Next button.
Now, select PDF from the Select Saving Option list to easily view your attachments.
Select destination folder and file naming option to save your file.
Apply advanced filter options if you want for selective data conversion
Lastly, click on the Next button to start the process.

Why is This Tool Considered the best to resolve Why Can’t I Open EML Attachments?

This solution keeps all the formatting of your data intact and does not let you lose a single bit of your data.
It keeps your entire data safe and secure throughout the whole process.
It is a standalone tool to convert your inaccessible data files into an accessible file format.
Offers you to name your resultant data file and also let you choose a saving path of your choice.
Allows you to export data selectively by using advanced filter options.
Keep all the data from your attachments safe and same, all the formatting, text, links of attachment will remain same.

Conclusion

Through this blog, we have concluded some best ways to answer your question: why can’t I open EML attachment? You have to just opt for the solution that suits your needs and preferences the most. And that keeps your data safe, secure, and intact by all means. You can reach out to our technical support team anytime for any further help related to this query or for any assistance.