How to Open EML Files in Windows & Mac? Free Methods

If you are looking for an answer of how to open EML file on Windows and Mac, this page can help you get an answer with ease. There are multiple users who want to access their EML in an accessible format and usually search for a reliable solution for how to open an EML file or even how to open EML file in Outlook or other email clients.

As EML is a standard file format that is widely used to easily access all the emails along with the attributes with safety. Still sometimes it becomes necessary to open EML files in a platform where you can access all your data without worrying.

Whenever EML files lacks to open or you need to choose a good option as per your needs and preferences. Sometimes you may need to open EML files without Outlook or any other email client as it requires you to install the particular email platform as it may be a data safety concern too. It’s better you learn how to open EML files while maintaining the data integrity and safety of the data.

Is It Really Important to Open EML Files Offline?

Below are some reasons listed to justify the importance of opening EML files in a concise way:

• Helps users to easily read your email messages along with all the attributes.
• To access all types of attachments such as documents, PDFs, or Images etc. with safety.
• It helps you to migrate and backup all your email data between multiple email clients.
• You may use EML files to test or debug email formatting in the development of IT scenarios.
• You can use EML viewers or text editors to open emails with any email client.

How to Open EML Files in Windows & Mac OS?

You can open EML files on Windows & Mac machines by changing extensions, using Notepad and Word. Or you can easily analyze your .eml files in the Outlook and Thunderbird email clients. We have explained all the possible manual methods and free solutions to accomplish this task:

#2: How Can I Analyze EML File in Windows?

Every Windows OS comes with a built-in Mail application. Windows 10 & 11 have the default email application called Windows Mail. This may very well be the best email client you can get for free on your PC. You can use Windows Mail to open EML files. It is regarded as a native method for this operation because it comes pre-installed with your operating system.

1. Double-click on the EML file to open it.

   

2. If it doesn’t work, you will get the option to choose an application to open the file.
3. Here, look for “Mail” and select it to open EML files on the Mail app.

   

4. It will open the EML file in the application.

   

#3: How to Open .eml File with Web Browser?

If you don’t want to install any third-party tool, then you can open your file in Microsoft Edge or any other browser by changing the extensions. All the steps are given below for better understanding:

1. Select the EML file you want to open.
2. Right-click on it and choose Rename.
3. Remove .eml and enter .mht
4. Click on the Enter key.
5. A pop-up will appear, hit on the Yes icon.
6. After that, again right-click on a renamed file.
7. Choose Open With >> Internet Explorer.

And your EML file will open in a web browser without installing any tool. For Mac machines, here are the steps:

1. Locate the files which you want to open.
2. Press on the Command + I
3. Change extension from .eml to .mht / .html.
4. A Pop will appear, choose the Yes button.
5. Lastly, open it with a web browser.

#4: How to Analyze EML Files in Outlook?

MS Outlook is the first choice of users to import EML files in Outlook for opening and analyzing data. Because it offers a holistic view with original formatting and attachments. If you have already installed and connected your Outlook email client, follow the remaining steps to complete your task :

1. Locate your needed EML file.
2. Select the file and right-click on it.
3. Choose Open With >> MS Outlook option.

   

4. And your EML file will be opened here.

#5: How to Open EML File Offline Using Notepad?

You can open EML files using Notepad to view basic email details because this method won’t allow you to analyze hyperlinks, attachments, and images.

1. Choose the EML file and right-click on it.
2. Choose Rename from the appearing list.
3. After that, rename it from .eml to .txt.
4. A message will show and click on Yes.
5. Lastly, double-click on the renamed file to open it.
6. Or, you can right click on EML, choose Open With >> Notepad.

   

#6: How to Open EML Files in Thunderbird?

Most users don’t want to open EML files with Outlook, because of a paid subscription, so don’t worry. We have a choice of another free email client to access your data called Thunderbird. It is free and open source for all, you just have to install it to import EML files to Thunderbird and follow the given steps:

Important Note: Install ImportExportTools NG add-ins into Thunderbird by going to Tools >> Add-ons & Themes >> search for the given add-ins and install it.

1. Start your Thunderbird.
2. Create an empty folder here.
3. Right-click on the created folder.
4. Choose ImportExportTools NG >> Import Messages >> EML Format.
5. Browse the location of your EML files.
6. Select them and hit on the Open icon.

All your EML files will be uploaded to your Thunderbird account.

#7: How to Open EML File with Word?

You can open EML files within MS Word, but here you can only view the email body, not your attachments and header details

1. Go to the location of your EML.
2. Right-click on the email, and choose Open With.
3. After that, select MS Word from the More Apps.
4. Finally, you can open EML file offline with all data.

We have mentioned all the possible methods to open EML files on Windows & Mac machines. But these solutions have some drawbacks, like third-party tool installation. Additionally, you cannot analyze multiple files simultaneously and you will have to follow the same procedure again and again.

Commonly Asked Queries

• Ques 1: What program opens EML files?

  Ans: There are multiple programs, which can open EML files like Thunderbird, Windows Mail, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.

• Ques 2: Why can’t I open EML attachments?

  Ans: If your EML file is corrupted, it will not open attachments and may display errors.

• Ques 3: What does EML stand for?

  Ans: EML stands for Electronic Mail Format and it is used to contain single email data.

• Ques 4: Are .eml files safe to open?

  Ans: Yes, .eml file is completely safe to send a single email.

• Ques 5: Are there any extra hidden charges for using this solution?

  Ans: No, there are no hidden charges for using this solution to open EML files on Windows and Mac; it’s completely free for all.

• Ques 6: How to Open EML File Offline?

  Ans: If your question is how to open an EML file offline, then you can use a desktop email client like Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird or Apple Mail. Simply double-click the EML file or open it from the open apps option. You can also view it in a browser by renaming the extension to MHT or using dedicated Tool.

Conclusion

As we are heading to conclude this blog, I hope your question how to open EML file while maintaining all the data safety and maintaining all the attributes is now solved. We have discussed some good approaches as well as a free and safest workaround that will help you get through the “how to open an EML file” question with all the explanations. Selecting the right approach guarantees you the protection and safety of your important data. Overall, opening EML files is the easiest with the free Viewer application. After all, it is very lightweight, gives plenty of features, and allows you to open multiple EML files simultaneously.