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Extract Attachments from MSG Files – Best Extraction Methods

Overview: Users usually don’t know how to extract attachments from MSG files. So, this blog is all about this. Here, you will get various insights on methods like manual & professional ones including their limitations, and when to use each method.

Common Users Situations

You have a folder full of MSG files, reports, & emails. What the real task is to find the attachments where it’s actually stored. Now, imagine when you need to open each MSG file in Outlook and save them individually every single time.

For example, if you have 10 files, then it’s easy to extract. The problem occurs when you have 200 + files to deal with. Then, it becomes difficult and time-consuming. Doing this manually is not ideal especially when you are short on time or dealing with office work.

So, continue reading our article to know the best way to save attachments from MSG files.

What is an MSG File?

An MSG file is your single email saved from Microsoft Outlook. Whenever you drag and save any email from Outlook, it is saved as a .msg file.

MSG Files Includes:

• Email message which is your body part
• From & To Details
• Date and time
• Images if any
• File attachments

Also Read: Extract Attachments from OST File

Reasons to Save Attachments from MSG Files

If you are not sure whether to extract attachments from MSG files or not. So, read these points to get along with method steps.

• Easy to open and use when it’s come to email rather than opening each mail entirely
• Having large attachments increases folders size.
• Extracting attachments can balance your storage space
• It is done sometimes to separate the attachments which comes with official emails
• Best to send a particular attachment instead of forwarding an entire one
• Placing attachments in the right folders makes it easy to access

Free Methods to Extract Attachments from MSG Files

There are two solutions which you can go with to save attachments from MSG files. Follow each method step carefully to complete the process.

#1. Download Attachments from MSG Using Outlook

This is a very common method which users follow to extract attachments from MSG files.

1. The first step is to open Microsoft Outlook
2. Next, find your MSG file, then double tap on it
3. When you see the attachment, right click on to see other options
4. Now, click Save As and set the destination path to locate your MSG files
5. That’s it. It will save the attachment in your selected folder

Drawbacks of Using this Method

While the steps look simple, but it has some limitations also:

• You need to open every MSG file one by one
• This method needs Outlook in your system
• You cannot extract attachments in bulk
• It is usually slow when you are dealing with multiple files
• You can also miss out some attachments

This approach is good for few MSG files. But not an ideal choice for multiple emails.

#2. Extract Attachments from MSG Through Drag & Drop Method

You can also download attachments from Outlook emails using this solution.

1. First, open your MSG file in Microsoft Outlook
2. Next, look for your attachments and open it
3. Point the mouse onto it. From there, you need to hold and drag
4. Just, drag it on your desktop or folder where you wish to
5. By doing this, you can quickly export your emails to a new location.

Some Drawbacks:

• This method allows you to extract one MSG files at a time
• No scope of bulk extraction
• A very time consuming process
• There is no added filter options to save accordingly

It is not suggested when you want to download multiple MSG attachments.

Limitations of Using Above Manual Methods

So when users search online for free solutions to extract attachments from MSG files. They usually get what is already explained above. But, from the user point of view, these problems below are never discussed and solved.

• Like, users have more than 200 MSG files
• Microsoft Outlook is not getting installed in your PC
• Are there some attachments which are embedded inside your email?
• How to extract attachments of a specific date?

So, all these points will be solved using our expert solution which you will see in the next heading.

Why to Choose?

• You can load multiple MSG files at a time
• Tool will process all your attachments
• It does not matter if you don’t have Outlook installed in your system
• Software can load attachments from files like MSG, OST, PST & BAK
• Option to set a date range to extract particular attachments
• Take care of your file structure
• Save attachments from corrupted files too

When to Use Each Method?

Here, are the following points when it is good to use manual and professional steps:

Use Manual Steps:

• When you have minimum MSG files
• You also have Microsoft Outlook installed
• If your work does not require filter option, then go for it
  No problem in opening emails one by one
• This process is effective for few files

Use Professional Tool:

• When you have multiple MSG files
• Good for bulk processing
• Outlook is not installed
• You want customized result
• Do not have much time

Ending Words

I hope you have liked this blog and find it very useful. As, we have tried to cover all the aspects and easily extract attachments from MSG files. First, we have discussed some manual methods which require Outlook to perform the steps. Also, it comes with several drawbacks. To avoid this, you can go for our automated solution which simplifies the process and completes the process in quick time. Along with that, we have added one more section that says which method is best for which scenarios.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some user queries you may find to easily extract attachments from MSG files.

Q1. Can I extract attachment from multiple MSG files at once?

Ans. Yes, you can. But, it’s not possible with manual steps. You can go with our discussed expert solution to save in bulk.

Q2. Does the size of MSG files reduce while extracting attachments?

Ans. No, when you extract attachments, it does not create a smaller MSG file. It actually copies the attachments to another location. If you want to reduce the file size, you need to remove attachment from original MSG files.

Q3. Where exactly do your extracted attachments get saved?

Ans. It is stored according to your path location during the process. You may select any folder of your choice or even an external drive.

Q4. Is it possible to save attachments from corrupted MSG files?

Ans. Firstly, it depends on how badly your file is corrupted. If it’s minor, then go with our professional solution to extract your attachments. But, if the file is severely damaged, I recommend you repair it first.