{"id":11231,"date":"2025-10-08T06:05:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T06:05:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adviksoft.com\/blog\/?p=11231"},"modified":"2026-09-24T07:40:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T07:40:12","slug":"import-msg-files-to-outlook-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adviksoft.com\/blog\/import-msg-files-to-outlook-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Import MSG Files into Outlook (2026) \u2013 3 Methods"},"content":{"rendered":"

MSG files are commonly used to store individual Outlook emails, including their message content, sender information, recipients, dates, and attachments. If you have saved MSG files outside Outlook and want to add them back to an Outlook mailbox, there are several ways to do it.<\/p>\n

Quick Answer:<\/strong> You can import MSG files into Outlook manually by opening them and moving or copying the messages into an Outlook folder. For multiple MSG files, converting them to PST and then importing the PST into Classic Outlook provides a more suitable bulk workflow. The exact process depends on whether you use Classic Outlook or New Outlook.<\/p>\n

This guide explains three methods to import MSG files into Outlook, including their benefits, limitations, and the differences between Classic Outlook and New Outlook.<\/p>\n

Can You Import MSG Files into Outlook?<\/h2>\n

Yes. MSG files can be added to Outlook manually, although the available workflow depends on the Outlook version you are using.<\/p>\n

For a small number of MSG files, you can use a manual method such as opening the MSG file and moving or copying the message into an Outlook folder. For larger collections, manually processing every message can become repetitive. In that situation, converting multiple MSG files into a PST file and importing the PST into Classic Outlook can provide a more practical approach.<\/p>\n

Before choosing a method, determine whether you are using Classic Outlook, New Outlook, Outlook on the web, or Outlook for Mac, because their file-handling capabilities are not identical.<\/p>\n

New Outlook vs Classic Outlook for MSG Files<\/h2>\n

One of the most important considerations when importing MSG files in 2026 is the difference between Classic Outlook and New Outlook.<\/p>\n

Instructions written for Classic Outlook should not automatically be treated as instructions for New Outlook.<\/p>\n

Classic Outlook has traditionally provided desktop file-handling workflows that make it possible to work with individual MSG messages and PST files. New Outlook has a different interface and feature set, so some older MSG workflows do not behave in exactly the same way.<\/p>\n

Microsoft has also changed how drag-and-drop file handling works in newer Outlook experiences. For example, dragging an email to the Windows desktop can result in an .eml file rather than the .msg behavior users may remember from older Outlook versions.<\/p>\n

Therefore, if a drag-and-drop instruction does not work in New Outlook, check whether the procedure specifically requires Classic Outlook.<\/p>\n

For PST-based bulk importing, use the Classic Outlook workflow when the required Import\/Export functionality is available there.<\/p>\n

Method 1: Import MSG Files into Outlook Using Drag and Drop<\/h3>\n

1. Install and launch Outlook 2021 version in your system.<\/p>\n

\"Import<\/p>\n

2. Create a new folder with a name like MSG in Outlook mailbox folders.<\/p>\n

\"open<\/p>\n

3. Now go to the location where you saved your MSG files.<\/p>\n

4. Next, press Ctrl + A and drag and drop all the files into the newly created folder.<\/p>\n

\"Import<\/p>\n

In this way, all your MSG files will now be imported into Outlook client.<\/p>\n

Limitations??<\/strong><\/p>\n