File Cannot Open

How to Fix Cannot Open Saved Outlook Emails from OneDrive

Nimra Malik Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to open saved Outlook email files (MSG or EML) stored in OneDrive, and experience difficulties accessing or extracting PDF attachments from these saved messages.

How to Open Saved Outlook Emails (EML/MSG) from OneDrive

Product: Microsoft Outlook and OneDrive
Device & OS: Windows 11
Scenario: Attempting to access previously saved email messages and their attachments from a synchronized OneDrive folder on a Windows 11 device.
Observed behavior: The MSG or EML files fail to open because they are not associated with a compatible application by default. Consequently, any PDF attachments inside these emails remain inaccessible.

Before you start

Ensure that your OneDrive files are fully synced and downloaded to your local drive, and verify that you have an email client or compatible viewer installed on your computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Set a Default Application for EML and MSG Files

Windows 11 may not have a default app assigned for viewing saved email formats. Assigning Outlook or Windows Mail ensures these files open seamlessly.

By default, Windows might lose the file association for EML (standard email message) or MSG (Outlook-specific message) files. Re-establishing this connection tells the operating system exactly which program to use whenever you double-click the file in your OneDrive folder.

Locate the file

Open File Explorer and navigate to your OneDrive folder where the saved EML or MSG file is stored.

Open file properties

Right-click on the email file, hover over 'Open with', and click on 'Choose another app'.

Select the application

From the list of available applications, select 'Outlook' (for MSG files) or the 'Mail' app (for EML files).

Set as default

Check the box at the bottom that says 'Always use this app to open .eml/.msg files' and click 'OK'.

Set a Default Application for EML and MSG Files

File Association Restored: Your saved emails will now automatically open in the chosen application whenever you double-click them in the future.

Solution 2

Open EML Files Using a Web Browser

If you do not have a dedicated mail application installed, you can use modern web browsers to view the contents of EML files.

Solution 3

Save or Print the Email as a PDF

Converting your email to a PDF file makes it universally accessible on any device without requiring specialized email software.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Seamlessly Manage Extracted PDFs and Documents with WPS Office

While Microsoft Outlook handles your MSG and EML files, WPS Office is the perfect lightweight alternative for managing all your extracted PDF attachments and standard office documents. It offers a powerful built-in PDF toolkit and ensures your workflow remains uninterrupted.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for Windows.
2. Extract your attachment: Save the PDF attachment from your opened EML or MSG email to your local Documents folder.
3. Open with WPS: Right-click the extracted PDF file, select 'Open with', and choose WPS Office to read, edit, or annotate your document.

Highly compatible with standard Microsoft Office formats, including Word, Excel, and PowerPointBuilt-in advanced PDF reader and editor to effortlessly manage email attachmentsLightweight architecture ensuring fast installation and smooth performance on Windows 11Free to use with a familiar, user-friendly interface for seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my MSG files show up as blank or refuse to open?

MSG files are proprietary to Microsoft Outlook. If you do not have the desktop version of Outlook installed on your Windows 11 device, or if the file association is broken, Windows will not know how to open the file properly. You must use Outlook or a dedicated third-party MSG viewer.

Can I open an EML file on Windows 11 without installing Microsoft Outlook?

Yes, EML is a widely supported standard email format. You can open EML files using the built-in Windows Mail app, third-party applications like Mozilla Thunderbird, or simply by dragging the file into a web browser like Microsoft Edge.

How do I access a PDF attachment hidden inside an EML file?

You first need to open the EML file in a compatible application like the Windows Mail app or Outlook. Once the email is displayed on your screen, look for the attachment section, right-click the PDF icon, and select 'Save As' or 'Download' to extract it to your local hard drive.

Does storing my email files in OneDrive affect my ability to open them?

If you have 'Files On-Demand' enabled in OneDrive, the files may only exist in the cloud and act as placeholders on your PC. If you are offline or the file fails to download automatically, it will not open. You can fix this by right-clicking the MSG or EML file in OneDrive and selecting 'Always keep on this device' to force a local download.

Document & File Issues