EML File Extension

What is EML file?

Files with the .EML extension contain a single email stored in a single file comprised of the header of the message and its body, and possibly some attachments. This extension is used by many various email managing programs. The format was standardised in the RFC 2833 document.

A header of a message includes:

• Email addresses of sender and receiver,
• Subject of the message,
• Date, time and place of origin – servers mediating reception of the message,
• Additional information about the content, links and attachments.

The EML message files can be sent as attachments to other email messages. They can be opened in most email client programs. Such programs usually also enable storing messages in EML format on disc, for instance, for purpose of archiving.

Programs which support EML file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 4 operating systems that support EML files. Files with EML suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 07/03/2019

How to open file with EML extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening EML files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to E-Mail Message files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with EML files.

Step 1. Download and install Microsoft Outlook

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports EML files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Microsoft Outlook or one of the recommended programs (for example, Windows Live Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, Microsoft Internet Explorer) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support EML files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Microsoft Outlook website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Outlook and update if needed

If the problems with opening EML files still occur even after installing Microsoft Outlook, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Outlook is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why EML files are not compatible with Microsoft Outlook. The latest version of Microsoft Outlook should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Outlook to EML files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate EML files with latest version of Microsoft Outlook you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the EML file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Outlook is installed, check the Always use this app to open EML files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with EML extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Microsoft Outlook and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with EML extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the EML for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the EML file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the EML file for viruses or malware

If the EML is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the EML file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the EML file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the EML file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with EML extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the E-Mail Message file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Outlook

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support EML files. Close all running programs and try opening the EML file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with E-Mail Message file. It may be the case that the EML files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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