How to Open MSG Files (With and Without Outlook) – A UK LegalTech Guide

17 April 2025 by Anith eDiscovery email msg Outlook

Takeaway: To quickly check what’s inside an MSG file, use Microsoft Outlook or a trusted third-party viewer. However, for legal workflows such as eDisclosure (the UK equivalent of eDiscovery), you will need specialist software that maintains metadata integrity and supports all MSG subtypes.

MSG files may seem like a minor part of your Outlook inbox, but in the legal world, they hold vital evidence.

Whether you’re reviewing archived emails or preparing files for a disclosure bundle, it’s essential to use the right tool for the task. If you’re working in legal services, regulatory compliance, or are part of a law firm’s litigation support team in the UK, platforms like GoldFynch equip you to handle MSG files with accuracy, security, and professionalism.

What is an MSG file?

If you’ve ever used Microsoft Outlook, you’ve likely encountered MSG and PST files. But what exactly are they?

1. MSG: A single email file

Outlook saves individual emails as .msg files when you drag an email from your inbox to your desktop or a folder on your computer. These MSG files store not only the message content but also key metadata, including the sender, recipient, date sent, and any attached files or embedded links.

Keep in mind: MSG is a proprietary file format developed by Microsoft. To open these files properly, you typically need Outlook or compatible software.

2. PST: A collection of emails

Outlook organises your emails into larger .pst files, known as Personal Storage Tables. PST files serve as containers for entire mailboxes, including emails, contacts, calendar appointments, and more.

You’ll encounter PSTS more frequently in legal proceedings, but MSGS also appear, particularly when you export single emails for review or disclosure.

Why MSG files matter in UK legal practice

MSG files aren’t just emails—they can represent a wide range of Outlook items: calendar events, tasks, contacts, even journal entries. And that matters if you’re dealing with digital evidence during litigation or regulatory reviews.

For professionals involved in eDisclosure in the UK, securely and accurately opening MSG files is vital. You will want to preserve metadata, avoid malware risks, and maintain defensibility for court use.

How to open an MSG file

Option 1: Opening MSG files for quick review

If you’re just trying to take a quick look at a file’s contents, you’ve got a few straightforward options:

a. Use Microsoft Outlook (Windows)

Double-click the file if Outlook is the default application.
If not, right-click the file, select “Open with,” and then select Outlook.
Alternatively, copy and paste the file into your Outlook window for automatic loading.

b. Use a third-party MSG viewer (Windows & MacOS) If you don’t have access to Outlook or if you use Outlook but use a Mac, you will need a third-party MSG reader. But beware: many free viewers are ad-supported or bundled with malware. Always use a vetted tool from a reputable provider.

Note: MacOS Outlook does not natively support .msg files, so third-party solutions are your only option on Apple devices.

Option 2: Opening MSG files for eDisclosure (UK eDiscovery)

If you’re handling MSG files as part of a UK-based eDisclosure process, things get more technical.

You will need eDisclosure software such as GoldFynch that:

Recognises and opens all MSG subtypes (not just emails)
Preserves file metadata for defensibility
Ensures security and chain-of-custody

Why GoldFynch is ideal for UK-based legal professionals

GoldFynch is a cloud-based eDisclosure solution designed for small and mid-sized law firms. It supports MSG and PST files natively—no Outlook required—and it works entirely through your browser.

Key features:

No need to install any software
Opens all MSG variants securely in your web browser
Preserves all metadata
Fully GDPR-compliant and ideal for UK law firms and legal service providers

Additional tools for legal review:

Advanced search engine that simplifies your document review process
Document tagging, annotation, and other tools that aid team-based review
Redaction of sensitive content
Creation of custom production sets in multiple formats for court or regulatory submission

UK law firms, regulatory consultants, and other legal teams can use GoldFynch effectively for secure, cost-effective eDisclosure

MSG files might seem straightforward, but when it comes to legal work, a lot is riding on getting them right.

Whether you need to open a handful of MSGS for a quick review or manage thousands for a complex eDisclosure project, choosing the right tool is essential to maintain accuracy, security, and compliance. While Outlook or trusted viewers suffice for basic needs, specialist platforms like GoldFynch offer the robust handling and metadata preservation required for legal defensibility. By equipping yourself with the right technology, you can manage MSG files confidently, keeping your cases organised, your data secure, and your review process streamlined.

Ready to make handling MSG files simple? Try GoldFynch for free and see how easy eDisclosure can be.

GoldFynch is a cloud eDisclosure service with a suite of essential eDisclosure review tools. And if you’re in a barrister or legal professional in UK, it’s something your attorneys might want to hear about. Here’s why:

It costs just $27 a month for a 3 GB case: That’s significantly less than most comparable software. With GoldFynch, you know exactly what you’re paying for: its pricing is simple and readily available on the website.
It’s easy to budget for. GoldFynch charges only for storage (processing files is free). So, choose from a range of plans (3 GB to 150+ GB) and know up-front how much you’ll be paying. You can upload and cull as much data as you want as long as you stay below your storage limit. And even if you do cross the limit, you can upgrade your plan with just a few clicks. Also, billing is prorated – so you’ll pay only for the time you spend on any given plan. With legacy software, pricing is much less predictable.
It takes just minutes to get going. GoldFynch runs in the Cloud, so you use it through your web browser (Google Chrome recommended). No installation. No sales calls or emails. Plus, you get a free trial case (0.5 GB of data and a processing cap of 1 GB) without adding a credit card.
It’s simple to use. Many eDiscovery applications take hours to master. GoldFynch takes minutes. It handles a lot of complex processing in the background, but what you see is minimal and intuitive. Just drag-and-drop your files into GoldFynch, and you’re good to go. Plus, you get prompt and reliable tech support (our average response time is 30 minutes).
Access it from anywhere, and 24/7. All your files are backed up and secure in the Cloud.

Want to find out more about GoldFynch?

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