Recommended Free Tools
For one .eml message, start with new Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web if you already use either: Microsoft documents opening the file by dragging it into the reading pane. For a folder of messages, search, attachment extraction, or batch export, compare a dedicated viewer against the work you need it to do. The feature and license details below are publishers’ claims, not results from independent testing.
Which EML viewer should you use?
| Option | Best fit | What the publisher documents | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Outlook for Windows or Outlook on the web | Opening one message when Outlook is already available | Microsoft documents opening an .eml by dragging it into the reading pane, and provides Windows Explorer Open with and default-app instructions. |
These instructions are for new Outlook and Outlook on the web. Check the separate saving and printing instructions if you need a PDF or another file format. |
| EML Viewer Pro (also called PstViewer Pro) | Windows users handling folders, search, headers, attachments, or batch export | Encryptomatic advertises folder browsing, search and filtering, attachment opening or extraction, internet-header access, printing, and multiple export formats. | Confirm current system requirements, trial and license terms, and test rendering on a representative message if fidelity matters. |
| CoolUtils Mail Viewer | Basic desktop viewing where home-use licensing may fit | CoolUtils describes the viewer as free for home use and lists folder navigation, HTML email support, attachment preview, and report output. | Verify current licensing, supported formats, and export limits. The description appears in a vendor-authored comparison, not an independent benchmark. |
| SysInfo EML Viewer | Another candidate to evaluate for folder browsing, search, attachments, or conversion | A Microsoft Marketplace listing advertises these functions. | The listing’s capability statements are vendor claims, not an independent audit; verify details and license terms before relying on them. |
Open an EML file in Outlook
Microsoft Support says new Outlook for Windows and Outlook on the web can open messages saved as .eml by dragging the file onto the reading pane. On Windows, Microsoft also documents opening the file from Explorer with Outlook (new), or setting Outlook (new) as the default app.
- In new Outlook or Outlook on the web, open the mail view and locate the reading pane.
- Drag the
.emlfile onto the reading pane. Microsoft’s instruction covers.eml,.msg, and.oft; the Microsoft 365 subscription condition on the support page applies to opening.msgand.oft, not its.emlinstruction. - Alternatively, in Windows Explorer, right-click the file, choose Open with, and select Outlook (new). To make Outlook the default for this file type, use Windows’ default-app settings.
These are the versions and methods covered by Microsoft’s EML, MSG, and OFT opening instructions. If you use a different Outlook edition or platform, do not assume the same steps apply.
When a dedicated viewer is worth considering
A separate viewer is more relevant when opening one file turns into managing an archive. Compare products on the particular workflow, not a general “best” label:
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
- Folder handling and search: If you need to browse or find messages across a directory, look for folder navigation and search or filtering.
- Attachments and rendering: Check whether the program can display HTML or rich-text messages and preview or extract attachments. Different messages may render differently, so test a sample if exact appearance is important.
- Headers: If you need internet headers, verify that they are exposed in the version you plan to use.
- Export: Confirm the output format and whether it contains the content you need. A PDF may be suitable for sharing or records, but do not assume it preserves every message detail or attachment.
- System and license: Check current operating-system support, hardware requirements, home-versus-business licensing, and any export restrictions directly with the publisher.
EML Viewer Pro for Windows
Encryptomatic describes EML Viewer Pro, also called PstViewer Pro, as a Windows program for EML and other email file types. Its product page advertises folder browsing, search and filtering, bulk export, printing, PDF export, attachment opening or extraction, HTML and RTF rendering, and access to internet headers. It lists Windows 10/11, 8 GB of RAM, and a 2 GHz processor in its current requirements section, and advertises a 15-day free trial. These are vendor statements, not independently verified performance findings. The page also contains older, conflicting requirement text, so check the current download requirements before installing or purchasing. See Encryptomatic’s EML Viewer Pro page for current product details.
CoolUtils Mail Viewer for home use
CoolUtils’ comparison page presents Mail Viewer as free for home use and lists folder-tree navigation, HTML email support, attachment preview, and report output such as PDF, HTML, text, XLS, and CSV. It is a vendor-authored guide rather than an independent comparison. Confirm the current license and any export limits with CoolUtils’ Mail Viewer information before relying on it, particularly for business use.
Rank #2
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
SysInfo EML Viewer
A SysInfo EML Viewer listing in Microsoft Marketplace advertises folder opening, email search, attachment viewing, and conversion. Its broad claims, including “forensic-ready” capability and no file-size restrictions, are marketing statements; the listing does not independently establish them. Treat this as a candidate to verify, not a forensic assurance.
Save or print an Outlook message as a PDF
If the message is open in Outlook and your goal is a shareable or printable copy, Microsoft documents version-specific save and print workflows. Outlook on the web or Outlook.com can download a message as .eml or .msg. On Windows 10 or Windows 11, Microsoft documents printing an Outlook message to PDF through Microsoft Print to PDF. Follow the steps for your Outlook version rather than assuming one menu path works everywhere:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Microsoft’s instructions to download messages from Outlook on the web or Outlook.com.
- Microsoft’s Outlook email-printing instructions, including printing to PDF on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Can you open an EML file in Chrome or Google apps?
CoolUtils’ vendor guide says Chrome and Google’s standard applications do not directly open EML files and recommends using a viewer or converting the message. That is not an official compatibility statement from Google or Chrome. If you want to read the message in a browser, use a tool that explicitly supports the file or convert it to an appropriate format; check the conversion output for attachments and message details you need.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check licensing before relying on a free viewer
“Free” can refer to a viewer, home use, a trial, or a limited export workflow. CoolUtils describes home use as free, while Encryptomatic advertises a 15-day EML Viewer Pro trial; both terms come from their publishers and may change. Confirm current terms directly, especially before using a home-use product at work or depending on export features. Microsoft Marketplace hosting is not a substitute for checking the SysInfo product’s own terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Rank #4
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
