How to Switch MSG File in Outlook 365? – Complete Steps
How to Switch MSG File in Outlook 365? – Resolved query by manual method & MSG Converter that import Outlook MSG file to Office 365.
Table Of Contents
Microsoft Outlook is one of the most widely used email clients across the globe, trusted by professionals and organizations for managing emails, calendars, contacts, and tasks. One of Outlook’s unique features is the ability to save individual email messages in the MSG file format. This format is especially useful for archiving, legal documentation, and sharing single emails. However, as more organizations and users transition to Outlook 365 (Microsoft 365), the need to access MSG files in Outlook 365 has grown significantly.
Unfortunately, Outlook 365 does not natively support importing MSG files, leaving many users frustrated. If you have years of emails saved as MSG files and now wish to access them in Outlook 365, you’re not alone. This guide will explain everything you need to know: what MSG files are, how Outlook 365 works, reasons for switching, the manual workaround, its limitations, and finally the best alternative method.
What is an MSG File?
An MSG file is a proprietary file format created by Microsoft Outlook. It stores all the details of a single email, including:
Sender and recipient information
Subject line and message body
Attachments
Hyperlinks, formatting, and metadata
MSG files are usually created when you drag and drop an email from Outlook into a folder on your computer. They are convenient for saving individual emails but become difficult to manage in bulk.
What is Outlook 365?
Outlook 365, now part of Microsoft 365, is a cloud-based email application that allows users to access their mailbox from anywhere, on any device, as long as they have an internet connection. Unlike desktop-based Outlook, which stores data in PST or OST files, Outlook 365 keeps everything securely in the cloud.
Key Benefits of Outlook 365
Anytime, anywhere email access
Strong security and compliance features
Seamless integration with Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint
Automatic updates and backups
Scalable storage for businesses and individuals
Since Outlook 365 is cloud-native, it does not have a built-in feature to import MSG files directly.
Why Switch MSG Files to Outlook 365?
There are multiple scenarios where users may want to migrate MSG files into Outlook 365. Some of the most common include –
Centralized Email Management – Instead of storing emails in separate MSG files on local drives, importing them into Outlook 365 ensures everything is organized in one mailbox.
Cloud Accessibility – Outlook 365 provides universal access across devices, unlike MSG files which are restricted to a specific computer.
Enhanced Security – Microsoft 365 offers enterprise-grade security, encryption, and compliance, which makes it safer than storing MSG files locally.
Collaboration Needs – Organizations moving to Microsoft 365 want legacy emails available to employees within their Outlook 365 accounts.
Backup & Business Continuity – Migrating MSG files ensures they are protected against accidental loss, hardware crashes, or corruption.
Simplified Searching & Organization – Searching through Outlook 365 is easier and faster than browsing hundreds of standalone MSG files.
Manual Method to Switch MSG Files into Outlook 365
While there is no direct “import MSG to Outlook 365” option, users can try a manual drag-and-drop method via the Outlook desktop client that is synced with Outlook 365.
Steps
Open Microsoft Outlook on your desktop (make sure it is connected with your Outlook 365 account).
Go to the folder on your system where MSG files are stored.
Select the MSG files you want to move.
Drag and drop them into a folder within Outlook.
Once the files are dropped, Outlook will sync them automatically with your Outlook 365 cloud mailbox.
Major Drawbacks of the Manual Method
The above method works for a small number of MSG files, but it is not practical for bulk migration or professional use. Here’s why –
No Bulk Import – MSG files cannot be imported in large batches. Each one has to be dragged and dropped manually.
Time-Consuming – Migrating hundreds or thousands of MSG files can take an enormous amount of time.
Risk of Data Loss – Sometimes email formatting, metadata, or attachments don’t transfer properly.
Outlook Dependency – You need Outlook installed and properly configured with Outlook 365 to even attempt this process.
Limited Scope – Only email messages are transferred. Contacts, tasks, and other data types stored as MSG cannot be imported efficiently.
These limitations make the manual process unsuitable for organizations, businesses, or users with large volumes of MSG files.
The Best Alternative Approach – How to Switch MSG File in Outlook 365?
The simplest, fastest, and most reliable way to switch MSG files into Outlook 365 is by using a professional tool like BitVare MSG Converter. This software is designed to overcome the restrictions of manual methods and directly migrate MSG files into Outlook 365 without data loss.
Key Features
Direct Outlook 365 Migration – Import MSG files directly into your Microsoft 365 account by just entering login credentials.
Batch Conversion – Upload and migrate thousands of MSG files in one go.
Preserves Data Integrity – Maintains attachments, inline images, formatting, folder hierarchy, and metadata.
Multiple Export Options – Convert MSG files not only to Outlook 365 but also PST, MBOX, EML, PDF, HTML, and more.
Cross-Platform Support – Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
Advanced Filters – Selectively migrate emails by date, sender, subject, or other attributes.
Secure Migration – Works without data corruption, duplication, or security issues.
How the Tool Works
Install and launch the MSG Converter on your system.
Add the MSG files or folders you want to import.
Choose Outlook 365 as the output option.
Enter your Outlook 365 account credentials.
Apply filters if needed and start the migration process.
Once complete, all MSG files will be available in your Outlook 365 mailbox.
Why Choose the MSG to Office 365 Software Over Manual Method?
Saves Time – Instead of dragging MSG files one by one, you can import them all at once.
Reliable Results – Ensures 100% accuracy and no loss of attachments or formatting.
Professional Use – Ideal for businesses and organizations migrating bulk MSG files.
No Technical Hassle – Even non-technical users can easily operate the tool.
Complete Data Handling – Not just emails, but also supports migration of MSG files containing tasks, calendars, and contacts.
Conclusion
MSG files are widely used in Outlook but are not compatible with Outlook 365. While you can use the manual drag-and-drop method for a few emails, it is extremely limited, time-consuming, and prone to errors when handling large data sets. For professional, safe, and hassle-free migration, The software is the best solution. With its direct Outlook 365 import feature, batch conversion capability, and preservation of data integrity, it ensures a smooth transition for both individuals and enterprises.
So, if you’re struggling with how to Export Outlook MSG files in Outlook 365, skip the risks of manual methods and go with the tool to get the job done quickly, securely, and accurately.
