Outlook utilizes two primary file formats: OST and MSG. OST files are local copies of your Exchange mailbox, syncing when you’re on the server. MSG files are individual emails saved with all their original elements, such as attachments and formatting. Converting OST emails to MSG enables you to access, share, and archive individual messages easily without having to open the whole Outlook application. In this blog post, we’ll save encrypted OST file as MSG with full attributes.
Why Convert OST to MSG?
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MSG files contain individual emails, which makes them simple to transfer, share, or archive.
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They’re ideal for legal discovery, migrations, or when you must upload emails into other systems.
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MSG preserves all your attachments, formatting, and metadata.
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You can open MSG files natively in Outlook without having the full mailbox.
Now, we’ll begin with the manual methods, which use Outlook’s built-in features like drag-and-drop and Save As to convert OST emails to MSG files-ideal if you only need to export a small number of messages and have access to your Outlook account.
#1. Export OST to MSG using MS Outlook
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Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
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Choose the email you wish to save as an MSG file.
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Go to the File tab and select the option Save As.
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In the dialog box, select a location on your computer and specify a file name with the extension .msg.
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From the “Save as type” drop down, select “Outlook Message Format (*.msg)”.
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Click Save to complete and your email will be saved as an MSG file at your selected location.
#2. Drag & Drop Method to Convert OST to MSG
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Launch Microsoft Outlook and verify your OST mailbox is imported and ready.
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If your OST file is not present, take Outlook’s instructions to add or connect it.
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Go to the folder in Outlook that contains the emails you are willing to export.
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Press Ctrl + A to select all the emails you will convert.
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Open File Explorer and make a folder where you desire to save the MSG files.
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Drag the picked emails from Outlook and place them in your preferred folder in File Explorer; each will be saved as an MSG file.
Loopholes of Manual Methods
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Works only if the OST file is present and linked in Outlook.
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Not able to convert orphaned, corrupted, or unavailable OST files.
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No batch process-every mail has to be saved or dragged separately, thus slow for a large number.
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Manual process is slow and tiresome.
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Totally dependent upon Microsoft Outlook installed and set up on the same system.
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Folder arrangement and initial data organization could be lost.
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Higher risk of human error and loss of data during manual steps.
#3. Pro Solution to Bulk Open OST Emails as MSG with Attachments
In order to ensure a smooth and high-quality conversion of OST files, you may download the Mailsware OST Converter Toolkit. With highly advanced technology, users are able to export OST files to MSG format. There is an available trial version where you are able to convert the first 25 items from your Outlook or Exchange OST to MSG for free. Also, users can import MSG to Gmail, Yahoo, and other email service providers.
Software Steps to Export OST to MSG
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Download and install the OST to MSG converter software on your Windows platform, then follow the on-screen guidelines to begin.
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The software allows you to import data in two ways: either select PST or OST files or use the Select Files/Folder option to import your source OST-even without Outlook being installed.
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After importing, you can preview the OST file contents and select the specific folders you need to convert.
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Choose MSG as your desired output format from the list of available saving options.
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Set your preferred destination folder and select a file naming convention that suits your needs.
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Click Next to start the conversion process and watch the live progress as your OST files are converted to MSG.
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When the conversion is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message, and the software will display the folder containing your new MSG files.
Key Takeaways
Converting emails from OST to MSG format ensures that it can be easily accessed, shared, and archived individually without requiring your entire Outlook mailbox. Manual processes are suitable for a small number of emails but are slow, need Outlook, and don’t handle inaccessible OST files. For mass conversion or if your OST is not linked, professional software such as OST to MSG converters are quicker, retain all information, and function even with huge or orphaned files. This way, you can manage your Outlook data more efficiently.
Robert William 
