EML file format is commonly used for storing email messages in various email applications such as Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, and Mozilla Thunderbird. This format is based on the MIME standard that allows the message to be sent in a text-based format. These EML files contain email messages along with their attachments, headers, and other email-related information. In this article, we will discuss how to open EML files in Windows.

Method 1: Using Windows Mail App

Windows Mail App is a built-in email client in Windows 10. It supports EML files natively, meaning you can open and read them directly without any external software. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Open the Windows Mail app on your computer.
2. Click on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) on the top left corner of the app and select ‘Import messages’.
3. In the import window, select ‘Windows Live Mail’ or ‘Outlook Express’ depending on your email client.
4. Click ‘Next’ and select the EML files you want to open.
5. Finally, click on the ‘Import’ button to start the import process.

After the import process is complete, the EML files will be available in the ‘Imported Folder’ in the Windows Mail app.

Method 2: Using Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a popular email client that can handle EML files. Here’s how you can open them in Outlook:

1. Open Outlook on your computer.
2. From the File menu, select ‘Import and Export’.
3. Choose ‘Import Internet Mail and Addresses’.
4. Click on ‘Next’ and select ‘Outlook Express’ or ‘Windows Live Mail’ depending on your email client.
5. Check the box next to ‘Import Mail’ and click ‘Next’.
6. Select the EML files you want to open and click ‘Next’.
7. Choose a location for the imported files and click ‘Finish’.

Once the import process is complete, you can access the EML files in the Outlook ‘Imported Folder’.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Software

If you don’t have access to Windows Mail app or Microsoft Outlook, you can use third-party software to open EML files in Windows. Some popular software include Mozilla Thunderbird, eM Client, and Mailbird. Here are the steps to open EML files using Mozilla Thunderbird:

1. Download and install Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
2. Open Thunderbird and click ‘File’ on the menu bar.
3. Select ‘Import’ and choose ‘Mail’.
4. Select the appropriate email client from the list and click ‘Next’.
5. Check the box next to ‘Import Mail’ and click ‘Next’.
6. Select the location of the EML files and click ‘Next’.
7. Finally, click ‘Finish’ to complete the import process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, EML files are commonly used email file format that requires a compatible email client or software to open. Windows Mail app and Microsoft Outlook are two built-in email clients that can handle EML files natively. If you don’t have access to these email clients, you can use third-party software. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can open EML files on Windows and read their contents.