MC713893 - New Outlook for Windows: Opening saved .eml, .msg, and .oft files

In March 2024, we will introduce support in new Microsoft Outlook for Windows for opening email files saved to a user's file system with .eml, .msg, and .oft extensions.

This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 379606.

[When this will happen]

Standard Release: We will begin rolling out early March 2024 and expect to complete by late March 2024.

[How this will affect your organization:]

Initially, we will support:  

• Opening email messages saved in saved .eml, .msg, and .oft files while online. The files can be opened by:
• Using the Open With menu in Windows Explorer.
• Dragging and dropping these files onto the Outlook Reading Pane.
• Double-clicking these files after setting the new Outlook for Windows as the default app for these file types. Learn more about how to set the default app for a file type: Change default programs in Windows - Microsoft Support.
• Forwarding or replying to email messages in saved .eml, .msg, and .oft files.

Initially, we have these support limitations: 

• We will only support saved .oft and .msg files that refer to an email message.
• Users must have an active Internet connection.

We plan to improve and fine tune support for saved .eml, .msg, and .oft files in upcoming releases, such as copying email messages in saved .eml, .msg, and .oft files to a mailbox and offline support.

This rollout does not apply to Outlook for the web or Outlook Mobile. 

[What you need to do to prepare:]

No action is needed to prepare for this change. You may want to notify your users about this change and update any relevant documentation as appropriate.