Convert IMAP to MSG: Easy Ways to Export IMAP Emails to MSG
-
Written By
Aaradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
September 5th, 2025 - Read Time
5 minutes
User Query: I need to backup my old email account, which still uses IMAP (like Gmail or Yahoo). I heard MSG is a good backup format. But I’m not sure how to move all my emails from IMAP into an MSG file. Is there a simple and secure way to convert IMAP to MSG without losing any data?
Summary: Many users rely on IMAP-based email services like Gmail, Yahoo, or Zoho for day-to-day communication. But when it’s time to switch accounts or backup data, converting those emails into a manageable format becomes necessary. MSG is one such format. Each MSG file contains one email and stores everything, from attachments to sender and subject, in one place. This blog explains how to export IMAP to MSG using both a manual method and a professional DRS IMAP Backup Tool. In addition, both methods help you move your emails quickly and safely.
Understand: IMAP vs MSG
IMAP is a protocol that keeps your emails on a server and syncs them across devices. On the other hand, an MSG file is a standalone email file used by Microsoft Outlook on Windows. Each MSG file holds one email message, including attachments, formatting, and metadata.
Simple Steps to Convert IMAP to MSG
- Firstly, install the DRS IMAP Email Backup Tool.
- Now, enter your IMAP details to Sign In.
- Then, check & select the emails to convert.
- Select the MSG file format as the Output option.
- Lastly, use features/filters and click Convert.
Why Migrate Emails from IMAP to MSG?
- MSG is Outlook-friendly and perfect for storing important emails.
- With the MSG file, you can organize or share specific emails easily.
- Each email is saved in its own file, which is helpful for backup purposes.
- Moreover, MSG files are fully readable offline with Outlook on Windows.
Manual Method to Convert IMAP to MSG: Free
If you want to convert a small number of emails and have Outlook installed, you can use this manual method. Here is how you can perform it:
- Initially, add your IMAP account to Microsoft Outlook.
- Then, let Outlook sync all your emails.
- Now, open the email you want to save.
- After that, click File > Save As.
- Lastly, select MSG as the format and save.
Limitations of Manually Transfer Emails from IMAP to MSG Format
- This process is impractical for exporting multiple emails or entire folders quickly.
- Sometimes attachments or metadata might not save properly when done manually.
- You must have Microsoft Outlook installed and configured with your IMAP account to perform this method.
- Also, manual steps mean you need to monitor and control the entire process yourself, which can lead to errors.
Verified Solution to Convert IMAP to MSG: Hassle-Free
To avoid all the limitations of the manual method, you can use the professional DRS IMAP Backup Software. This tool is specifically designed to convert multiple IMAP emails at once. It gives you 100% accurate conversion with no data loss. You can preserve original data formatting, structure, and metadata during the conversion process. With its advanced features, you can also export IMAP Emails to MBOX and other formats.
One-Time IMAP to MSG Conversion
If you only need to convert multiple IMAP emails at once, you don’t have to worry about tools or processes. Just share your IMAP credentials with our support team, and we’ll convert them into MSG format for you. Also, it’s quick, affordable, and completely hassle-free.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download IMAP Emails to MSG
- Primarily, download and install the DRS IMAP Backup Tool.
- Now, write your IMAP details, including ID & Password, to Sign In.
- Then, you can preview (Cross-verify) and select them to convert.
- After that, choose MSG as the Output format from the given list.
- Finally, use the available filters as needed, then hit the Convert.
Real-Life Scenario
A small business owner in Chicago needed to backup years of emails from their Gmail IMAP account in MSG format. Instead of manually saving hundreds of emails one by one, they used the DRS IMAP Email Backup Tool. Within minutes, all their important emails were securely converted to MSG files, complete with attachments and original formatting. Also, this saved them hours of work and ensured their data was safe and well-organized on their Windows PC.
Conclusion
In this technical blog post, we explored two effective and simple methods to convert IMAP to MSG. The manual method is used to convert a small number of IMAP emails. Also, it contains several limitations that make this process unreliable for many users. For a secure and more reliable experience, using a professional tool is the best choice. It gives you bulk conversion with no data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Yes, you can convert IMAP emails to MSG without installing Microsoft Outlook by using a professional tool like the DRS IMAP Backup Tool. It directly connects to your IMAP account and saves emails as MSG files on your system.
Ans: Yes, you can convert IMAP emails to MSG without installing Microsoft Outlook by using a professional tool like the DRS IMAP Email Backup. It directly connects to your IMAP account and saves emails as MSG files on your system.
Ans: The DRS IMAP Backup Tool is compatible with all major Windows operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. You just need a stable internet connection to log into your IMAP account.
Ans: Yes. The software supports all IMAP-enabled email services such as Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Zoho, iCloud, and more. Just enter your email login details, and the tool will fetch and convert your emails smoothly.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.
