How to Export Google Workspace Emails to MSG Files – Easy Guide

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  • Updated on August 18th, 2025

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When switching from Google Workspace to Microsoft Outlook, the user prefers to only export the important emails. Since MSG files are supported by Outlook, the user chose to export Google Workspace to MSG Files. However, there is no native option in Google Workspace for exporting emails to MSG files. To overcome this, we’ll show you two alternative approaches that make the conversion process possible. One is a manual approach, and the other is an expert-recommended Cigati G Suite Backup Tool. By the end of this blog, we will know exactly how to handle the process smoothly.

Reasons to Convert Google Workspace Email to MSG 

Because MSG is Outlook’s built-in email format, transferring and sharing emails becomes seamless and free. Below, we have outlined a few reasons to carry out this conversion:

  • MSG is Outlook’s native file type. Therefore, simplifies moving or exchanging emails. 
  • By exporting to MSG files, users can view and manage emails without internet access.
  • With the MSG file format, one can store essential emails on their device, outside the cloud.
  • Once converted to the MSG file format, the email details are kept in the original format. It preserves the email data integrity.
  • The MSG format stores one message per file. Hence, users can conveniently share individual messages quickly and efficiently. 

Methods to Export Google Workspace to MSG Files

In this part, you will learn effective techniques for converting G Suite emails to MSG files. We will highlight both hands-on manual methods and a professional tool. We’ll go through them one at a time. 

Method 1: Using Outlook

The manual method below involves first connecting the G Suite account in Outlook. And then saves the emails as MSG files via IMAP configurations. 

Look at the steps to convert G Suite emails to MSG files:

Step 1: Add G Suite Account to Outlook

  1. Start by logging in to your G Suite email account.
  2. After that, head to Settings > See all settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP.
  3. Then, click on Enable IMAP > Save Changes.
  4. Now, in Outlook, go to File > Add Account.
  5. Next, enter your G Suite email address and password.

Step 2: Export G Suite Emails to MSG Files

  1. In Outlook, open the G Suite mailbox.
  2. Now, select the email(s) that you want to export.
  3. Then, drag and drop these emails to a local folder on your computer.
  4. Outlook will automatically save the G Suite emails as MSG files.

Method 2: By Forwarding Emails

This approach simply involves forwarding the G Suite emails in Outlook and then saving them as MSG files.

To perform G Suite to MSG Conversion, follow these steps:

  1. In your Gmail email account, open the email that you want to forward.
  2. Then, look for the Forward button and in the “to” field, enter the Outlook email ID. 
  3. Next, tap Send and open MS Outlook.
  4. Head to the Inbox folder to check the forwarded email. 
  5. Drag this email and save it locally on your computer. 
  6. The emails will be saved in .MSG format automatically. 

Why are Manual Methods not Effective?

  • The IMAP migration requires a stable internet connection. If the connection is poor, the process may fail.
  • The Outlook application may experience issues and, therefore, slow down when migrating large mailboxes.
  • The forward method is not ideal for a large number of email migrations.
  • Some of the forwarded emails may not preserve the attachments with the emails. 

Expert-Recommended Tool to Export Google Workspace to MSG Files

The Cigati G Suite Backup Tool is a top-notch solution that simplifies migrating Google Workspace to MSG files. Its tech-friendly interface allows users to export emails to various file formats and email platforms. Besides this, it ensures seamless migration without data loss. Moreover, it maintains the folder structure hierarchy. Cigati offers users a demo version that allows exporting or backing up up to 50 emails at no cost. 

Simplified steps to convert Google Workspace email to MSG:

  1. Launch and open the tool.
  2. Then, select Backup Google Workspace Emails Only. After that, tap Continue.
  3. Next, log in with your G Suite account credentials.
  4. Preview the account details and select the desired User ID.
  5. Afterwards, proceed with the File Formats and click Continue again.
  6. Then, pick MSG as the output format, then press Next.
  7. Enable any additional features and hit the Convert button.

Conclusion

In this post, you have gained insights into the various aspects of exporting the G Suite email data as MSG files. The cost-free manual methods do exist for this task, but they are not reliable for large-scale migrations. However, the automated expert-recommended Cigati G Suite Backup Tool provides a complete solution. It efficiently export Google Workspace to MSG files without any data loss. Pick the method that best aligns with your needs and technical knowledge.

You May Also Read: Export Google Workspace Email to PST

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I convert G Suite emails to MSG without using software?

Ans: Yes, you can convert G Suite emails to MSG manually without any software. You can either forward the emails or use the Outlook app. Using Outlook. You need to first add the G Suite account to Outlook. Then, export the emails as MSG files.

Q: Which email clients support MSG files after exporting from G Suite?

Ans: Several email clients, including Outlook (for Windows/Mac), Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Windows Mail.

About The Author:

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery & Migration Consultant and is associated with Software Company from the last 3 years. He writes technical updates and their features related to MS Outlook, Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.

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