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How to Compress Outlook MSG File Size?

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Written By
Nick Rogers
Published On
March 16th, 2026
Reading Time
7 Minutes Reading
Get here the step-by-step method to compress Outlook MSG files quickly and safely without facing issues.

If you use the Outlook app, you’ve probably noticed how quickly Outlook MSG files can pile up and take up valuable space. Each email saved especially with attachments can be several megabytes. Over time, these large MSG files on your system can slow it down and make sharing difficult.

The Good News? You can compress Outlook MSG file size to save space and make them easier to share. In this informative blog, we will explain why compressing MSG files is important, the best methods to compress Outlook MSG files, and answer some common questions about Outlook MSG file compression.

So, if you are one of them who needs to compress a large MSG file, keep reading the blog and get this task completed using a reliable and effective method.

What is an MSG File?

  • MSG is a single email file created by the Microsoft Outlook application.
  • This file contains content, headers, attachments, etc.
  • Outlook MSG files become large especially due to large attachments and inline images.

Why Reduce MSG File Size?

Here are the most common reasons why compressing Outlook MSG file makes sense:

  • Save Valuable Space: MSG files can become too large when they include attachments. Compressing MSG files can save valuable space.
  • Faster Email Sharing: If MSG files are smaller, they can be easily sent via email or cloud services.
  • Easier Backup and Storage: When you compress Outlook MSG file size, they will take up much less space on your computer or external hard drive.
  • Better File Management: Compressing MSG file size helps in better file management.

How to Compress Outlook MSG File?

There are many ways that can help you compress Outlook MSG file size. Below, we will explain some popular methods that help you make this task effortless.

Method 1: Use the Built-in ZIP Compression (Windows)

  • Select one or more Outlook MSG files you need to compress.
  • Right-click on the MSG file, choose Send to option and select Compressed (zipper) folder.
  • A new zip file will appear in same folder.
Result: Your Outlook MSG files are compressed now into a single and smaller zip file.

Method 2: Use File Compression Software

If you need more advanced solution, then try the tools such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or PeaZip.

Step-by-Step

  • Install any of the tools, right-click on the MSG file, then choose Add to archive or Compress.
  • Choose the Compression level such as normal, high, or ultra.
  • Save your archive file.
Tip: Ultra or Maximum compression option will give you the smallest file size. But it may take longer to process.

Method 3: Remove Attachments Before Compressing MSG File

As we all know, attachments are larger in size so they make the MSG file size large. You can save the attachments before compressing the Outlook MSG file.

Step-by-Step

  • Open the Outlook MSG file.
  • Save attachments to folder on your computer.
  • Now, delete attachment from your MSG file.
  • Save the MSG file as .msg file again.
  • Now, compress the file using 1 or 2 method.

These three methods are good for compressing MSG files. They are recommended if you only want to compress a few files. But if you have so many files, it is recommended to use any solution that supports compressing multiple MSG files at once.

Guess what? There is a solution that offers several advanced features to compress Outlook MSG files. It’s a complete solution so ghat you don’t have to go anywhere else.

Want to know about the method? Read further.

Best and All-in-One Method to Bulk Compress MSG File

4n6 Email Compressor is the most reliable, fast, and efficient application to compress MSG file size. This software is developed in such a way that it can easily compress the size of multiple MSG files at once. It offers many ways to bulk compress MSG files. Furthermore, this software has a very simple and intuitive interface. You can easily download and use this software on your Windows computer and reduce the size of your Outlook MSG files without facing any kind of issues.

Start by using the free demo version of the tool to check the functionality and features. If you are satisfied, proceed with purchasing the license. After compressing MSG files, users can also give a try to MSG Forensics Wizard to verify the integrity and analyze all MSG contents.

Download Now Purchase Now

Step-by-Step Guide

  • After downloading, install the program, run it, and click the Open button.
    click open
  • From the given options, please select the Email Data Files option.
    choose email data files
  • Choose the MSG files option and browse MSG files or folders as per your need.
    browse msg files or folder
  • The tool loads the selected MSG files or folders on the left panel.
    loaded msg files
  • Click the loaded MSG files and preview them before the compression process.
    preview msg files
  • Click the Compress and Save button and choose the required file-saving option like PST, MBOX, and more.
    choose saving
Note: The software does not support compressing MSG files back into the MSG format. You have to choose another file-saving format supported by the tool.
  • Browse the location where you need to save the compressed Outlook MSG files.
    browse location
  • Choose the option Compress Inline Images, if needed.
    compress inline images
  • Select the given options such as Remove Attachments, Extract, Save and Strip Attachments, or Zip and Add All Attachments.
    choose required option
  • Enable the required advanced filters provided by the software.
    enable advanced filters
  • Finally, click the Save button to begin the Outlook MSG compression process.
    click save

The application starts compressing the size of the Outlook MSG file. The compression process will only take a few moments. Once the process is finished, you will get the full message.

Comparison: Manual vs Automated

Method Speed Bulk Compression Data Safety
ZIP Method Medium No Yes
Remove Attachments Slow No Risk
Software Method Fast Yes Yes

Key Benefits of the Tool

  • You can compress Outlook MSG files by removing attachments.
  • Allows you to compress inline images embedded in Outlook MSG files.
  • Comes up with the very simple graphical user interface for the ease.
  • You can download and operate this program on any version of Windows.
  • While shrinking Outlook MSG file size, the tool maintains content.
  • There are no file size limitations imposed on this powerful program.
  • Bulk processing option to compress multiple MSG files at once.
  • Allows users to choose output location to save the resultant files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it possible to compress Outlook MSG file size without losing and altering important data?

The recommended 4n6 software ensures accurate and 100% secure compression. It compresses MSG files without losing content and altering formatting.

Q: How much space can I save by reducing size of Outlook MSG file?

It totally depends on how many files and what method you are using to reduce Outlook MSG file size.

Q: Is it safe to compress Outlook MSG file size?

Yes, if you are using the trusted software, it is completely safe to shrink MSG files.

Q: When should you compress your Outlook MSG files?

  • When sending MSG files via email
  • Uploading your MSG files to cloud
  • Migrating emails
  • Storing forensic email evidences

Q: Will reducing MSG file size change its original formatting?

No, right software will not change the formatting and other information. The email structure remains instant while reduce size of Outlook MSG files.

Q: What is the best method to store Outlook MSG file for long-term?

Compressed Outlook MSG files can be stored for long time on the secure locations.

Conclusion

In the above blog, we covered the topic of how to compress Outlook MSG file size. Here, we have explained everything about this topic. We have provided the best way to compress MSG files without losing important content and formatting.

Pro Tip: It is recommended that you download for free and test the recommended 4n6 software first. Freeware is added to test the full functioning and features without investing anything. If you feel that the app works well for you, then you can purchase the licensed version.

Thanks for reading.

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