Do you want to know how to open Google Takeout files on computer? If so, you will get the answer to your request. Here, we will provide you with 2 tried methods that help you open Takeout files on your PC. So let’s begin.
Table of Contents
First, let us take a moment to learn about Google Takeout and how it works.
Google Takeout allows users to export their data in multiple formats, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. While this is beneficial for individuals who want to leave the company or create their own backups, it can also be used by companies that need to access your information in bulk. But it saves emails in .mbox format after extraction, which can not be opened directly on the computer. So, many users are asking for an easy and reliable way to open Takeout files along with attachments.
Now, let us move to the methods that can be used to open Google Takeout files.
How to View Google Takeout Files Without Extraction?
To view Takeout file on the computer, you can use the best Yota Free Email Viewer tool. Users can double-click on a specific file to open Google Takeout files with attachments in the software interface. The tool automatically extracts data from the files and displays it in different preview modes.
You can also convert files into different formats. To ensure that no private or important data is lost during the export process, it allows users to view a preview of all files before exporting complete data into their desired location.
With this, you do not need to extract the Google Takeout files. It supports opening Google Takeout zip files along with all attached information. The software also features a simple interface that makes it accessible to beginners.
Steps to Open Google Takeout Files
- Run Google Takeout Viewer and go to the Open option.
- Click on Email Data Files and select Google Takeout files.

- Then, click on Choose Files or Folders to upload the files.

- To open selected files from the folder, use the filter options.

- Now, open Google Takeout files in several email clients.

It’s done!
You can also see this video and learn how to open Google Takeout files on your computer.
Benefits of Free Google Takeout Viewer
- It allows you to open Takeout files with complete information, i.e., email attachments, metadata, message headers, and more.
- The viewer is available for all Windows operating systems.
- The filters available include the date, type, size, folder, and format.
- In case Google Takeout not working, you can use the Gmail Backup Tool to save emails to your computer.
- This is a standalone software that doesn’t need any of the email clients to be installed on your PC.
- It helps you view Takeout file content you have saved on your computer.
In the section below, we will discuss the manual solution.
How to Open Google Takeout Files Manually?
Follow the steps listed below to open Takeout files on your PC for free:
Step 1. Download the Takeout file
Firstly, download the file from Takeout. To do this, log in to your Gmail account and visit the Takeout page. Then, select the service you want to download data for and click Create Archive. Now, Google will create a file that you can download through your email.
Step 2. Unzip the File
After downloading the file, you need to unzip it. For this, right-click on the file and select Extract All. This will create a folder containing all the files from your archive.
Step 3. Open the Takeout File
Once the file is unzipped, you can open it. Depending on the file type, you may need to use a specific program to open the file. For example, if the file is a DOCX file, you must have Microsoft Word on your PC to open it.
For storing emails, Takeout used the MBOX file format, which cannot be opened easily. You need to install any MBOX-based email application on your system, like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, etc.
Limitations of Manual Solution
The manual method also has some limitations, such as:
- The process is very lengthy and difficult for beginners.
- You need to install an application that supports the MBOX format to open Google Takeout files after extraction.
Conclusion
Google Takeout is a great service for backing up your emails, contacts, and other important data. However, viewing Takeout files on a computer can be a little bit confusing for some of us. So we provided the manual and professional solutions to open Google Takeout files. You can go with any method that meets your requirements.
FAQs
Question 1. How do you open Google Takeout files?
Answer. Follow these steps to open Takeout files:
- Launch Google Takeout Viewer and select Takeout files.
- The tool provides a full preview of the Takeout file in different modes.
- Click on the email message to view Google Takeout files.
Question 2. How do I unzip Takeout files?
Answer. You can simply right-click on the downloaded ZIP file and select the Extract All option. Or you can use any zip extractor to unzip the Takeout files.
Question 3. Can I install this application on a Windows 11 PC?
Answer. Google Takeout Viewer is compatible with all Windows versions. So, you can install it on Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7.
Question 4. What if I want to access my Google Takeout files in my Outlook account?
Answer. You can use Google Takeout Converter, which helps you save emails to the PST file format. After that, you can easily access your files on your Outlook account.




