P7S File Extension

P7S file icon

Digitally Signed Email Message

What is a P7S file?

Digitally Signed Email Message, identified by the P7S extension, is a Encoded Files type and includes 286 files.

P7S file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. When working with P7S files, you can rely on 3 programs, including Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird.

MIME types

  • application/x-pkcs7-signature
  • application/pkcs7-signature
  • application/keychain_access

How to open a P7S file?

If you can’t open a P7S file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.

When it comes to opening and working with P7S files, Microsoft Outlook, Apple Mail and Mozilla Thunderbird are the top choices for users. To install the updated version of Microsoft Outlook, simply go to the Microsoft site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.

Once the process is complete, Microsoft Outlook should take over as the default application for P7S files.

Set Microsoft Outlook as the default P7S program

Changing Default Programs in Windows

  1. Right-click on your P7S file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
  2. In the pop-up window, select the Microsoft Outlook application;
  3. Check the "Always use this application" checkbox, and then click "OK" to apply the selected application as the default for opening P7S files.

Change Default Program on Mac

  1. Right click or Control + left click on the desired P7S file;
  2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
  3. At the bottom of the window, you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, will be set to "Recommended Programs";
  4. Choose "All Programs" in this menu and search for Microsoft Outlook. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Solve problems with P7S files

Rest assured, any issues with P7S files can typically be addressed with simple software adjustments. See the tips below for help.

Why does Microsoft Outlook stop responding or crash intermittently?

Microsoft Outlook crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your Microsoft products up to date by installing the latest updates.

Restarting your computer will solve many common problems, which is why it’s the first thing you should do before changing any settings related to the software.

What are the best practices for repairing a P7S file that has gone bad?

Use a data recovery program to open the damaged P7S file and from the menu choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged encoded files.

What are the warning signs that my P7S file may be corrupted?

Common indications of damaged P7S encoded files are:

  • Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
  • Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
  • Unexpected expansion of the total size of the P7S file;
  • Opening the file in Microsoft Outlook or other programs causes them to hang or crash;