How to Export Thunderbird to Outlook PST? – Step-by-Step Guide

Summary: In today's time, many users are moving from Mozilla Thunderbird to Microsoft Outlook for better productivity and advanced features. Thunderbird usually stores emails in MBOX format, while Outlook saves mailbox data as PST. If you're searching for a solution to "how to export Thunderbird to Outlook PST," then don't worry. This article walks you through a complete practical guide to convert Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST. This solution helps users to move the Thunderbird mailbox to Outlook without data loss. Let's know about the complete conversion process.

Why Export Thunderbird to Outlook PST?

There are reasons to mention converting Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST:

• Microsoft Outlook is widely used in enterprise environments and integrates better with Microsoft 365/Office 365.
• Thunderbird development has slowed down.
• In this time, users look for more stable alternatives; that's why they switch from Thunderbird to PST.
• Outlook supports advanced calendaring, tasks, or team collaboration.
• Microsoft Outlook has the best security features that make the conversion process better.
• PST files can be saved as a backup.

How to Export Thunderbird Emails to Outlook PST—Explained

One of the most frustrating parts of switching email clients. If you want to directly convert Thunderbird to PST format, then you need to know about the email clients and have complete knowledge about the software. Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client that saves email messages with attachments as MBOX files. On the other side, Outlook only supports PST or OST. This means you cannot simply import MBOX files into Outlook. Additionally, if you are trying manual tricks, then you need to follow each step. If you miss any single steps while converting Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST, then it can result in broken formatting, missing attachments, or corrupted data.

Safe Methods to Export Thunderbird to Outlook PST

This article gives complete instructions to transfer Thunderbird emails to Outlook by using step-by-step methods. Users need to understand both free manual methods and professional tools. If users only want to import a small amount of Thunderbird MBOX files, then they can use the manual methods.

Method 1: Manually Export Thunderbird Emails to Outlook in EML Format

Step 1: Install ImportExportTools NG Add-on in Thunderbird

• Launch Thunderbird.
• Select Add-ons and Themes by clicking on the menu icon.
• Install ImportExportTools NG after looking for it.
• To make the add-on active, restart Thunderbird.

Step 2: Export MBOX Emails as EML Files

• To export a folder, perform a right-click on it.
• In the folder, select ImportExportTools NG > Export all mails > EML format.
• The files should be saved in a specific area on your machine.

Step 3: Import EML Files to Outlook

• Launch Microsoft Outlook.
• An Outlook account should have a new folder created.
• In the saved folder, drag and drop the EML files into the Outlook folder.

Method 2: Convert Thunderbird to PST by BLR MBOX Converter Tool

If you want a faster and more accurate conversion from Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST format, then try the BLR MBOX Converter Tool. This third-party software is most efficient to convert emails from Thunderbird to Outlook PST. Users can install this software in any Windows OS edition, such as Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. This application also supports all MS Outlook editions, such as 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, 2002, and many other versions. Get the free demo edition of this tool to learn more about the software.

Quick and Advanced Key Benefits:

• Export bulk Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST.
• This software preserves metadata, attachments, the original folder structure, etc.
• Supports large MBOX files without data limitations.
• Allows preview before exporting Thunderbird to PST.
• Users can convert selective Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST.

Steps to Convert Thunderbird to Outlook PST:

• Set up the BLR MBOX Converter software.
• The MBOX files should be loaded from Thunderbird.
• View mailbox contents if they are supported.
• As the export format, choose PST.
• Use the filter features such as date filter, selective conversion, remove duplicate, etc.
• Import the PST file into Outlook after exporting it.

Final Thoughts

Migrating from Thunderbird to Outlook doesn’t have to be stressful if you use the professional solution. If you prefer the manual method, then you need to follow each step carefully. If a non-technical user misses any single steps, then they can lose important Thunderbird MBOX files. With the step-by-step instructions, users easily know how to export Thunderbird to Outlook PST.