How to Import OLM to Office 365: A Hassle-Free Step-by-Step Tutorial

Migrating from Mac Outlook to Office 365? If you’re dealing with an OLM file and need to move your emails, contacts, calendar events, and other data to Microsoft 365, you’re in the right place. Importing OLM to Office 365 might sound tricky, but with the right steps and tools, it can be smooth and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process—clearly and simply—so you can complete your OLM to Office 365 import without losing data or wasting time.

What is an OLM file?

An OLM file is an Outlook for Mac Data File, which is a special file format created by Microsoft to store email messages, contacts, calendars, tasks and other data from the Outlook app on MacOS. Mac users who use Microsoft Outlook as their primary email client use this type of file. OLM files have all the information needed to recreate a user’s mailbox, so it’s easy to import them into another version of Outlook on a different computer or operating system. They’re great for backing up and transferring important data between devices or when switching from one computer to another. Plus, OLM files are a simple way to archive emails and keep everything in one place. So, knowing how OLM files work is key to managing email data in a professional environment. Users can also face issues with compatibility because OLM Archive files do not directly run in any email client. For accessing Outlook for Mac OLM files data users need to convert them into email clients' supported file formats.

Why do Users Import OLM to Office 365?

There are several common reasons users need to import OLM files to Office 365 — most of them revolve around migration, accessibility, and collaboration. Here are the key ones:

1 Access Data from Anywhere, Anytime

Office 365 is cloud-based, which means users can access their emails, calendars, and contacts from any device, anywhere and anytime – weather its laptop, tablet, smartphones, etc.

2 Switching from Mac to Windows

If you’re transitioning from a Mac system to a Windows environment, OLM files (used by Mac Outlook) aren't compatible with Windows Outlook. Importing to Office 365 is the easiest way to carry your data forward without losing access.

3 Enhanced Security and Storage

Office 365 offers built-in security, spam protection, and compliance tools that go beyond local Outlook storage. By importing OLM files, users can safeguard older emails in a secure cloud environment.

4 Data Backup and Long-Term Storage

Importing OLM files into Office 365 serves as a reliable backup method. Rather than keeping large email archives stored locally on a Mac, Office 365 keeps your data in the cloud—safe, searchable, and always available.

Safeguard Before OLM to Office 365 Import

Create a Backup OLM file.

Before you start the import process, a backup of your OLM file is a must for a safe and secure upload.

Check Office 365 Storage Limits

Make sure your Outlook 365 account has enough storage space to hold all the data from your OLM file. Office 365 gives you up to 50 GB of mailbox storage for most plans, but check it out.

Stable Internet Connection

Since the migration is cloud-based, a reliable and fast internet connection is required to complete the import without any interruption.

Verify OLM file integrity

Before you start the import, make sure your OLM file is not corrupted. If it is, the migration will fail or data will be incomplete.

Free Solution to Import OLM to Office 365 – Manual Method

Here's a detailed manual method to import OLM files to Office 365. The process involves using IMAP as an intermediary to get your OLM data into Office 365. This method may take a little longer but is free.

Step 1: Set up Gmail (IMAP Account)

• Create a Gmail account (or use any IMAP-enabled provider).
• Enable IMAP in Gmail: Go to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP > Enable IMAP.

Step 2: Add Gmail to Outlook for Mac

• Open Outlook for Mac > Tools > Accounts.
• Click + to add your Gmail account using IMAP.

Step 3: Import OLM Data to Outlook for Mac

• Go to File > Import.
• Choose Outlook Data File (.olm), select the file, and import your emails, contacts, and calendar.

Step 4: Move Data to Gmail Account

• Drag imported OLM data (emails, contacts, etc.) to the Gmail account in Outlook.
• Wait for Gmail to sync with the server.

Step 5: Add Office 365 Account to Outlook for Mac

• Go to Tools > Accounts, click + and add your Office 365 account.

Step 6: Move Data from Gmail to Office 365

• Drag and drop the synced data from Gmail to Office 365 in Outlook.

Step 7: Verify the Data in Office 365

• Log into Office 365 Webmail or Outlook to see if the data is synced correctly.

Drawbacks of Free OLM to Office 365 Import Manual Method

• Time-Consuming Process
• Risk of Data Loss
• Complexity of Steps
• No Direct OLM to Office 365 Support

Import OLM to Office 365 Securely with Expert Tool

Above section, we mentioned the free method to import OLM files into an Office 365 Account. However, the manual method was associated with lots of issues and was not recommended by most of the users. So, the best way to import is to use a dedicated tool – Softaken OLM to IMAP Migration Software. This professional program seamlessly imports users' large-size Outlook for Mac OLM files into Office 365 or any IMAP Account. This utility supports all versions of Mac Outlook OLM Archive files.

Steps to Import Mac OLM to an Office 365 Account

1. Download & Run the Migration Tool
2. Browse & Add Outlook OLM files
3. Take a Preview of the added OLM file data
4. Choose the Cloud Option and Authenticate your Office 365 Account
5. Lastly, Click on the ‘Upload’ Button

Conclusion

Moving OLM to Office 365 doesn’t have to be complicated. The manual way is cost-effective but requires time, patience and some tech skills. If you have limited data and some tech confidence, it’s an option.

But if you have a large volume of emails, multiple accounts or want to avoid the risks of manual migration, using a professional application - OLM to Office 365 Migration Tool will save you time and ensure complete and secure data transfer.

Ultimately, it’s up to you – but moving to Office 365 means more flexibility, better accessibility and a modern cloud-based email experience.