How to Convert MBOX to PST Manually (Updated 2025)

Both PST and MBOX are popular email storage files—just on different platforms. MBOX is utilized by email applications such as Eudora, Apple Mail, and Thunderbird, whereas PST is Microsoft Outlook's format. When migrating to Outlook, you will need to import your MBOX files to PST format.

Unfortunately, Outlook natively does not support the importation of MBOX files. In this tutorial are presented three efficient manual methods of performing such a conversion and also a reliable software solution for more complex requirements.

Why Convert MBOX to PST?

The majority of users export MBOX to PST when moving to Microsoft Outlook. Outlook provides tighter integration with Microsoft 365, more security, and corporate-level features. Also, MBOX files are not natively supported by Outlook, so you will have to convert them to migrate or backup.

Ways to Convert MBOX to PST Manually

Here we will discuss some steps by which you can do the conversion of MBOX to PST manually. These steps involve using famous email clients like Thunderbird and Outlook to perform the conversion without the intervention of third-party software. We will begin discussing the process that employs EML files as the middleman between MBOX and PST.

Method 1: Convert MBOX to PST via Thunderbird and Outlook (EML Method)

This method involves exporting MBOX emails from Thunderbird in EML format and then importing those EML files into Outlook.

Step 1 – Install ImportExportTools NG in Thunderbird

Open Thunderbird, go to Tools > Add-ons, search for “ImportExportTools NG” and install it.

Step 2 – Export Emails as EML Files

Right-click on the MBOX folder, select ImportExportTools NG > Export all messages in the folder > EML format, and save the emails locally.

Step 3 – Create a New Folder in Outlook

Launch Outlook and create a new folder where you’ll import the EML files.

Step 4 – Drag and Drop EML Files into Outlook

Drag the EML files from your saved location and drop them into the new Outlook folder.

Step 5 – Export Folder to PST Format

Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst), and follow the prompts to save the data as a PST file.

Method 2: Use Apple Mail, Eudora, Outlook Express & Outlook

This method works for Apple Mail users but requires access to older software like Eudora and Outlook Express.

Step 1 – Import MBOX into Apple Mail

Open Apple Mail, go to File > Import Mailboxes, select “Files in MBOX format,” and choose the MBOX file you want to import.

Step 2 – Transfer Emails to Eudora

Rename the MBOX file extension to .mbx and move it to Eudora’s mail directory. Open and close Eudora to register the file.

Step 3 – Import into Outlook Express

Open Outlook Express, go to File > Import > Messages, choose “Eudora,” and import the mailbox.

Step 4 – Move Data to Microsoft Outlook

Open Outlook, go to File > Import and Export > Import Internet Mail and Addresses > Choose Outlook Express. Once imported, export the data as a PST file.

Method 3: Use Gmail to Transfer MBOX Data to Outlook

This method uses Gmail as an intermediary between Thunderbird and Outlook via IMAP sync.

Step 1 – Configure Gmail in Thunderbird via IMAP

In Thunderbird, add your Gmail account using IMAP. Make sure IMAP is enabled in your Gmail settings.

Step 2 – Move MBOX Emails to Gmail Folders

Drag and drop your MBOX emails into a Gmail folder within Thunderbird. Wait for synchronization to complete.

Step 3 – Add Same Gmail Account in Outlook

Open Outlook and add the same Gmail account via IMAP. Wait until all emails are synced.

Step 4 – Export Gmail Folder to PST

Once all emails appear in Outlook, go to File > Export > Outlook Data File (.pst) and export the Gmail folders to PST.

Limitations of Manual Methods

Manual MBOX to PST conversion may work in basic scenarios but has several limitations:

• Not suitable for bulk or large-scale conversion.
• Folder structure and metadata may be lost.
• Manual effort is high and time-consuming.
• Risk of errors or data corruption.
• Some methods require outdated software.

For users with large mailboxes, sensitive data, or limited time, these methods aren’t ideal.

A Better Solution: Using a Professional MBOX to PST Converter

If you have to convert MBOX to PST safely and trouble-free, you've come to the right place with SysTools MBOX to PST Converter. You can easily convert MBOX files of popular email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Eudora, and batch conversion is also supported with the original folder structure maintained. And it does not even require Outlook installed.

The tool works perfectly on both Windows and Mac and offers functionalities like breaking large PST files for easy management. The tool is appropriate for IT administrators, organizations, and users in need of a professional and trustworthy MBOX to PST converter.

Final Words

Manual procedures can be done if you have a small dataset and do not care to spend time. They are not scalable, incomplete, and inaccurate. If you care for your time and data integrity, employing the above-mentioned MBOX to PST Converter is a better and safer choice.