Simple Ways to Import Google takeout to PST

Read time: 11 minutes

Many people use multiple email applications for work, personal, and other purposes. But what if you want to consolidate all your present email accounts into a single application? If you’re using Outlook and want to switch from Gmail, you can easily import your Google Takeout data into Outlook PST format. In this article, we’ll show you how to import your Google Takeout data into an Outlook PST file. We’ll also cover some of the best practices for doing so. Let’s get started!

Why switch from Google Takeout to Outlook?

If you’re looking for a secure storage system that offers more flexibility, Outlook is the way to go. Here’s what you should know about switching from Google Takeout to Outlook & reasons for moving your MBOX files to Outlook.

1. Easy to Organize Your Data
   Google Takeout can export data from your Google account, but it doesn’t do much beyond that. With Outlook, however, you can organize all your emails, contacts, and calendar events into easily accessible folders. This makes it easy to search for what you need when needed—no more scrolling through hundreds of unorganized emails.
2. More Customization Options
   Outlook offers much more customization than Google email does. You can customize the look & feel of Outlook with different themes and color schemes or even add custom backgrounds. You can also specify which folders appear on the left-hand side of the screen so that you only see the ones most relevant to your needs. Also, you can set rules and archiving options for the management of emails.
3. More Powerful Features
   Outlook has several powerful features that are not available with Gmail. For example, Outlook’s “Clutter” feature automatically filters out low-priority messages, so they don’t take up valuable space in your inbox.

Methods to Import Google Takeout to Outlook PST

To import Google Takeout to PST, follow the methods below. It is advisable to keep an eye on these methods and not skip any step, as it can lead to data loss and failure issues. Here is what you need to do.

Method 1: Convert Google Takeout data to PST

For a complete Google Takeout to PST conversion, you need to perform this method in two parts. First, you need to extract MBOX files from Google Takeout and then convert those extracted files to PST format.

Part A. Backup Google Takeout data in MBOX format

• Using your Gmail account, log into http://takeout.google.com/.
• Under the Select data to include section, tap on Deselect All. Then select Mail.
• Click on Multiple Formats and select MBOX in Email Messages. After that, click on Next to initiate the export process.

Note: Click on All Mail data included and select necessary files that you want to export.

• Gmail also lets you choose which data to export. Click on “All Mail data included” & select the data you need.
• In the Destination section, select Send download link via email from the dropdown menu.
• Select .zip file and choose an archive size (1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 10GB, and 50GB) according to your needs. Finally, click Create Export.

Note: It may take several hours or even days for this process to complete. When your transfer has been completed, you will receive an email.

After receiving that mail, you can come to Google Takeout and download a copy of your backup in a local folder. A zip file will be downloaded to your system containing your crucial data in the MBOX file extension.

Part B. Convert MBOX files to PST

Once you have an MBOX file, use our Best MBOX to PST Conversion tool to convert the MBOX to PST. This powerful tool helps users convert their MBOX files into Outlook-compatible PST files. The software also comes with several helpful features, such as support for large file sizes, a preview option before saving the converted files, etc.

Here are the steps to convert MBOX files with this software:

Step 1. Download and install Kernel for MBOX to PST.

Step 2. Launch the software and click on Select File.

Step 3. Click on Browse to add the MBOX files containing folder and then click Finish.

Step 4. You will get all your data in a tree-like structure. Click on any one of them to preview its data. After that, click on Save.

Step 5. Select PST file (MS Outlook) as output option and click Next.

Step 6. Apply filters based on parameters like To, From, Subject, Date Range, etc. as per your needs and then click Next.

Step 7. Utilize the Split option or Attach prefix if required and click Next.

Step 8. Click on Browse to provide the saving location, then click Finish to start the conversion process.

Step 9. Once the process is completed, you will receive a pop-up message. Click OK.

Method 2: Move Google emails as EML files

To accomplish Google Takeout to PST, you need to launch Thunderbird email client and connect your Gmail account. It will help you to download an EML file extension from Thunderbird. So, you can import EML files in Outlook. This process will be completed in two parts:

Part A – Extract Google emails in EML using Thunderbird

• Launch MBOX email client. Select New Folder from the right-click menu.
• Then click Create Folder after entering a name.
• Make sure you move all the EML messages you want to migrate to the new folder.
• All emails have now been saved to the folder.
• Select Save as and choose all the emails you want to save. Emails will be saved as EML files to the selected location on your drive.

Now, you have Gmail emails in EML format. You can easily drag and drop EML files in Outlook selected folder. After that, you can export your EML files to PST using the Outlook Import/Export feature to complete the convert Google Takeout to PST procedure. Here’s how to do it:

Part B – Convert Outlook data files to PST using Import/Export

• Open Outlook and click “File“. Go to the “Open & Export” and then click “Import/Export.”
• In the Import & Export wizard window that appears, select “Export to a file” and click “Next.”
• Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next. In the following window, select the folders that you want to export.
• Browse and select a destination folder to save backed-up PST file and click Finish.

Outlook will start exporting a PST file in your desired folder. Access that file by following the saving path. Also, you can easily import that PST file into another Outlook account using Import/Export tool.

Last say

However, you can’t directly convert Google Takeout to PST; you can only backup data from it in MBOX format. To convert that backed-up data into PST format, use the recommended MBOX to PST Converter tool for a quick and secure process. It comes with many features and functions that make the conversion effortless. The software is also easy to use, making it perfect for novice users. Have you tried importing your Google Takeout file into Outlook? Let us know how it all went in the comments below.

Frequently asked questions