Read time 8 minutes

Summary: An Outlook user may get stuck or face problems while migrating Outlook data (OST file) in Thunderbird email client to explore the cross-platform or other hybrid features. So, this article will explain the best possible method to import OST to Thunderbird along with an automated Kernel Import OST to Thunderbird tool for reliable migration approach.

Microsoft Outlook is an advanced email client with many features and functionalities. Many professionals and individual users all over the globe are now using Outlook as their personal information manager. Organizations also prefer Outlook for the sake of security and confidentiality. But still, many users prefer Thunderbird over Outlook primarily because of its open-source nature. Thunderbird is a free email client application, whereas Outlook users need to pay a certain amount to use it.

However, migrating Outlook data files to Thunderbird is not easy. So, we’ll see the different methods of migrating OST data to Thunderbird. Before moving to migration methods, first, let’s discuss the reasons for migrating Outlook to Thunderbird.

Why to migrate from Outlook to Thunderbird?

The primary reason, as we discussed earlier, is the cost-effectiveness of Thunderbird. It provides a free platform for users to manage their emails, contacts, calendars, and other utilities. Here are the other common factors that lead users to use Thunderbird instead of Outlook.

  • Simple and sober user interface.
  • Integrated Channel chat feature.
  • No performance issue while holding extensive mailbox data.
  • Mail Account Setup

Many features make Thunderbird stand out from other email clients. However, as per security concerns, Outlook is still recommended by organizations.

Can we import OST files to Thunderbird?

Migrating data from Outlook to Thunderbird is nearly impossible without the help of external/third-party tools because neither Outlook nor Thunderbird provides a direct means to import the mailbox data. But we are here with a lengthy but two-step procedure, including OST to PST conversion and then Thunderbird import directly. Moreover, the default data files of Outlook, i.e., PST and OST, are only meant to serve as the source database for Outlook. Thunderbird, on the other hand, uses MBOX as its default data file. Therefore, to achieve the migration, you have to convert the file formats of either PST or OST to the Thunderbird supported format.

Manual method to import OST files to Thunderbird

To import OST to Thunderbird, there are two major steps involved. Follow the details below about how each of these steps can be carried out quickly & effortlessly.

  1. Export OST files to PST file format.
  2. Import the exported PST files into MBOX format.

Step 1. Export OST to PST file format

To import OST to Thunderbird, first, you need to export OST files to PST format. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open Outlook on your system and click on the File tab. Select the Open & Export option, then click on Import/Export.select the Open and Export option
  2. In the Import & Export Wizard, choose the option of Export to a file and click on Next.Choose the option of Export to a file
  3. Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option among the file types to export.Select the Outlook Data File
  4. Now, choose the specific folders you want to export.Choose the specific folders
  5. Specify the path and name for the exported PST file. Click on Finish.Specify the path
  6. Now, you’ve successfully exported the OST files to PST file format at your desired location.

Step 2. Import the exported PST file into MBOX

Now, with the PST file created, you can proceed with importing it to Thunderbird & open OST file in Thunderbird using the following steps:

  1. Make sure to set Outlook as your default program for sending & receiving emails.
  2. Open Thunderbird and access the menu option then click on Tools.Open thunderbird to import
  3. Select Import and choose Import from Outlook and click Continue.Open thunderbird to import PST file
  4. Now, choose what to import from Outlook and click on Continue.open thunderbird to import
  5. Finally, click on Import. It will take several minutes to complete the process.

Drawbacks with the manual method

Using the manual method, you can import OST data to Thunderbird, but this method is considered as nonreliable by professionals. Some of the major drawbacks of this method are:

  • Requires technical expertise.
  • Lengthy and time-consuming process.
  • High chance of data loss.

So, to eliminate these limitations and make the migration process smooth and efficient, user should utilize a reliable solution effectively.

Reliable automated way to import OST to Thunderbird

As we discussed, if you want to avoid the lengthy and time-consuming manual process, you must take help from third-party tools to convert data from OST to MBOX format. Now, there are many OST to Thunderbird converters available online that can do the task for you, but it is tough to find a reliable one. Therefore, we recommend using Kernel Import OST to Thunderbird for secure and efficient conversion process.

It is an easy-to-use tool that comes with several advanced features to easily convert your OST files to formats like MBOX. There is no file size limitation for conversions with this software. It facilitates recovering OST data to save in different file formats including PST, MBOX, DBX, EML, PDF, etc., and migrates to different cloud and web servers directly while keeping the data intact. Moreover, it recovers permanently deleted emails and other mailbox data from your OST data files. To understand the working of this software, follow the instructions below.

Steps to import OST to Thunderbird using the tool

To understand the working of this software, follow the step-by-step guide mentioned below.

Step-1. Launch OST to Thunderbird software and click Browse to navigate the required OST files folder.

Launch Kernel for OST to PST

Step-2. Select the required files and click OK. Then, click Next.

Select the required files

Step-3. Preview the mailbox data of the selected OST file and click on the Save button.

Preview the mailbox

Step-4. Select MBOX as the output format and click Next.

Select MBOX

Step-5. Apply Filters to save specific data for your converted MBOX file and click Next.

Apply Filters

Step-6. Now select Thunderbird as the email client and provide the saving location. You can also choose to exclude deleted items while saving. Click Finish.

select Thunderbird as the email client

Step-7. Wait for the saving process to complete.

Wait for the saving process to complete

Step-8. Click OK when the conversion is over. You can follow the link and go directly to the saving location.

Wrapping up

In wrapping up, we have seen manual method for importing OST files to Thunderbird format, which come with limitations that can create severe issues. So, it is highly recommended to use automated Kernel Import OST to Thunderbird software as a reliable and safe migration professionally. This tool also offers several advanced filters for selective data migration. Try out the trial version now!

Kernel Import OST to Thunderbird
Related Posts