Mozilla Thunderbird is an open-source application that renders services like email management, RSS Feeds, Junk Filtering, client chat, etc. It provides cross-platform support, which means that the Thunderbird client is free to download and can be installed on all major operating systems like Windows, Mac, Ubuntu, and Linux.
Thunderbird, for sure, is an email client of the modern age, but many professionals nowadays choose to opt for a more secure and advanced platform like Microsoft Outlook. However, users who want transfer Thunderbird to Outlook must rely on either a manual approach or automated method to export Thunderbird to PST.
Reasons to transfer Thunderbird to Outlook
There are several factors that prompt users to convert Thunderbird to Outlook. Here are some of them listed below:
- Outlook supports accounts of POP3, IMAP, or Exchange Server better.
- Outlook offers Cached Exchange Mode, which allows users to work offline.
- Outlook provides additional security as compared to Thunderbird.
- With multiple-device support, users have the flexibility to access their mailbox content anytime.
- Easy integration of various Microsoft Office applications enhances users' productivity.
- High-end collaboration and sharing features help in increasing the team’s work productivity.
How to export Thunderbird to PST file
Thunderbird and Outlook have entirely different native file formats that don’t facilitate any data exchange. Therefore, to export Thunderbird to PST in Outlook, first you must convert Thunderbird’s MBOX file to PST format. Follow the methods mentioned below for a smooth conversion:
Method 1. Use Drag and Drop option
The drag and drop method help you to easily export emails from Thunderbird to Outlook. Let's have a look at the procedure of doing this:
Step 1. Exporting emails from Thunderbird to EML format
First, you need to convert Thunderbird data files into EML format. Follow the steps carefully to convert MBOX files into EML format:
- Open Thunderbird application on your device.
- Select the messages that are to be exported. You can either select individual messages or press Ctrl + A to select all emails in the desired folder.
- Right-click on the selected items and select Save As.
- Select a destination path to save the EML files and click the Save button.
Selected emails will get saved to the specified location with the extension (.eml).
Step 2. Import EML files into Outlook
Once MBOX files are converted into EML format, now you need to import them into Outlook. Following are the steps mentioned to import EML files into Outlook email client application:
- Open Microsoft Outlook application on your system.
- Select the mailbox and right-click on it. Now, click New Folder option.
- Provide a name to create a new folder.
- Drag all the EML files to the newly created folder in Outlook and drop them there.
Method 2. Export Thunderbird to PST in Outlook via Gmail
Gmail is one of the most popular email clients used for exchanging crucial information and for communicating with others. Gmail offers a wide range of features, making it an easy-to-use platform for users. However, another method to convert Thunderbird to PST is via Gmail. Simply configure your Gmail account in Outlook and then easily export emails from Gmail to Outlook or perform Thunderbird export PST file. Once you have configured your account successfully in Outlook, you can use the Import/Export feature of Outlook to access Thunderbird mailbox in Outlook.
The process involves a few straightforward steps through which you can convert Thunderbird to PST using your Gmail account. However, the process might be tedious due to the multiple stages involved in it which is why using a professional Thunderbird to Outlook converter will be a better alternative.
Method 3. Automated tool to transfer Thunderbird to Outlook PST
The manual process to export Thunderbird to PST requires a lot of precision and skill. Therefore, one should always look for a third-party professional Thunderbird to PST converter tool to make the migration process easy and quick.
Kernel for MBOX to PST Converter tool is the most recommended tool to convert Thunderbird’s MBOX file to Outlook PST. The tool seamlessly transforms the data from MBOX to PST while preserving its quality and integrity. This tool is compatible with almost 20 MBOX email clients. This software allows migration of multiple MBOX files at a time without compromising its meta properties.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to convert Thunderbird to PST, users have two options: a manual method or a dedicated Thunderbird to Outlook converter software for this migration. Here, we have provided a comprehensive guide to both approaches. Although manual methods may struggle to maintain the file's original structure during migration. This is where the Kernel for MBOX to PST tool stands out as the best Thunderbird to PST converter. It not only accomplishes the task of migrating your mailbox data but also ensures that the original structure is preserved, making it the ideal choice for this transition.
