Effortless Conversion: Multiple Approaches to Move from Thunderbird to Outlook Account

When it comes to transitioning from Thunderbird to Outlook, there are various manual methods at your disposal. Each method offers unique advantages, making it essential to understand these options and choose the one that aligns with your specific needs.

Exporting Thunderbird to Outlook: The Basics

Before diving into the different manual methods, it's important to clarify a fundamental aspect of this migration process. Thunderbird operates with MBOX file formats, while Outlook utilizes PST file formats. To move your emails from Thunderbird to Outlook, you must first convert MBOX files to PST. However, there's a key technicality to be aware of – both Thunderbird and Outlook support the EML file format. Thunderbird allows you to export EML files, and Outlook can import MBOX files, which forms the basis of the manual approaches we'll explore.

Manual Method 1: Utilizing ImportExportTools Add-On

The initial step in migrating Thunderbird to Outlook is exporting EML files from your Thunderbird account. To do this, you'll need to install the ImportExportTools Add-On, which is a handy tool provided by Mozilla Thunderbird.

Step 1: Installing ImportExportTools Add-On

• Open Mozilla Thunderbird and access the menu bar.
• Click "Utilities" and navigate to the "Add-ons" tab (if the menu isn't visible, press ALT).
• Click the gear icon for settings and select "Install Add-on from File..."
• Choose the import-export tools-3.3.0-sm+tb.xpi file from your download folder.
• Click "Install Now" and then "Restart Now."

Step 2: Exporting Emails to EML

• Open Mozilla Thunderbird and select the folder containing the emails you want to export.
• Right-click on the folder and choose "ImportExportTools."
• Copy all the messages in the folder and save them in EML format.
• After selecting the folder where you want to save the converted EML files, click "Select Folder."
• Now, your Thunderbird messages will be stored in EML format, and you'll have several other options available for message storage and conversion within Thunderbird.

Read this Blog: Top Techniques to Move MBOX Emails to HTML Format

Manual Method 2: Additional Options for Exporting Thunderbird Emails as EML

If you prefer alternative methods, you can explore these options:

1. "Save As" Option in Thunderbird

• Choose the email messages you want to convert.
• Right-click on the selected emails and choose "Save As."
• Select the folder where you want to save the EML files and click "Select Folder."

2. "Save Selected Message" Option in Thunderbird

• Use CTRL+A to select all the emails or CTRL and individual emails you want to export.
• Right-click on the selected emails and choose "Save Selected Message."
• Select the folder for the generated EML files and click "Select Folder."
• Once you have exported Thunderbird emails to EML, the next step is importing these EML files into your Outlook account.

Importing EML into Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, or 2010

The process of importing EML files into Outlook varies based on the location and quantity of EML files. Here are some methods that work for all Outlook versions, including 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010. Please ensure you have a recent backup of your EML files before proceeding.

Method 1: Dragging EML Files to Outlook

This approach is straightforward and applicable when:

• EML files are on your system's hard drive in a separate location.
• You have a designated folder for EML files on your system.
• You only have Outlook as your email client.

Here's how to implement this strategy:

• Open Microsoft Outlook.
• Locate the folder where your EML files are stored.
• Drag and drop the EML files into the "mailbox" folder in Outlook.
• Repeat this process for each additional EML file folder if needed.

With these steps, your EML files will be accessible within Outlook, although please note that this method doesn't support transferring email attachments.

By following the procedures outlined above, you can successfully migrate your Thunderbird account to Outlook, ensuring a smooth transition of your emails.

In Conclusion

This comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge and steps required to migrate Thunderbird to Outlook for versions 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010. The critical process involves exporting Thunderbird emails to EML files and then importing them into your Outlook account, considering Outlook's support for PST files. Ensure you follow the instructions diligently to make this transition hassle-free and efficient.