Do you have PST files and now want to import them into Thunderbird email application? But still not found a solution that offers exact result that you want? If yes, then this blog will help you how can export Outlook PST to Thunderbird. Here, I am going to share the two methods, import PST to Thunderbird without Outlook and second is import PST file in Thunderbird using Outlook.
At the end of the blog, you can choose any method that meets your needs. So let’ start.
Before moving, let us have a quick look at the overview of both the applications Outlook and Thunderbird.
Outlook is a very well-known email application and used world widely. It is available in both Mac and Windows Operating System. User manages emails, contacts, calendars, events, tasks and journals with Outlook. It supports PST file format for storing, exporting and importing the data. But due to its high price, users want to migrate from Outlook to Thunderbird in spite of its multiple features.
Thunderbird is a free open source email client that is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Ubuntu OS. It allows users to manage their multiple email accounts at one place. Thunderbird uses MBOX file format for storing data which is supported by large number of email client applications such as Apple Mail, Google Takeout, Entourage, and more.
Know, let know the reasons to export Outlook PST to Thunderbird application.
Why User Needs to Import PST file in Thunderbird?
As mentioned above, Thunderbird is a free desktop-based email application. It offers multiple features that attract users, and users want to migrate from Outlook to Thunderbird.
- Thunderbird supports all Operating System such as Windows, Mac, UNIX, Linux and Ubuntu.
- Spam filtering is much better than Microsoft Outlook and other email client applications.
- Mozilla Thunderbird has the best security features.
- There is a one-click archive option to save the selected email to an archive file.
- Thunderbird allows users to add a variety of plugins that are useful for multiple applications.
How to Export Outlook PST to Thunderbird Manually?
Before starting, let me clear that there is two manual techniques that will help you to import PST file to Thunderbird account. Here, I am going to mention both the methods one by one.
Microsoft Outlook installation is required to perform the steps of both the methods. If Outlook not installed on your system or you don’t want to install it, then you can use the best and secure Outlook PST to MBOX Converter Tool for Mac & Windows.
Method 1: Import PST to Thunderbird Using Import Option
Step 1. Make Outlook the default program for sending and receiving email. For this, go to the Start button and click Default Program >> Set Default Program.
Step 2. Select Outlook on the Programs tab and click on Set this program as the default. Click OK.
Step 3. Then launch Thunderbird and click on the Display the Thunderbird Menu option from top right.
Step 4. Now, go to Tools and click Import.
Step 5. Choose Email or choose the Import Everything option and click Next.
Step 6. Select Outlook as the file type and hit Next.
Step 7. Click the Finish button on the final window to complete the import process.
That’s it.
Method 2: Export Outlook PST to Thunderbird MBOX File Using Google Takeout
As we mentioned above that Thunderbird supports .mbox file format. Once you have MBOX file, it is easy to import in Thunderbird application.
Step 1. Open your Gmail account, go to Settings >> Forwarding & POP / IMAP and select the Enable IMAP radio button.
Step 2. Now, Launch Outlook and go to the File >> Add Account option.
Step 3. Enter your Gmail account credentials and hit Enter.
Step 4. Create a new folder within the newly set Gmail ID and move the desired Outlook mail into this folder.
Step 5. Then log into your Gmail account using Chrome or another efficient browser and open Google Takeout (https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout).
Step 6. On the Select Data To Include tab, uncheck all options and check only the Email option. Also, make sure the Include all messages in email option is checked in the Include all email data category.
Step 7. Next, customize Archive Format tab, specify the delivery method, export type, file type and size and click the Create Archive button.
Step 8. Once the archive has been generated by Google, click Download to download the zip file to your local computer.
Step 9. Now unzip the downloaded ZIP file into a suitable directory. Get an MBOX file that contains all of your emails.
Step 10. Finally, use your Thunderbird email client to import the downloaded MBOX file.
Steps to Import MBOX file in Thunderbird are as follows;
1. First, download and install the ImportExportTool NG in Thunderbird.
2. Now, click on the Local folders and right click on it.
3. Select ImportExportTool NG >> Import mbox file
4. Choose “import directly one or more mbox files” option and click OK.
5. Now, select the downloaded MBOX file and click Open.
You’re done now!
Automated Solution to Import PST to Thunderbird Without Outlook
Use effective PST file converter software that allows you to export all Outlook emails in .mbox file format that supported by Thunderbird. It is able to bulk convert Outlook PST file at one time. With this tool, one can export PST file generated by MS Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and other versions.
Here are the steps to export Outlook PST to Thunderbird are as follows;
Step 1. Launch the tool and add PST file or folder.
Step 2. Preview all emails and click Export from top.
Step 3. Choose MBOX file format from the multiple saving option.
Step 4. In the end, click Export button to complete the conversion.
Final Words
Here I’ve shared the top various techniques you can use to import PST files into Thunderbird email client. The manual methods require an Outlook installation and are also quite tedious, yes I agreed, but it works too. If you don’t have enough time and want to import PST to Thunderbird without Outlook application, I have suggested the best email conversion tool. Hope you get the answer to your query how to export Outlook PST to Thunderbird application.
