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How to migrate all email folders from MBOX file to Outlook?

How to migrate all email folders from MBOX file to Outlook?


MBOX file format was considered to be the widely accepted file format and this is because it is accessible through multiple email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Eudora, Opera Mail, Claws Mail, etc. But now, MS Outlook becomes a renowned name as it offers several benefits over other mailbox clients (such as friendliness and security features), PST file format is supported by MS Outlook. To migrate all folders from MBOX file to Outlook, the conversion of MBOX to Outlook PST is required and that is exactly what we are discussing in this post.


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Before we begin, you should know that both manual and automated methods are there for this conversion. So, let us start with the manual method.

Manual Method of conversion


In this step, there are two steps to convert MBOX items into Outlook.


Step 1. Convert MBOX to Outlook PST

  • Launch Mozilla Thunderbird and open the folder that you need to export.
  • Select all emails of that folder or desired ones to migrate.
  • Right-Click the selected folders and click on Save as option.
  • Browse the location to save the file and click on Save.
  • After that, close Thunderbird and open Outlook.
  • Create a new folder ad save it with the desired name.
  • Drag the previously saved files to this new folder.
  • Save the folder in PST file format.


With the above steps, you have exported MBOX files to PST format. In this way, you can easily convert as many folders as you want.

Step 2. Import PST file into MS Outlook


Now, open MS Outlook and import the created PST file into Outlook with the below-mentioned steps –

  1. Open MS Outlook.
  2. Select File, Open & Export and then Import/Export option
  3. Select Import program or file and hit Next.
  4. Select data file of Outlook i.e. PST and click Next.
  5. Select the file with the Browse button.
  6. Select Import items to the same folder and hit Finish.


After this, all MBOX data folders are viewed in Outlook.

Shortcomings of manual method


The manual solution work successfully but there are various drawbacks associated with the manual method.

  • This method needs both Thunderbird and Outlook installation. It can’t work without these application's installation.
  • Only emails can be transferred with it.
  • Only Thunderbird MBOX files can be migrated with the manual method
  • Possibility of data misplacement or formatting
  • Needs good technical knowledge to understand the method.

Automated method of conversion


Looking at the disadvantages of the manual solution, we recommend users to go with automated solutions. GainTools MBOX to PST Converter smoothly migrate all folders from MBOX file to PST file format without installing Thunderbird, Outlook or other MBOX supported email client. Also, attachments with MBOX emails are migrated to Outlook PST file format by it. It hardly consumes a few minutes and can be handled without any technical expertise with 100% safety assurance.


Steps of the software to migrate MBOX folders to Outlook –

  1. Install and Launch the software.
  2. Add MBOX file or MBOX folder using the Browse button.
  3. Get preview of MBOX data items. Select desired items to migrate and click on the Export button.
  4. Choose Export to PST option. You can create new PST or export mailbox items to existing PST.
  5. Hit the Browse button and specify the location for Outlook PST file.
  6. In the end, click on the Convert Now button to commence the conversion.


This is how easily you can execute the migration of all or selected folders from MBOX to Outlook data file format.

Closing Lines

There could be several reasons to export mailbox data from MBOX to Outlook format. Using the safest automated method described above, users can accomplish the conversion regardless of the reasons behind the migration. The automated method of conversion is quick, easy and provides exact results. Most users don’t want to go with lengthy and complicated methods and analyzing the shortcomings of the manual method, users prefer automated methods.