How to Migrate Zimbra to MSG Format? Detailed Guide

  Amit Patra
Written By Amit Patra
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh  
Modified On April 13th, 2026
Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

Overview: Are you also an Outlook user who wants to migrate Zimbra to MSG in an effortless way. We will be giving you the information regarding the same. There will be sections like why to transfer, manual methods, limitations, and professional solution to ensure accurate conversion.

Zimbra is an email platform which stores your inbox data in TGZ format. But if you want to open it in Microsoft Outlook, then you need MSG files for that. By following this guide, you will be able to convert Zimbra to MSG.

Also Read: Convert Zimbra to EML

Table of Contents Hide

Why to Import Zimbra Emails to MSG?

There are various ways to migrate Zimbra to MSG. Let’s read all those points given below:

  • MSG files interact directly with Microsoft Outlook, so it becomes easy to read
  • Easy to manage email as this format saves each email on its own
  • It is very simple to share your files between different systems
  • You will find features like search, filters, and better email organization
  • Most of the users switch to MSG for better utilization of resources present in Outlook

Manual Methods to Migrate Zimbra to MSG Files

Remember, that there is no direct way to import your Zimbra emails. But, you can achieve this conversion indirectly.

#1. Extract TGZ & Convert via EML

This method is divided into three steps. So, follow them in sequential order to get your desired results.

Step 1. Open the TGZ File

  • Extract your TGZ file using WinRAR or 7- Zip
  • It will convert into the TAR file first, and then extract it again to get folders

Step 2. Find the Email Files

  • Now, go to extracted folders and open them to see those files
  • These are usually saved in .eml format

Step 3. Add Emails to Outlook

  • Just open Outlook, and easily drag your desired EML files

Step 4. Convert to MSG Format

  • Open each email in Outlook
  • Now, go to File > Save As > MSG format to save it

#2. Take Help of Thunderbird 

This is the method where Thunderbird will be the medium to migrate Zimbra to MSG.

  1. Extract the TGZ file using WinRAR, or 7-Zip
  2. Install and download Mozilla Thunderbird in your system
  3. Add any email account and open Thunderbird
  4. Then, restart your Thunderbird after installing ImportExportTools extension
  5. Now, import all EML files in Thunderbird using the add-on
  6. Launch Outlook and drop emails from Thunderbird
  7. In Outlook, open the email and File > Save As in MSG format

Limitations of Using Above Manual Methods

Manual solutions are good, if you have a few Zimbra emails. But they come with many drawbacks:

  • Takes more time of yours
  • Import one email at a time
  • No multiple conversion option
  • Chance of losing data
  • Folder structure will not be same
  • Attachments may not transfer properly
  • Need technical knowledge

Because of these points, it’s better to use our professional solution which you will see next.

Migrate Zimbra to MSG Format – Professional Way

The real problem which users face while going with manual methods is complex steps, indirect way, risk of missing emails, broken attachments, and loss of folder structure. This becomes very hard when it comes to large mailbox data or any business requirement. To deal with this, you can go with SysTools Zimbra Converter. It will directly convert Zimbra to MSG without any external help or installation.

Download Now Purchase Now

Key Aspects:

  • Bulk convert Zimbra TGZ files
  • More effective than manual methods
  • Keep file structure as it is
  • Save time & effort
  • Easy to use & provide better output

Tool Steps to Import Zimbra Emails to MSG – Secure Process

1. First, download & install the tool in your system

run zimbra to eml tool

2. Click on Add File button to add single or entire folder.

select add files or folders

3. Tap on Browse to load TGZ files.

import zimbra tgz file

4. Check the preview of all your data.

preview the data

5. Hit Export to convert everything, or choose Export Selected to convert individual items only.

select export option to import zimbra emails to thunderbird

6. Now, view on the Export button. Choose MSG as the file format.

select MSF

7. Open Advanced Settings if you want to apply filters.

filters

8. Click Export to migrate Zimbra to MSG in few seconds.

select PST

9. Once the export is complete, click on Save option.

select PST

10. Just press OK to finish the entire conversion.

select PST

Conclusion

We have seen different methods to migrate Zimbra to MSG file format. At first, you can try some of the manual ones. But, these methods are indirect. You need to take the help of Thunderbird, and extract it in various ways to do it. So, it’s recommended that you choose our automated software for this. As, it provides a direct conversion and can do it for multiple files at one go. The process is very easy and simple to operate for all kinds of users.