How to Import MBOX to Windows Live Mail? 2 Secure Methods

  Kumar Raj
Written By Kumar Raj
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Modified On August 5th, 2025
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Struggling to open a MBOX file in Windows Live Mail? Do you know Microsoft has replaced Windows Live Mail? If you don’t, then here I am going to explain everything about the topic and ways to import MBOX to Windows Live Mail without any issues. So, get ready to access your MBOX file in your email client.

MBOX file is a widely used email file to store multiple email messages. In the file, it keeps your emails in a single text file, which can be used by many email clients or platforms like Thunderbird, Apple Mail.

However, Microsoft discontinued the services of both Windows Live Mail and Windows Mail. Now, you can use the New Outlook for Windows in place of them. But some users who use an old version of Windows like installing Windows Live Mail in Windows 7. Therefore, if you have an MBOX file and want to open it in old Windows Live Mail. Then, here I am to help you.

Reasons Behind Importing MBOX to Windows Live Mail

Even though Windows Live Mail or Windows Mail is no longer available. But, still, there are old users who want to access the files in the program. Such as,

  • You don’t have Thunderbird or any MBOX-supported email client. Because Windows Live Mail is the default email client of Windows. Then, you need to get your data.
  • You are closing your Thunderbird and want to transfer the important files into the Windows Live Mail profile.
  • To make your emails available offline, you can use the Windows Live Mail application.
  • You prefer a Windows environment, that’s why you also want to keep your important or old files in the preferred email client.
  • It is also used as a backup of your Windows Live Mail emails, which will be very helpful for you.

These are some of the reasons to move MBOX emails to Windows Live Mail. If you want to import the file, then follow the methods below to convert the files.

How to Import MBOX Files to Windows Mail App?

Unfortunately, Windows Live Mail does not support MBOX files. Therefore, I have to use an indirect way to move your MBOX file. For this, you can use the Thunderbird program as a way to upload your file or a professional tool to do that. Either way, it will help you convert MBOX into the Windows Live Mail client.

Upload MBOX File to Windows Live Mail using Thunderbird

Thunderbird is one of the email programs that support the MBOX file format and can easily connect to the account with Windows Live Mail using the IMAP server. If the IMAP server is enabled with the program, you can easily import your MBOX file.

  1. First, go to the Account Settings of Thunderbird and click on the Account Actions button.
  2. Select the Add Mail Account option. Provide the Windows Live Mail email address and password. Press the Continue button.
  3. Thunderbird automatically detects your IMAP settings, so continue the process.
  4. Now, after connecting the account, you can open your MBOX file. By Import/Export Tools NG.
  5. Select the folder where you want to get your MBOX file and right-click on it.
  6. Click on the Import/Export Tools NG, then the Import MBOX file option.
  7. Choose an option to import your MBOX file, and browse the location of the files. Import it.
  8. After having your data in Thunderbird, you can move it to the Windows Mail folder by manually dragging and dropping.

This is the manual way to import MBOX to Windows Live Mail. The process is easy and free; however, you may have problems connecting your account because of its outdated interface. But I have another professional solution that you can use to get your data.

Professionally Convert MBOX to Windows Live Mail

As you know, Windows Live Mail only supports EML format. So, to move your MBOX file, you can use SysTools MBOX Converter, a professional tool that you can easily use to convert your MBOX files into EML format to easily access them in Windows Live Mail. The process of doing it is very easy; just follow the steps below.

Steps to Convert MBOX Files

  1. First of all, download the software on your device.
    download the software
  2. Click on the Add File option at the top of the screen.
    click on the add file option
  3. Select file(s)/folder from the file system option and click on MBOX files.
    choose mbox file
  4. Browse the location of the file. If you have multiple files in a folder, then click on the Use Folder Mode button.
    click use folder mode
  5. Click on the Process button to load your files into the software. Now, you can preview your files by clicking on the email.
    preview your emails
  6. Press the Export button at the top of the screen.
    click export button
  7. Select the EML format, then go to Advanced settings to name your exported file, apply filters, and other settings. Press the Save button to go back to the export process.
    select eml file
  8. Click on the Browse button to select a location where you want your files stored. Press the Maintain Folder Hierarchy and hit the Export button.
    hit the export button

By following this method, your MBXOX file is in EML file format, which is now easier to open in Windows Live Mail. If you are using the newer version of Outlook, you can also use this same file to import Windows Live Mail Files to the new Outlook for Windows.

Concluding Words

Even though Windows Live Mail is discontinued, some people still use it. Those who want to import MBOX into Windows Live Mail, read the article to the end. In this, I have explained two simple methods that can help you. The manual method may not work because of the outdated Windows Live Mail. However, converting the files to the EML format will make it much easier to open your file.

  Kumar Raj

By Kumar Raj

He is an ardent tech enthusiast and has a specialization in simplifying complex tech topics. With a knack for staying ahead of the curve, he provides readers with up-to-date insights into the ever-evolving tech world. When he is not writing, he enjoys exploring new gadgets and is actively engaged in tech communities.