How to Import PST File to Thunderbird? Step-by-Step Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to easily import PST file to Thunderbird with all data. It is a common process, especially for professionals who use Outlook and Thunderbird accounts. Whenever an Outlook user wants to switch or migrate their data to Thunderbird, they must import them. Today in this article, we have thoroughly discussed 2 simple ways to open PST file in Thunderbird without any trouble. Let’s begin!

• Why Import PST File to Thunderbird?
• Open PST File in Thunderbird Manually
  1. Use Import Method
  2. Use Google Takeout
• Expert Approach to Import PST to Thunderbird
  • Steps to Import Outlook PST Files to Thunderbird
• Conclusion

Despite being a feature-rich and versatile email program, Outlook is a paid email application with high maintenance costs. For this reason, Outlook users want to switch to some freeware email service provider like Thunderbird which is also reliable. Once people move to Thunderbird, they need to import PST to Thunderbird to access their old data. The sad part is that most users do not know how to import the file accurately. Hence, this blog will discuss the ultimate solution for all Outlook users who are planning to open Outlook PST files into the Thunderbird email program on Mad and Windows.

Why Import PST File to Thunderbird?

Following are the reasons why a user needs to open PST file in Thunderbird:

• Multiple Compatibility: Thunderbird is compatible with almost all operating systems. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and UNIX. Especially for Linux and UNIX users, Thunderbird is a better option. If you use multiple devices with different OS, then migrate PST files to Thunderbird.
• Migration: Users also want to migrate their PST files to Thunderbird when they are switching or migrating. It will help them to access their old data into a new account.
• Personal Preference: There are chances where users use different desktop-based email clients for home and office. To access all the emails under one email platform, then it is wise to open Outlook PST file in Thunderbird.
• Spam: Spam filtering is a great feature of Thunderbird. This is one of the reasons why users want to migrate PST files to Thunderbird.
• Security: Data security is one of the major concerns seen among users in which Thunderbird renders the best security option. Hence, users need not have to worry about their data when they try to import PST file to Thunderbird.
• Unchangeable Application:  Thunderbird is a free-of-cost application. This is another major reason to import PST to Thunderbird.

Open PST File in Thunderbird Manually

Users can use several techniques to transfer Outlook data to Thunderbird. All of the solutions including manual and advanced, are listed below along with the step-by-step procedure.

Note: We usually do not recommend you to use manual methods as we care for your data and never want you to face challenges. Hence, manual approaches are always complex, frustrating, and time-consuming. For a safe, secure, bulk, and easy migration, we suggest you use the automated solution.

1. Import PST to Thunderbird Using the Import Method

If you have an orphan PST file then, you first need to import them into your Outlook account. To do this, simply open your Outlook > go to File > Click Open & Export > Pick Import/ Export > click on Import from Another Program or File > then Outlook Data File (.PST). After this, finally, select your PST files and import them. Once you are done, follow the steps mentioned below to import PST file to Thunderbird.

1. Firstly, set Outlook as the default program on your computer via the control panel.
2. Now open the Thunderbird profile and click on the Tools option.
3. After that, select the Import option and then click on Mail.
4. Choose Outlook, browse PST file then Hit the Finish button.

2. Import PST Files to Thunderbird Account Using Google Takeout

In this approach, users need to configure a Gmail account in Outlook and then export the PST emails to the Gmail account. After that, they can extract this data via Google Takeout in the MBOX file which is supported by Thunderbird. This completes the PST to Thunderbird migration process. Here comes the step-by-step process to implement the process.

1. Open your Gmail account and go to Settings >> Forwarding and POP/IMAP >> Choose Enable IMAP and Save the changes.
2. Launch Outlook and navigate to File>> Add Account option and enter the credentials of the Gmail account to configure the same.
3. Once the Gmail configuration with Outlook is completed, create a new folder and copy and drag the desired Outlook emails to the newly created folder in the configured Gmail ID to import PST to Thunderbird.
4. After that, log in to the Gmail account and open Google Takeout (https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout) by entering the accurate credentials to open PST file in Thunderbird.
5. From Select Data to include an option, choose Mail and click Next to import PST file to Thunderbird.
   
6. Under Customize archive format, specify the File type, Archive size, and Delivery method, and hit the Create Export button.
   
7. Now, download the ZIP file that contains the Outlook data using whichever delivery method you have selected.
8. The emails are downloaded in the MBOX file which is present in the Mail folder.
9. Then, import PST file to Thunderbird using the ImportExportTool NG add-on by clicking on Tools >> ImportExportTools NG >> Import MBOX file to access the PST emails in the Thunderbird application.

Google Takeout has its own issues and errors like not receiving the download link even after days, error in the middle of download, etc.

Are you also having a tough time while implementing the manual method and looking for alternatives? If yes, then read on to explore the professional method!

An Expert Approach to Open Outlook PST File in Thunderbird Account

With the help of SysTools PST File Converter, users can directly convert their mailboxes into MBOX files in a matter of minutes. Since Mozilla Thunderbird supports MBOX, this utility is highly recommended by experts to get the job done. After all, it effectively lets a user import PST file to Thunderbird. Moreover, the tool does not pose any file size restriction on the source PST files. The software also comes with an added option to maintain the folder hierarchy of the resultant file, which is one of the highlighted features of the tool.

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Since this is a 2-step process, we divided the method accordingly. The first part involves converting PST to MBOX file. And in the second part, we import the resultant file in Thunderbird.

How to Import PST File to Thunderbird in the Professional Way?

Follow the steps instructed below to open PST file in Thunderbird using the advanced approach:

Part 1 – Export to MBOX

1. Click Add File in PST to Thunderbird converter.

2. Browse the PST file to import into Thunderbird.

3. Preview PST emails & attachments.

4. Click on Export to begin importing PST to Thunderbird mailbox.

Users can navigate to the location where the resultant mailbox will be saved.

Part 2 – Import into Thunderbird

Users can import the resultant file into Thunderbird via the free ImportExportTools NG add-on. The steps to import PST file to Thunderbird are as follows:

1. Install the add-on on your Thunderbird application, if not done already
2. Right-click on the Local folders and select ImportExportTools NG
3. After that, select Import MBOX file
4. In the window that appears, click on the OK button and browse the MBOX file received after conversion
5. Voila! Users can now access all the PST emails in the Thunderbird application easily.

There is another way to import MBOX file to Thunderbird i.e., via professional software. Users can visit the link to know more.

Author Suggestion

Thunderbird is one of the popular email applications that comes with numerous useful features. People who want to access their MS Outlook PST file emails and other data in Thunderbird need to import PST file to Thunderbird. This blog clearly states the different approaches to seamlessly open PST file in Thunderbird email program on both Mac and Windows.