Know How to Transfer Outlook Data to Thunderbird – A Complete Overview

Written By Kumar Raj

Approved By Anuraag Singh

Published On August 27th, 2022

Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

If you want to import Outlook PST to Thunderbird and looking for a method to transfer Outlook data to Thunderbird. Then read on to find the solutions to move Outlook emails to Thunderbird. Here we have discussed various scenarios where a user would want to convert PST files into Thunderbird MBOX files.

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Hello!
I want to access my Outlook PST files in Mozilla Thunderbird. After doing some research, I got to know that I need to import Outlook archive to Thunderbird. Can anyone suggest me some assured solution?
Thanks in advance!

“Hi!!
I have an orphan PST file of about 2GB which I want to access in Thunderbird. Please help me figure out a solution to move Outlook emails to Thunderbird. I am looking for a method which would ensure no data loss, as my PST file has very crucial data.
Hoping to hear soon! Cheers!”

Possible Reasons to Import Outlook Data to Thunderbird

Thunderbird is Free!

This is one of the most common reasons why people prefer Thunderbird over Outlook. As it is not possible for a small scale company to purchase a Microsoft license for every employee. Whereas Thunderbird provides almost similar features at no cost.
Compatibility with Multiple Platforms

Mozilla Thunderbird is compatible with multiple platforms – Windows, Mac, UNIX & Linux. Especially for Linux & UNIX users, Thunderbird is a better option as Outlook is not compatible with them.
Circumstantial Requirement

It might be possible that a user needs to migrate to Thunderbird, then they need to move Outlook emails to Thunderbird. With this conversion, a user can access that file into any email client that supports MBOX file.

Various Methods to Import Data from Outlook to Thunderbird

There are multiple methods mentioned here which are effective enough for importing Outlook files to Thunderbird, you can try the methods and see which one works for you.

Related Solution: Export Outlook Calendar to Thunderbird

A. Manual Steps to Transfer Outlook Data to Thunderbird

Click on Start button >> Control Panel >> Default Programs >> Set your default programs.
Select Outlook & set it as your default program. Now, Outlook is your default email program.
Open Mozilla Thunderbird >> Tools >> Import.

A popup appears, select Mail & click Next.

Now from the list of email clients select Outlook, click Next.

Select the PST file from the destination. Once the process is complete click Finish.

You can continue the same process for other address book, filters & other options mentioned there.

Note: You should keep in mind that this method does not work properly. So always keep a backup of your Outlook data in case the execution of this process affect the PST file.

B. Use Google Takeout to Transfer Outlook Data to Thunderbird

Google Takeout is a service that is provided by Google to export Gmail data into MBOX file format. As we know Thunderbird imports data in MBOX format, thus it can be easily done.

Important Note: Make sure that your Gmail Id that is synchronized with Outlook should be done with IMAP. This is the only condition when the below-mentioned method would work.

If Gmail is synchronized with Outlook using IMAP, this means both Gmail & Outlook will have same emails.

Login to your Gmail account & open Google Takeout.
Select the items you want to include in your archive & click Next.
Select the file format & click Create Archive.
Once the archive is created (in MBOX), import it into Thunderbird using ImportExportTools add on available in Thunderbird.
Go to Tools >> Add-on & select “Install Add-on from File“, browse the download folder & install it.
Restart Thunderbird.
Go to Tools >> ImportExportTools >> Import MBOX file.
Select the MBOX file you created & import it in Thunderbird.

Note: It will not work if you have an orphan PST or if your Outlook is configured with a POP protocol.

C. Use an Outlook PST to Mozilla Thunderbird Import Software

A specialized software is designed in such a way that it can efficiently export PST to MBOX for Thunderbird ensuring that the integrity of the PST file is intact. Here are some reasons why this software is preferred over other methods. You can download the software to check if it works for you.

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Works well with any kind of PST file- configured with IMAP/ POP, an orphan file.
No PST file size limitation.
The entire conversion process is complete with a few simple steps.
Execution of steps does not consume much time.

Here are the steps to transfer Outlook data to Thunderbird via MBOX:

Step 1. Launch the software and browse for the PST file.

Step 2. Choose MBOX file format from the list.

Step 3. Browse location to save the resultant file.

Step 4. Click on the Export button to start the conversion.

Steps to Export Outlook Data File to Mozilla Thunderbird on Mac are:

Step 1. First, download mac PST converter software and install it on your system.

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Step 2. Select PST contacts file or folder to convert.

Step 3. Click on MBOX format from the Export option.

Step 4. Set the location to save output and click Export.

transfer outlook data to thunderbird mbox

Done! Once the process is complete, you can import the MBOX file in your Thunderbird application.

Author Suggestion

A complete overview of the process to import Outlook files in Mozilla Thunderbird is explained here with the possible consequences. You can choose any of them depending on your situation. But according to us, a specialized software is the most secure way to transfer Outlook data to Thunderbird, to make sure there is no tampering with our data.

By Kumar Raj

A versatile writer with the vast knowledge of technology helps to reduce the gap between a user and technology. Provides easy and reliable ways to resolve multiple technical issues, which users encounter in their day-to-day life.

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