How to Convert Emails from Thunderbird to Outlook 2016, 2013, & 2010

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On December 7th, 2023

Reading Time 5 Minutes Reading

If you are using a desktop-based email application for work, most likely it would be Thunderbird or Outlook. Both these email client applications trusted by millions of users. But, there are many situations where the user needs to convert emails from Thunderbird to Outlook. If you are also looking for a solution to export Thunderbird to Outlook PST 2016, 2013 and 2010, read this blog. You can export Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST using the trusted solution Thunderbird to Outlook converter. It provides accurate results with maintained data integrity. Therefore, let’s directly move to the process of converting Thunderbird to Outlook.

How do I Convert Thunderbird to Outlook?

To export Thunderbird emails to Outlook account, first, you need to export mailboxes from Thunderbird and then import them to Outlook.

Note: If you want to do the conversion manually, please create a backup copy of your Thunderbird files to avoid data loss.

Method 1 – Drag and Drop Method (Convert Thunderbird to Outlook 2010)

This method has two phases: first, you have to export MBOX messages to EML format and then import EML to PST format.

Phase 1 – Export MBOX Messages

Run Mozilla Thunderbird application.
Select messages which you want to export.
Create a new folder on your desktop.
Drag and drop all the selected emails into the newly created folder.

Phase 2 – Import Process

Open Microsoft Outlook application.
Select the folder where you want to import the messages.
Now, just drag that desktop folder into the selected folder.

Note: Please keep in mind that this process works in harmony with Outlook 2010 and older version.

Method 2 – Using IMAP

IMAP- It is an internet protocol which enables two-way synchronization between the current and another online email platform.

Configure the Gmail account into Thunderbird using IMAP server.
In Gmail, create a New Folder and move all the messages which you want to export.
All messages are exported into Gmail account.
Now, run Outlook and create the same Gmail account using IMAP or POP.
In the end, download emails. That’s it.

Note: This process is only capable to import a few messages.

Method 3 – Import Mailbox Data to MBOX Format

It is a four-phase process to import emails from Thunderbird to Outlook account.

Phase 1 – Under Thunderbird, Convert Thunderbird Mail Data to MBOX

Run Thunderbird and click on the File tab
Select Import Mailboxes
Choose files in MBOX and click Continue
Browse the required destination path
Choose MBOX files to import
Click that items which you want to export
Click Done button

Now, all the data imported into MBOX format. However, one cannot directly export MBOX files to PST. For MBOX creation finalization, you have to install Eudora Windows version.

Phase 2 – MBOX Files Addition to Import the Files

Add the MBOX File Extension and then migrate files to Eudora Directory (Here, files are saved to C: Documents and Settings<user>Application Data\Qualcomm\Eudora default).
Now, run Eudora Mail application on the system
Here, double-click on the renamed file and close the program
Now, MBOX file is successfully added to import.

Phase 3 – Import the Messages from Eudora

From the Outlook Express, select File menu
Select Import button and click on Messages option
Next, select Eudora Mail and search for the .mbx file location
Click Next button and again click Next -> finally Finish
Now, all the imported email messages are ready to access in the local folder.

Phase 4 – Import Outlook Express Email Messages to Outlook

Run Outlook and form the File menu click Open
Choose Import option and select Import/Export Wizard
Under Wizard, select Import Internet Mail and Addresses and click Ok
Select Outlook Express and ensure Import Mail option is enabled or not
Finally, click on Next button

Limitations

Undoubtedly, it is a very lengthy as well as time-consuming process. Moreover, there is a risk of data loss.

Therefore, if you to convert Thunderbird emails into Outlook directly without wasting too much time, choose the third-party tool. One such solution is Mailsware MBOX Converter Toolkit.

(The tool supports to convert Thunderbird emails to Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010 and all the older version.)

Key Features of MBOX Converter

24*7 Support facility is available to help the user
Bulk conversion from Thunderbird to Outlook PST
No need to install any supportive application
Supports all the edition of Windows and MS Outlook
During email migration, it maintains all the properties

Thunderbird Vs Outlook

Thunderbird is a freeware application for email management and news feeds, developed by Mozilla. This ideal email application is the first choice of many users for its ability to simultaneously configure or access multiple email accounts. When we talk about the file format, Mozilla Thunderbird uses the MBOX file format to store the entire database.

Outlook is a personal information manager developed by Microsoft. It is the most popular email client application used to save the entire database such as email, attachment, notes, contacts, calendars, and tasks, etc.

Need to Convert Emails from Thunderbird to Outlook

If you are just a beginner looking for an economical solution, Mozilla Thunderbird is the best and smartest choice for you. But if you’re a business owner looking for a solution for your organization, Microsoft Office Outlook is exactly what you really want. One of the main reasons is that Mozilla Thunderbird is a free application so you can not claim it. For another instance, Outlook offers a lot of advanced features compared to other applications.

Some Advantages of Outlook Are

Better and reliable flexibility
Improved cost of accuracy
Enhanced email management
Better mailbox storage capacity

Final Words

With the rapid growth of the organization, the need for migration or conversion of email is very common. So, for those users looking for a way to convert Thunderbird emails to Outlook PST format, we provide all possible ways. One can go with the solution that is right for them.