How to Import MBOX to Outlook: Easy Step-wise Methods

Summary: This guide solves the problem of Outlook’s not supporting the MBOX format natively by providing a complete description of the IMAP method of migration as well as a brief insight into dedicated conversion tools. The guide gives detailed steps on how to import MBOX to Outlook seamlessly keeping the folders intact.

Why Import MBOX to Outlook?

Nowadays, email is an essential medium for communication for business people, friends, or anyone. Many people use MBOX email clients, but over time, they often become frustrated with various issues related to these files.

Outlook is the central hub for effective workplace communication. Users like the consistent experience of their Outlook inbox, as it is so easy to use that one can go with it without any prior training.

There can be various reasons why a user may want to import MBOX files in Outlook, like restoring old backup, migrating from an MBOX-based email client like Google Takeout, Postbox, or Thunderbird to Outlook.

How to Import MBOX to Outlook Manually?

You can import MBOX into Outlook using Thunderbird by connecting accounts and using the drag-and-drop method. We will use Thunderbird as a connector, because you can easily import an MBOX file into a Thunderbird account. And there is also a method to connect an Outlook account here. Complete steps are given below in detail, one by one:

Method 1: Import MBOX to Outlook Account via Gmail

This approach requires the use of Thunderbird and a new Gmail account. Once you have both, follow the steps given below to import files to Outlook.

Note: Make a copy of your MBOX files before proceeding with the given solution to avoid data loss.

Step 1: Connect Gmail to Thunderbird

1. Firstly, run Thunderbird email client.
2. Choose the File tab >> Account Settings option.

   

3. Look for the Add Mail Account and then Account Actions.

   

4. Type your Gmail login details i.e., email address and app password.

   

5. Enter your IMAP Setting details and then Finish button.

   

Step 2: Upload MBOX File to Thunderbird

If your MBOX file is already accessible in Thunderbird, you may then skip the steps below:

1. Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
2. Go to Local Folders option, and right-click on it.
3. Select ImportExportTools NG, and then click on Import MBOX file option from the sub-menu.

   

4. Choose “Import One or More MBOX Files” option as the way to import.

   

5. Proceed to select and import the file that you want to access in Outlook.

   

Step 3: Move Emails to Gmail Account

1. Firstly, open the uploaded MBOX folder.
2. Select the emails, right-click on them to copy the whole file to Gmail account using Copy-To.
3. Now copy the emails to this new account.
4. Wait now for the operation to complete.

Step 4: Connect Similar Gmail to Outlook

1. Now open the Outlook application.
2. From the ribbon, click on File then Add Account.
3. Enter your Gmail account details.
4. Click Finish.

That is it! You have successfully added MBOX to your Outlook application.

Of course, it will take a lot of time to complete but it’s free and that matters. If you’re in a rush or the manual methods aren’t ideal for your crucial data, opt for a professional solution.

Method 2: Import MBOX to Outlook using Drag & Drop

You can upload MBOX to Outlook account by the drag-and-drop method after connecting into Thunderbird account, which creates EML format. After that you can import EML to Outlook account by following given steps:

Firstly, import your data file to Thunderbird account as per given steps above, and then follow these steps:

1. Restart your Thunderbird.
2. Drag the email to the desktop.
3. And your email will convert into EML.
4. Or click on the Tools >> ImportExportTools NG >> Export All Messages in the Folder >> EML format.

Now, locate your created EML and drag and drop this file into Outlook to import it. And your email will be accessed. But this method has some drawbacks, which are mentioned below to import MBOX to Outlook:

How easy, right? Unfortunately, while this method is the most suggested method online, it is completely misleading. The EML files when dropped into Outlook, act as an attachment and are not identified as an email message by Outlook. You can try it with 5-10 emails to see it for yourself. You will have to save all the dropped messages one at a time with the “Move to” option to get the job done. So, skip this method if possible.

Import MBOX File to Outlook in Automated Way: Step-by-Step

Before proceeding with the usage of this application, please note that it will work fine even if you don’t have an MBOX-supportable email client on your machine. It’s an independent utility that works fine without the installation of external apps. So, go through these steps to import MBOX to Outlook.

1. Firstly, launch and install the MBOX to Outlook converter in your existing system.

   

2. Now, you will see two options to load MBOX files. Then, select files and select folder options to enable opening of multiple files in the software panel.

   

3. Then, choose the required MBOX files or folders from the list.

   

4. After that, select PST as the file saving option.

   

5. Apply the advanced filter from Filter Options for selective MBOX to Outlook conversion.

   

6. Also, enable the ‘Separate PST per MBOX’ if required.

   

7. Then, browse a destination folder to save the converted file at any location on the PC.

   

8. At last, click on the Convert button to begin the process.

   

9. Lastly, you will receive a pop-up message of completion.

   

Hence, the import MBOX to Outlook process has been successfully done. Next, there is a need to open these files in Outlook.

Import the Resultant File into Microsoft Outlook

1. Firstly, open Outlook on your system.
2. Go to File Menu >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.

   

3. Click on the Import from Another Program or File option.

   

4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and Next.

   

5. Lastly, see the imported MBOX files in Outlook.

   

Learn More: How to Import MBOX to Hotmail Account (aka old Outlook.com accounts)? 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q 1: Can I open the MBOX file in Outlook?

  Ans: No, there is no direct option available to import MBOX to Outlook account. But here we have mentioned both manual and professional methods to accomplish this task.

• Q 2: How do I view emails in an MBOX file?

  Ans: You will get multiple manual and free methods to open MBOX files in Chrome or anything using the free RecoveryTools MBOX Viewer.

• Q 3: What email uses MBOX?

  Ans: There are a number of email clients that use MBOX files such as MBOX, Apple Mail, Entourage, Google Takeout, etc.

• Q 4: What are the differences between Outlook and MBOX files?

  Ans: Outlook is an email client, and it comes with amazing and advanced features, which make it the first choice of all users for personal and professional work. On the other hand, MBOX is a file format that is used to store single email data.

Final Words

In this blog post, we have explained the detailed method to import MBOX to Outlook account. Since the software recommended here is rich-featured one can use it without any problems. With this tool, you can batch export MBOX files to Outlook that you are using right now. Moreover, you can also continue with the manual solution if you find it convenient to use but keep in mind that it will take a lot of your time and effort. For more information, you can continue anytime with the technical experts.