How to Import Outlook PST File to Thunderbird?

Microsoft Outlook is a globally utilized email client, it is likely the first choice when it comes to email management for both personal and business use. It has an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it accessible to all users. You can handle emails, calendars, meetings, events, and personal information with ease after you become proficient with Outlook. However, Outlook comes at a cost. Thus, the fact that Mozilla Thunderbird is an open-source and free email client program is always a good dispute to import PST files.

The finest methods to import PST files into Mozilla Thunderbird will be covered in this article; you can choose to utilize a professional solution or a manual one, depending on your preferences. Before that, though, let me go over some of the reasons why you should import Outlook data into Thunderbird.

Reasons for Importing PST File to Mozilla Thunderbird

Thunderbird is an open-source email software that can be installed on multiple platforms, as we have previously explained. For users to migrate to, Thunderbird is a dependable and efficient program due to several other controlling aspects.
Outlook is a powerful email client, but Thunderbird appears to have an advantage when it comes to spam filtering. It is better at recognizing legitimate emails apart from spam.
In the current digital era, personal data security is crucial. With some of the best security features among email clients, Thunderbird acknowledges this. Thunderbird has you covered whether you need encryption or phishing prevention.
The problem of email platforms limiting file sizes is something that we have all encountered. Users can easily upload large files straight to pCloud and get around these limitations thanks to Thunderbird’s integration with pCloud.
Due to its open-source nature, plugins are continuously developed and improved by a thriving community. Users will always have access to new and cutting-edge tools thanks to this.

Different Methods to Import Outlook PST Files to Thunderbird

As Thunderbird supports MBOX format and Outlook supports PST, there isn’t a direct way to convert PST to MBOX Thunderbird. If you think there are options, the process won’t be as simple. To export Outlook emails to Thunderbird, we have provided a list of the best manual methods below.

#1. Convert Outlook data file into Thunderbird

#2. Import PST file to Mozilla Thunderbird using Google Takeout

Method 1. Export Outlook PST File to Thunderbird

To complete this process, just ensure that Thunderbird and Outlook are operating on the same machine.

Steps to Import Outlook Emails to Mozilla Thunderbird

Let’s start by setting up Outlook as the default email client on your computer.
Select Default Programs >> Set your default programs after clicking Start.
Next, choose Outlook by clicking Set this program as default under the Programs tab.
To save the changes, click OK.
Launch Thunderbird now, then select the Show the Thunderbird Menu option.
Next, select Import from the list under Tools.
Here, click the Next button after selecting Mail or Import Everything.
Select Outlook as the file type and press the Next button.
To finish the import process, click the Finish button.
All of your emails in the Outlook email client are exported into Thunderbird once the process is finished.

Method 2. With Google Takeout to Import Outlook to Thunderbird

First, move your necessary exporting mailbox emails into Gmail and set up your Gmail account in the Outlook program. Subsequently, to transfer PST files to Thunderbird, you must use Google Takeout to archive Gmail emails into an MBOX file, which you can then import into Thunderbird. The method’s step-by-step implementation procedures are:

Procedure to Move Outlook PST File to Thunderbird

Using your preferred browser, open Gmail and select the settings menu.
Navigate to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP section and select the Enable IMAP radio button.
Launch Outlook and select the File tab after that.
Click the “Add Account” button here.
After entering your Gmail login information, press the Enter key.
You have enabled the IMAP settings for Gmail, and now Outlook is set up with that account.
Once more, launch Gmail, make a folder, and transfer all of the desired Outlook emails into it.
Go to https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout to access Google Takeout on your Gmail.
Uncheck every option and only check the Mail option when you select the Data to Include tab.
Under the All Mail data included category, you must select the option labeled Include all messages in the mail.
Now that the necessary adjustments have been made, click Next.
Make the necessary adjustments to the Export type, File type, and Size under the Customize archive format tab before clicking the Create Archive button.
You can download the ZIP file holding the Outlook mailbox data in the MBOX file format once Google creates your archive.
Click Download now to save the ZIP file to your computer.
Once the zip file has been extracted, you will have an MBOX file with all of your emails—spam and junk included.
Lastly, open Thunderbird and import the MBOX file that you downloaded.

Additionally, if you are having trouble completing these laborious and time-consuming manual methods, you can import the PST file into Mozilla Thunderbird using the professional solution i.e. CubexSoft PST to MBOX Converter.

An Expert Solution to Transfer Bulk PST Files to Thunderbird

To import Outlook PST files into Thunderbird, use the secure and unique CubexSoft PST Converter tool. All Outlook mailbox folders can be exported to other email clients, such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Office 365, Hotmail, Live Exchange, IMAP Server, and so on. Additionally, PST can be converted to other file formats like MBOX, EML, PDF, and CSV. With the help of this tool, you can directly import Outlook PST files to Thunderbird with complete details and information without any data loss. It was suitable for all versions of MS Outlook, Mac OS, and Windows OS including Windows 11. To know how to achieve the same, you can first use its trial edition which is compatible with opening 25 items without charges. For bulk conversion of PST files, you need to go for a license key of the tool.

To Concluded Words!

After analyzing the various techniques for importing PST files into Mozilla Thunderbird, one technique sticks out as reliable and effective. That’s using CubexSoft PST to Thunderbird Tool, a reliable third-party tool. With the process made simpler by this tool, quick results are guaranteed with little work. Thus, this tool should be your first choice if you want an easy experience with the best outcomes. Not to wait? Take advantage of its features by downloading it now.