Import MBOX File into Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013

Outlook can’t open MBOX files directly because it stores data in PST format. To import MBOX into Outlook, convert the file to a format Outlook accepts, such as a PST file. For this, you can rely on third-party software or move the emails through Thunderbird and EML files. Both methods are covered below.

Before we start, do understand that MBOX is not compatible with the Microsoft Outlook platform. MS Outlook uses OST, PST, and OLM(Mac) to store the data instead of using the generic MBOX format. So, all the successful methods either try to change the format to an Outlook-compatible one or use another application as an intermediate to get the job done. As for the necessary steps involved, keep reading to learn them.

Why can’t Outlook Open MBOX Files?

MBOX is a generic format that most free email apps use. Outlook doesn’t read it. It stores data in PST, OST, and OLM (Mac). Every working method either converts the file to a format Outlook accepts or uses another app as a go-between.

Some Common User Queries!

“Hi, I usually hand out MBOX files whenever my clients need the email data. It is compatible with almost all free email applications, so it is easy to deal with this format. However, I have a few new clients that use Microsoft Outlook. Can you suggest a method that can help them move the data to their Outlook email client?”

“Hello, my company is shifting from Thunderbird to Outlook. As the IT admin, I am required to find a safe way to move all the employees’ data from their MBOX files into the Outlook application. Can you suggest a few methods?”

Two ways to import MBOX files to Outlook

Today, we talked about two different methods, which have their own limitations. Both are listed below; let’s see!

1. Professional Solution (Expert Recommended Tool)
2. Import MBOX to Outlook Manually for Free

So, without wasting time, users can save their time & effort searching for other tools or solutions for their issues. Let us begin with our professional solution to batch import MBOX files into Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010.

Method 1: Import Multiple MBOX Files to Outlook Using Revove Software

Revove MBOX Converter Tool is the perfect solution to make MBOX files importable in Classic Outlook versions. This software is also available for both Mac & Windows OS users. This utility has no restrictions; users can easily transfer multiple MBOX files into an Outlook-supported data file format. Both technical and non-technical users can use this software.

Steps to Make MBOX File Importable in Outlook

The steps listed below are valid for all Windows OS and Classic Outlook versions. Simply follow the steps and access the data in Microsoft Outlook.

Step-1: Download the Revove converter for MBOX to Outlook PST format and launch.

Step-2: Browse the MBOX file in the software panel or select it from the configured profile.

Step-3: Verify the data of the browsed MBOX files and click the Export button on the top menu bar.

Step-4: Select the PST radio button and apply Advanced Settings as per need. After that, browse the path to save the output PST file and click the Export button.

Step-5: Launch Classic Outlook and follow File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export >> Import data from another program or file >> browse the same PST file created in step 4.

Method 2: Transfer MBOX File to Outlook Manually

As above, we learned about professional software that can easily import multiple MBOX files into Outlook PST format in all versions. And there are no challenges with it. But, as for user requirements, we will discuss the manual method. Because some users also want to perform the same task using the manual solution. Then, they must follow the three stages to complete the task manually.

Let us know about all three stages by following the steps below, working step-by-step:-

Step 1: Steps in Mozilla Thunderbird

• Install Mozilla Thunderbird on your system.
• Search for and add the add-on extension known as ImportExportTools NG to Thunderbird.
• Once installed, highlight the Local Folders mailbox, right-click, and choose the ImportExportTools NG option.
• Then, choose the “Import mbox file” option.

• Finally, select the MBOX file and move it into the Thunderbird application.

Stage 2: Export Thunderbird to EML Using the Save as Option

• Open Thunderbird
• Now, select the mailbox
• Choose the messages that you want to export. Use CTRL+A to select all
• Right-click on the selected mail and click on the Save As option

• Select the folder where you want to save
• Then, click on “Save” to start the Thunderbird to EML conversion.

Stage 3: Open in Outlook

• Run the Microsoft Outlook application on your system.
• Go to the folder where EML files are stored and open it.
• Select an EML file, then right-click on it

• Now, select Open with Outlook from the drop-down menu
• Then, the EML will open in Outlook; go to the “Move” option

• Select the Inbox folder and repeat the task for each EML file.

Remember to try the steps for 5-10 email messages first. Because the new Outlook versions may not support the direct drag-drop of files in Outlook. In such cases, it is better to opt for a tried and tested approach given below.

The above manual method will take too much user time & effort to finish the task. And if a user wants to do multi-process, then it is not possible with a manual method. Using this method, users have to face some technical challenges, which are not good for non-technical users. So, we suggest you use our automated software, which is best for all kinds of problems.

FAQs on Importing MBOX Files to Outlook

Can Outlook open MBOX files directly?

No. Outlook stores data in PST, OST, and OLM (Mac) formats, so an MBOX file has to be converted first or moved through another app such as Thunderbird.

How do I import MBOX to Outlook?

There are two ways. Convert it to PST with a converter developed by Revove, or load it into Thunderbird, save the emails as EML files, and open them in Outlook one by one.

Can I import multiple MBOX files to Outlook at once?

The manual method can’t do this in practice, because you move each EML file separately. The Revove Converter is described as handling several MBOX files in one run.

Which Outlook versions does this cover?

This guide covers Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013 on Windows and Mac.

What do I need for the manual method?

You need Mozilla Thunderbird, the ImportExportTools NG add-on, and Outlook. Keep a copy of your original MBOX files before you start.

Can I export MBOX to Outlook?

Outlook imports data rather than exporting from MBOX. In practice, exporting MBOX to Outlook means converting the file to PST or EML and then bringing the emails into Outlook, which is what both methods here do.

Is the manual method suitable for large mailboxes?

Not really, since you move one EML file at a time. Test with 5 to 10 messages first, and consider the converter for large mailboxes.

Observational Verdict

In this blog, we have discussed how to import MBOX to Outlook 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and the versions below for both Windows & Mac. Here, you get two methods that help you perform single or multiple transfer processes. First is our automated tool, which can smoothly import multiple MBOX files into Outlook without facing any hassle.

Both technical and non-technical users can easily use this software without having any technical skills. On the other hand, a manual method has its own restrictions in performing the task. It consumes a lot of user time and it requires technical knowledge to use this method. Choose as per your requirements!