How to Import MBOX to Outlook – Detailed Guide

Quick Overview

So, what exactly is MBOX, and why would you need to import it into Outlook? MBOX is a file format used by various email clients to store email messages. These email clients include Thunderbird, Apple Mail, SeaMonkey, etc.

On the other hand, Outlook doesn’t directly support MBOX files. It only supports PST and OST files, which store all data, including emails, contacts, calendars, and more. However, it has some exceptional features that other email clients don’t have. This is why users want to import MBOX to Outlook. Therefore, you’ll need to convert MBOX files first.

But fear not, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! Before we proceed to the procedures, let us discuss what benefits of Outlook attract users.

Reasons to Add MBOX to Outlook

Here, we will discuss why users switch from MBOX-Supported email clients such as Thunderbird, to MS Outlook:

• Thunderbird doesn’t stop spam emails, but Outlook does, to prevent junk mail and scams.
• It’s convenient to manage all emails, calendars, and tasks within a single platform like Outlook.
• Outlook can automatically sort your emails into folders or set reminders. Also, allows you to make to-do lists or see your schedule.
• Convert MBOX files to Outlook because it already has built-in IMAP, SMTP, and POP3, so it’s easier to set up.
• Importing MBOX emails into Outlook provides a more familiar interface for users to access their emails.
• Additionally, with Outlook users can integrate well with other Microsoft Office applications as well.

Now, let us proceed to the procedure section and frame the proper steps to import MBOX file to Outlook.

Free Manual Methods to Import MBOX to Outlook

The manual process involves multiple steps to perform this migration. Here we will discuss three manual processes, but be careful as it can be lengthy and tricky to understand.

#Method 1: Importing MBOX to Outlook Using Thunderbird

Here, you need to follow three major steps. Do as directed further:

Step 1: Import MBOX Files to Thunderbird

The first step is to migrate MBOX files to an MBOX-supported email client. Therefore, we perform the process on Thunderbird:

1. Install the Thunderbird email program and open it.
2. Add a special tool called ImportExporttools NG.
3. Inside Thunderbird, right-click Local Folders.
4. Now, pick ImportExportTools NG > then Import the MBOX file.
5. Find and select the MBOX file you want to bring in.

And, you will see the added MBOX file in the Local Folders. Follow the next step to import MBOX to Outlook.

Step 2: Save MBOX Files to EML Format

To convert MBOX files to Outlook, you need to convert the imported MBOX files to EML:

1. Choose all the emails in the MBOX folder.
2. Right-click and pick the Save As option.
3. Then, decide folder where to keep these emails in EML format.

Hence, all your MBOX emails are now saved with the *.eml extension.

Step 3: Move EML Files to Outlook

The final step involves a drag-and-drop process to Convert EML to PST, Follow the steps:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
2. Make a new folder in Outlook for your MBOX emails.
3. Go to the folder where you saved the EML files.
4. Pick all the saved EML files, hold them, and drag them.
5. Finally, drop all the EML files in the new folder in Outlook.

That’s it! Your emails are now in Outlook. You have successfully migrated MBOX files to MS Outlook. Well, if you do not find the process as per your requirements, switch to the other process below.

#Method 2: Import MBOX to Outlook Using Multiple Platforms

Here’s how to bring your MBOX emails into Outlook, using four different email clients. However, you can skip the first process if you already have saved MBOX files on your system. Otherwise, if you’re an Apple Mail user willing to migrate Apple Mail emails to Outlook, follow each step as directed:

Step 1: Export from Apple Mail to MBOX

To migrate Apple Mail emails to Outlook, save emails in MBOX format:

1. Open Apple Mail and pick the mailbox you want to save.
2. Next, go to Mailbox > Select Export Mailbox.
3. Choose a location where to save the MBOX file and click Choose.

Step 2: Move MBOX to Eudora

Now, the process shifts to other email clients, Eudora:

1. First of all, change the file’s extension from.mbox to.mbx.
2. Put the file in Eudora’s folder:
   C:\Documents and Settings\Application Data\Qualcomm\Eudora.
3. Open Eudora and double-click the renamed file to open it. Then, close Eudora.

Step 3: Transfer from Eudora to Outlook Express

Further, in the next step, open Outlook Express to import MBOX to Outlook:

1. In the File menu, click on Import > and then Messages.
2. Choose Eudora from the list that appears and click Next.
3. Find the folder with the *.mbx extension and click OK.
4. After that, click on Next >, then Next >, and lastly Finish.

Step 4: Import from Outlook Express to Outlook

The final step to import the MBOX file to Outlook:

1. Open Outlook (Outlook 2010), under the File menu > Open > Import. For Outlook 2007, click on File > Import and Export.
2. The Import and Export Wizard opens.
3. Choose Import Internet Mail and Addresses > Next.
4. Now, select the Outlook Express.
5. Check the Import Mail option and click Next, then Finish.

Note: Install Eudora and Outlook Express on your system before proceeding to convert MBOX file with Outlook.

#Method 3: Import MBOX to Outlook Through Gmail

This process involves using Gmail and Thunderbird to convert MBOX files to Outlook. Follow the steps to perform migration.

Step 1: Configure Gmail in Thunderbird

1. Get an MBOX email program, Mozilla Thunderbird, and open it.
2. Open the menu, and go to Tools > Account Settings. (For the latest version, in the Menu > click on Account Settings.)
3. Now, open the Account Actions list and click on the Add Mail Account.
4. Here, type your full name, email address, and the password. Check to Remember Password and click Continue.
5. The program will try to find the settings automatically. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to type them in (you’ll need IMAP settings).

Once, the Gmail account has been successfully added to the Thunderbird, scroll down and click on Finish.

Step 2: Import MBOX File to Gmail Mailbox

1. Access your Gmail mailbox in Thunderbird.
2. Right-click on the Gmail mailbox and select New Folder.
3. Provide a name to the new folder and click on Create Folder.
4. Locate the Thunderbird folder and select the emails (use Ctrl+A to select all) you want to migrate.
5. Right-click on the selected emails and opt for the Copy to option.
6. Select the newly created folder in the Gmail mailbox as the destination.

All the emails will be copied into the new folder.

Step 3: Setup the Same Gmail Account in Outlook

Lastly, to import MBOX to Outlook, configure the same Gmail account to Outlook:

1. Open Outlook > File and click on +Add Account.
2. Log in to the same Gmail account and follow the prompted instructions.
3. Outlook will set it up using IMAP.

Once it’s set up, Outlook will start syncing emails from the server. Now, all those emails you imported from the MBOX file and synced to the server will be right there in Outlook for you to see. Easy!

Limitations of the Manual Process

Using any of the three manual processes, users can add MBOX to Outlook, however with certain restrictions. Such as:

• The process is too long to perform and might be hectic as well.
• If you have large MBOX files, it will consume plenty of time.
• You cannot filter emails before beginning migration.
• Need to Install email applications to perform the process.
• Involves technicalities, so difficult for a new user to carry out the process.

But, fret not! We have a more proficient and reliable solution for you to convert MBOX file with Outlook. Let us explore it in detail.

Best Method to Import MBOX to Outlook- Professional Tool

Get the premium DRS MBOX to PST Converter Tool to migrate MBOX files to Outlook in the minimum possible time. It is free from complicated procedures and efficiently migrates all emails from MBOX files. You can completely rely on the tool for MBOX migration. Moreover, it provides various features such as duplicate email removal, date selective migration, etc., for better migration results. Other than converting MBOX to PST, you can use the tool to Import MBOX File Into Gmail Account and other email clients directly. Here is a short manual to help you import MBOX files using the tool.

Stepwise Process to Add MBOX to Outlook

1. 1. First of all, download, install, and run the  MBOX File Converter on your screen. 
   2. Mark on Single File/Multiple Files or Select Folder and click Next. Now, click Select File to add the MBOX file.
   3. Choose the desired MBOX file and click on the Open button to browse it. After that, it will list all emails present in the selected file(s).
   4. Click on any email to preview its content in the preview panel.
   5. Select the desired output format PST  Click on the “Path to Save” button to choose a location to save the output format. 
   6. Additionally, you can pick options like splitting large files, saving attachments, and more.
   7. Lastly, click on the convert button to convert MBOX to PST.

Further, import the resultant PST file to your Outlook account. Hence, this was the complete solution for the migration of MBOX to Outlook.

Conclusion

So, which method suits your requirements to import MBOX to Outlook? Well, it can be quite difficult. Although all the options mentioned have positive results, manual methods may present some challenges. Therefore, it is advisable to seek guidance from professionals before proceeding. However, numerous IT experts suggest using a dedicated tool for MBOX migration to minimize the risk of data loss.

Also Read: Export Gmail Emails as MBOX Files

About The Author:

Pradeep Kumar

Pradeep is an expert with over 2 years of experience in email migration, email recovery, and file conversion. He has a passion for helping users by sharing easy-to-understand solutions for common technical challenges across different platforms. Known for breaking down complex tech topics into simple, enjoyable content, Pradeep's work has earned recognition in several well-known tech blogs. His straightforward approach and reliable guidance have made him a trusted source for both tech enthusiasts and beginners looking to resolve their technical issues.