Convert Outlook PST to EML Format: Verified Solutions
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Written By
Aaradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
January 17th, 2026 - Read Time
5 minutes
User Query: I have several Outlook PST files that contain important emails. I want to convert PST to EML format so I can open these emails in other email clients and keep a safe backup. What is the verified and secure way to convert Outlook PST to EML without losing data?
Summary: Microsoft Outlook stores emails in PST files, which work only with Outlook. This becomes a problem when users want to access emails in other email clients, share emails individually, or keep long-term backups. That’s where the EML format helps. EML is a widely supported email file format that works with many email programs like Thunderbird, Windows Mail, Apple Mail, and others. In this blog, we explain the manual method and a professional DRS PST File Converter for a quick and error-free solution.
What Is a PST File and EML Format?
- PST (Personal Storage Table): A PST file is used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox data locally on a computer.
- EML Format: EML is a standard email file format that stores a single email message with its headers, body, and attachments. Each email is saved as a separate file, making it easy to manage and share.
Instant Solution to Convert Outlook PST to EML
- Download and install the DRS PST Converter Tool.
- Choose “Select Files” or “Select Folder” to add your MBOX file.
- Preview and select the MBX emails to convert. Hit Next.
- Choose EML as the Saving format from the given list.
- Apply advanced features and filters. Press Convert.
Real-Life Scenario: Convert PST to EML
In March 2026, Daniel Brooks, a compliance officer at Harrison & Cole Legal Services (USA), needed to access old client emails stored in Outlook PST files. The firm was moving away from Outlook and required individual email files for legal records. Manual export was slow and caused missing attachments. Daniel used a DRS PST to EML conversion tool to convert all required emails at once. The tool preserved folders and attachments, allowing the team to open emails easily in other email clients.
Manual Method to Convert Outlook PST to EML [Free]
The manual method uses Outlook and drag-and-drop steps. It is suitable only for a small number of emails. Steps to follow:
- Firstly, open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
- Then, select the email(s) from the PST file.
- Now, drag and drop emails to a local folder.
- In the end, emails are saved as EML files.
Limitations: Manually Convert PST File to EML File
Although free, this method has many drawbacks:
- This method works only if Outlook is installed.
- There is no bulk conversion for large PST files.
- Risk of missing emails or attachments.
- The folder hierarchy is not preserved.
- Additionally, not practical for business users.
Professional Tool to Convert Outlook PST to EML
To avoid manual risks, a professional DRS PST to EML Converter Tool provides a reliable solution. A trusted tool allows users to convert single or multiple PST files into EML format while keeping email properties intact. Offer several advanced features, such as Preview, Remove Duplicates, Date Filter, and more. This tool is highly compatible with all Windows versions, including Windows 11 and more. You can convert PST File to PDF with attachments and other formats.
One-Time PST to EML Conversion ServiceIf you don’t want to convert Outlook PST files on your own, a one-time PST to EML conversion service is a simple and safe option. You just share your PST file securely with the service team, and they handle the complete conversion for you. All emails are converted into EML format with folders, attachments, and original details kept intact. |
Simple Steps to Change Outlook data files (.pst) into individual email files (.eml):
- Primarily, launch the DRS Outlook PST Converter Tool.
- Choose “Select Files” or “Select Folder” to load your PST file.
- Then, preview and select the PST emails to convert. Hit Next.
- Pick the EML as the Saving Format from the given list. Press Next.
- Use advanced features and filters as per your needs.
- Lastly, click Convert to start the conversion process.
Is It Safe to Change PST to EML?
Yes. A professional DRS tool works in read-only mode, meaning it does not modify or delete the original PST file. All data remains private and stored locally on your system.
Conclusion
In this technical blog, we explored several methods to convert Outlook PST to EML. The manual method is freely available and is only used to import a small number of PST emails. Besides that, a professional tool is highly recommended by many experts. It supports bulk conversion with several advanced features. A free version of this software is available to evaluate its features and performance. If you have any queries related to this process or tool, feel free to ask our technical support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: The safest way is to use a reliable DRS PST to EML converter tool. It converts emails in bulk, keeps folders intact, and preserves attachments and email details.
Ans: The manual drag-and-drop method depends on Outlook and system performance. Large PST files often cause Outlook to slow down, freeze, or skip emails and attachments, making the process unreliable for big mailboxes.
Ans: A trusted professional PST to EML converter, such as the DRS PST Converter Tool, is considered safe. It works in read-only mode, supports large PST files, and ensures complete data integrity during conversion.
Ans: Yes. When you use a professional conversion tool, all email attachments are saved along with their respective emails in EML format. The original structure and metadata remain unchanged.
About The Author:
I, Aaradhya Jain, a technical content writer at DRS Solutions, specializes in delivering clear, practical guides on data management, migration, and recovery tools. With a detail-oriented and user-first approach mindset, I transform complex processes into actionable insights for IT professionals and decision-makers.
