How to Import OLM File to MS Outlook? – Both Mac and Windows

What Is an OLM File?

Before we move into the import process, it’s important to understand what OLM files are. An OLM file is a data file created by Microsoft Outlook for Mac. It is similar to PST files, which Outlook uses for Windows. OLM files can contain Emails, Calendar events, Tasks, Notes, etc. 

Why Migrate OLM to MS Outlook?

For several reasons, someone might want to import an OLM file into Outlook for Windows or another version of Outlook. Here, we mention the  most common reasons behind the import process:

1. Easier Access: This process makes it simpler to access emails and other data.
2. Data Transfer: Importing OLM to Outlook helps move data from one program to another.
3. Compatibility: It ensures that the data works on different computers and systems.
4. Backup Restoration: Also, you can recover emails and data from a backup OLM file.
5. Access to Features: Utilize Outlook’s advanced features unavailable in OLM.
6. Unified Email Management: Consolidate emails in a single application.
7. Preservation of Data Integrity: Maintain email formatting and attachments.

These are the basic reasons to import an OLM file into Outlook. It simplifies accessibility, helps in data migration, and is compatible across different systems and platforms.

Methods to Import OLM Files to MS Outlook

As there is no direct way to import OLM files to Windows or Mac Outlook. Hence, we will suggest two appropriate solutions to accomplish the task. Either you can perform the import process manually or you can do it with the all-in solution for Win & Mac in a hassle-free manner.

#Method 01: Manual Solution to Import OLM File to Windows Outlook

Importing OLM files into Windows Outlook requires some additional steps since OLM files are not directly compatible with Windows versions of Outlook. Here’s a manual solution to convert and import OLM files into Windows Outlook:

#Step 01: Create Gmail IMAP in Your Email Client

Note: You can use any old Gmail and make sure that the IMAP is enabled for this Gmail account. If not, just proceed with the given steps to create an IMAP server in your existing Gmail Account: 

• Open your Gmail account in a web browser.
• Click the gear icon in the top-right corner and select See all settings.
• Go to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
• Under the IMAP Access section, select Enable IMAP.
• Lastly, click Save Changes.

#Step 02: Set Up the Gmail Account in Outlook for Mac

• Open Outlook on your Mac.
• Go to Tools in the menu bar and select Accounts.
• In the Accounts window, click the + (Add Account) button and choose New Account.
• Enter your Gmail address and click Continue.
• Enter your Gmail password and click Sign In.

Also, confirm the following details:

• Incoming Mail Server (IMAP): imap.gmail.com
• Port: 993
• Use SSL to connect (recommended): Yes
• Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP): smtp.gmail.com
• Port: 465 or 587
• Use SSL to connect: Yes

Outlook will automatically detect your Gmail settings, and it configures the account as an IMAP account by default. Once verified, click Done.

#Step 03: Upload data from Mac Outlook OLM to an Email Account

• Primarily, right-click on the desired mail to import from the OLM file into Windows Outlook.
• After that, click on the Copy Option from the given drop-down list.
• Next, select the folder in Gmail where you want to transfer the data.
• When you upload the data refresh your Gmail account. 

#Step 04: Setup the Gmail Account In Outlook

• Now, Open Microsoft Outlook on your Windows computer.
• Click on File in the upper left corner.
• Select Account Settings, then choose Account Settings again from the dropdown.
• In the Account Settings window, click on the New button.
• Choose Email Account and click Next.

Fill in your account details:

• Your Name: Enter your name as you want it to appear in emails.
• Email Address: Enter your full email address.
• Account Type: Select IMAP 
• Incoming Mail Server: Enter the server address provided by your email provider.
• Outgoing Mail Server (SMTP): Enter the server address for outgoing mail
• Pick the SSL for the encryption type
• Click on OK to close the More Settings window.
• Click Finish to complete the account setup.
• You should now see your email account listed in the Account Settings window.

#Step 05: Move OLM Data from Email Account to Windows Outlook 

When you set up your Gmail account in Windows Outlook, You can conveniently import the OLM data into the Outlook for Windows application.

#Method 02: Native Solution to import OLM File to Outlook for Mac

• Launch the Outlook application on your Mac.
• In Mac Outlook, go to the Tools menu and pick the Export option.
• Ensure you know the location of the OLM file you want to import. 
• After that, choose the OLM data that you want to import >> Continue.
• Click Browse to locate the OLM file you wish to import. 
• After that, select the file and click on the Save Button. 

Once the import process is complete, check your Outlook for Mac to ensure that all selected items have been imported. You can find your imported emails, contacts, and calendar events in their respective folders.

Note: You have to use different methods to accomplish the task on Windows and Mac systems. Also, these manual methods are time-consuming and require technical expertise. Along with that, it does not come with the accuracy. Hence, we further described the best solution to import OLM files on Outlook for both Mac and Windows OS. 

#Method 03: All-in-One Solution to import OLM File to Outlook on Win & Mac

To skip the complexity of the manual method, experts recommend the DRS OLM Converter to import OLM to Outlook data files in just a few clicks. This software allows multiple OLM files to be converted at once. Users can preview the contents of OLM files before the import process. It helps you to choose specific items or folders to convert rather than converting the entire file.  Also, it maintains data integrity during the conversion process and makes sure that emails, attachments, and other data are preserved. Additionally, it is compatible with various versions of Outlook for Mac and Windows. Also, you can convert OLM files into multiple formats, including PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, and more.

Simple Steps to Import OLM File to Outlook Data File

• Firstly, download and run the DRS OLM Converter on your system.
• Hit the Select File(s)/Select Folder to add the OLM file you want to convert.
• Next, it will display a preview of the email items and other data.
• Select the desired output format as PST and input the path to save it.
• Also, specify any additional options related to the selected format.
• Lastly, click the “Convert” button to start the OLM file conversion. 

Note: Once the conversion is complete, navigate to the specified output folder to find your converted files. When you get the converted OLM file to PST, then you can easily import the PST file into your Outlook application. 

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the different solutions to import olm to Outlook. However, we have seen the manual method for Windows and Mac is very lengthy. Thus, we recommend the top-notch software to import your OLM into Outlook data file in just a few clicks. Hence, the user generally prefers the automation solution and preserves the original structure of their data. In case, you get any issues while using the software, you can frequently connect to our tech support team. They will assist you with further assistance.

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.