How to Convert MBOX File to PST Format – Best Solution
Summary: MBOX and PST are two widely used email file formats. MBOX is primarily associated with email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Eudora, while PST is used by Microsoft Outlook. If you are switching from an MBOX-based email client to Outlook, you need to convert MBOX files to PST format. In this blog, we will discuss the best solutions including DRS Softech MBOX to PST Converter to perform MBOX to PST conversion effectively.
Why Convert MBOX File to PST
There are several reasons why users need to convert MBOX to PST. Here are some of the main reasons:
- Users shifting to Microsoft Outlook from MBOX-supported clients need PST format.
- Moreover, PST files offer better email organization and management features.
- Many businesses prefer Microsoft Outlook for professional communication.
- Along with that, the PST format is widely used for secure email backup and storage.
- Outlook provides better encryption and security features compared to MBOX-based clients.
Easy Steps to Convert MBOX to PST for Outlook
- Install the DRS Softech MBOX to PST Converter Tool on your system.
- Open the software and click on the “Select File” option.
- Browse and select the MBOX files or folders for conversion.
- View email content, attachments, and metadata before conversion.
- In the next step, choose PST as the desired output format.
- Use date range or other filters to refine email selection.
- After that, choose a location to save the converted PST file.
- Click “Convert” to begin the MBOX to PST conversion process.
Once completed, import the PST file in Microsoft Outlook.
How to Convert MBOX to PST File Manually
You can manually convert an MBOX file to PST using Thunderbird and Outlook. To perform the manual conversion of MBOX file into PST format you have to go through the different stages.
- Convert MBOX Emails to EML Format
- Import EML Files into Outlook
- Save Emails as a PST File
Step 01: Convert MBOX Emails to EML Format
- Open your MBOX email client (e.g., Thunderbird).
- Right-click on a folder and choose “New Folder.”
- Name the folder and click “Create Folder.”
- Select the emails you want to migrate and move them to this new folder.
- Once all emails are in the folder, select them, right-click, and choose “Save As.”
- Choose a location on your computer to store the emails in EML format.
Alternative Method: Export Emails Using an Add-on
If you need to export multiple emails from different folders, an add-on can help:
- Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on from Thunderbird.
- After that, Restart Thunderbird after installation.
- Open Thunderbird, and right-click on the folder you want to export.
- Navigate to ImportExportTools NG → Export all messages in the folder → EML format.
- Select the destination folder and save your emails as EML files.
Step 02: Import EML Files into Outlook
Simply drag and drop the EML files into any folder in Microsoft Outlook. To access your saved EML emails in Microsoft Outlook, follow these steps:
- Open the folder where your EML files are saved.
- After that, select all the EML emails.
- Drag and drop them into any desired folder inside Outlook.
Step 03: Export Emails to a PST File
Now that your emails are in Outlook, you can convert them into a PST file. Use the Export option in Outlook to store your emails in a PST file for backup or migration:
- Open Outlook and go to File → Open & Export → Import/Export.
- In the Import/Export wizard, select “Export to a file” and click Next.
- Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
- Select the Outlook folder where the EML emails were imported and click Next.
- Choose a destination location to save the new PST file.
- In the last step, click Finish to complete the process.
Limitations Associated With Manual MBOX to PST Conversion
- Time-consuming: Requires manual effort, especially for large email archives.
- Risk of Data Loss: Some email metadata and formatting may be lost.
- No Bulk Conversion: Emails must be transferred individually or in small batches.
- IMAP Dependency: Some methods require an IMAP-enabled email account.
- No Direct MBOX to PST Export: Requires multiple steps and intermediate formats.
- Attachments Handling Issues: May not properly retain all attachments.
- Technical Complexity: Not beginner-friendly; requires familiarity with email clients.
Alternative Solution to Convert MBOX File to PST Easily
Many users struggle with manual MBOX to PST conversion due to its complexity, risk of data loss, and time-consuming nature. The DRS MBOX File Converter Tool is an advanced and user-friendly solution designed to convert MBOX files to PST format with ease. This tool efficiently overcomes these limitations by providing a quick, secure, and automated way to transfer MBOX emails to Outlook.
Detailed Steps to Convert MBOX File to PST within a Few Clicks
Follow the step-by-step guide below to complete the conversion process in just a few clicks.
- First of all, download, install, and run the DRS MBOX File Converter on your screen.

- After following the on-screen instructions. Mark on Single File/Multiple Files or Select Folder and click Next.

- Now, click Select File or Select Folder to add the Single or Multiple MBOX file as needed.

- 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).

- Click on any email to preview its content in the preview panel, including email body, attachments, subject, sender, date, etc.

- In the “File Format” section, choose PST as the desired output format.

- Apply Advanced Filters (Optional)
- Use the Date Filter to convert emails from a specific time range.
- Select Remove Duplicates to eliminate duplicate emails from the conversion.
- Choose the Split PST option to break large PST files into smaller ones for better manageability.
- Use Custom Folder Name to define specific names for the output folders.
- Users have the option to transfer emails along with their attachments or exclude attachments during the migration process.

- Click on the “Path to Save” button to choose a location to save the PST file. After configuring all settings, click on the “Convert” button to convert MBOX File to PST.

Once the process is complete, navigate to the output folder where the PST file is saved.
Why Choose DRS Softech MBOX File Converter Tool?
- Quick and Secure Conversion: Convert MBOX to PST effortlessly while preserving data integrity.
- Batch Conversion: Convert multiple MBOX files into PST format simultaneously.
- Maintains Folder Hierarchy: Keeps emails, attachments, metadata, and structure intact.
- Preview Before Conversion: Allows users to check emails and attachments before final conversion.
- Advanced Filters: Select specific emails for conversion using the date range and other criteria.
- Split PST Option: Manage large PST files by breaking them into smaller sizes.
- Supports All Outlook Versions: Compatible with Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and earlier versions.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for both technical and non-technical users.
Also Read: Best MBOX to PST Converter.
Final Words
Converting MBOX files to PST format is important for people moving from MBOX-based email apps to Microsoft Outlook. The manual process can be difficult, take a lot of time, and may cause data loss. However, the DRS Softech MBOX File Converter makes it easy and safe to convert MBOX to PST. With features like batch conversion, email preview, and advanced filters, users can customize the process to meet their needs. Whether for personal or business use, this tool offers a simple and effective way to convert MBOX to PST. Try the DRS Softech MBOX File Converter Tool today for a smooth and hassle-free switch to Outlook!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Microsoft Outlook does not support MBOX files. Outlook uses the PST (Personal Storage Table) format for storing emails, contacts, and calendar data. To access MBOX emails in Outlook, you must first convert the MBOX file to PST format.
Here are the simple steps to convert your MBOX file to an Outlook data file with ease.
Download and install the DRS Softech MBOX to PST Converter Tool.
Launch the software and click on the “Select File” button.
Locate and add the MBOX files or folders you want to convert.
Preview the email content, attachments, and metadata before proceeding.
Select PST as the output format and save the converted PST file.
Apply filters such as date range to refine the email selection if needed.
Click on “Convert” to start the MBOX to PST conversion process.
Yes, converted PST files are supported in all modern versions of Outlook, including Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and Office 365.
About The Author:
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.