Summary: In this blog, we describe different techniques to export Thunderbird to Outlook PST files. You can perform the manual procedure to migrate your data. It is an effective option; however, many users find it complicated. Therefore, the advanced DRS Thunderbird backup tool is the most recommended software to migrate your emails.
Introduction
Mozilla Thunderbird is an email client that facilitates managing multiple email accounts on a single platform. You can configure any IMAP or POP3 account and access your complete mailbox. Despite this, many users prefer MS Outlook over Thunderbird desktop applications.
If you use the Thunderbird application and want to export emails from Thunderbird to Outlook 2016 or any other version, there are multiple ways to serve the purpose. You can opt for any suitable technique to migrate your mailbox data.
Before initiating the migration, you need to understand the main reasons for the export.
Reasons to Export Thunderbird to Outlook PST File
Every user may have different reasons for migrating emails from Thunderbird to MS Outlook. However, some general causes lead to changing the email provider. We are discussing those common reasons.
- Many users find the interface of the Thunderbird application quite outdated. They are unable to locate most features. On the other hand, Outlook provides a simple and interactive user interface.
- Mozilla does not release frequent updates of Thunderbird email clients. So, it is unable to fulfill the requirements of modern users.
- As an outcome of not releasing an update, the bugs and errors in the application are not fixed. It causes trouble for the users. Therefore, shifting to MS Outlook seems a suitable solution.
Now, you have learned the main reasons for migration. It is time to learn how to export Thunderbird to Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and below versions.
How to Transfer Mail from Thunderbird to Outlook?
You can transfer mail from Thunderbird to Outlook by performing some simple steps. These techniques do not require any third-party application. However, you must have basic knowledge of the related tools to migrate your data. The two main manual methods to the export folder from Thunderbird are listed below.
- Export Thunderbird into Outlook using Gmail IMAP
- Use the Drag and Drop Technique
#1. Export Thunderbird into Outlook using Gmail IMAP
Using a Gmail account is the first DIY technique to export emails from Thunderbird to Outlook 2010 and other versions. This technique itself contains several steps. Therefore, it requires time, effort, and technical knowledge. Below is the complete procedure to migrate Thunderbird to PST.
Step 1: Configure Your Gmail account in Thunderbird Email Client
The first thing to migrate and backup Thunderbird mail to Outlook application is to add your Gmail email account in the Thunderbird application. Follow the steps below to configure your Gmail in Thunderbird.
- First, log in to your Gmail account and click on the Gear icon.
- Now, select the See all Settings and choose the Forwarding and POP/IMAP
- Tick the Enable IMAP option and press the Save Changes button.
- After that, open the Thunderbird application in your system.
- Click on File>>New>>Existing Email Account option.
- Enter your Name, Email Address, and Password. Press Continue.
- Choose IMAP Configuration and click on the Done button.
- Now, you need to log in to your Gmail account for verification. Give permissions to the Thunderbird application.
- After successful validation, click on the Finish button to complete the setup.
Step 2: Copy your Thunderbird Email to Gmail subfolder
After adding your Gmail account to the Thunderbird application, the next step is to migrate your Thunderbird emails to the Gmail subfolder.
- Open any Gmail folder, right-click on it and choose the New Subfolder option.
- Give any custom name and press the Create folder button.
- After that, copy all your Thunderbird emails to this new folder.
Step 3: Add the same Gmail account to Outlook
You need to configure the same Gmail account in the Outlook application to export Thunderbird to Outlook successfully.
- Open Outlook application. Choose File>>Info>>Add Account option.
- After that, choose the manual setup option and then the POP and IMAP accounts option.
- Fill in the user information, server information, and login information.
- Next, click on the More Settings option and choose the Advanced tab.
- Here, fill in the incoming and outgoing server related information.
- Click the OK button and then press the Next button to continue the process.
- After that, the application verifies the details and adds the desired Gmail account to Outlook.
Step 4: Backup Outlook Emails to PST File Formats (Optional)
After adding your Gmail account to Outlook, you have successfully migrated your Thunderbird emails to Outlook. Now, if required, you can also backup Outlook emails in PST file format. It helps you to save all the emails in the local drive.
#2. Use the Drag and Drop Technique
If you are unable to perform the above technique to migrate from Thunderbird to Outlook application, use the drag and drop technique for the same. This approach is relatively easy and effective. Follow the below steps to export Thunderbird file to Outlook PST format.
- Open Thunderbird application and MS Outlook
- Select the email that you want to export. Press and hold that email.
- Now move the cursor to any required folder of Outlook.
- Release the hold and drop the email to a particular folder of Outlook.
- It will migrate your email from Thunderbird to Outlook.
Both the above methods are effective in exporting your emails. However, these techniques are complicated and not suitable for novice users. Also, there are various limitations of the manual approach.
Limitation of Manual Techniques
The standard methods are complicated to perform for novice users. Along with that, these methods have various drawbacks that make them unsuitable for most users. Let us see the main limitations of manual techniques.
- The DIY manual methods do not have fixed steps. It means the procedure changes with an update in the related software.
- These steps of any manual technique are complex. Sometimes, even technical users may fail to execute the procedure correctly.
- Consuming too much time is another significant vulnerability of these standard methods. It may consume hours or sometimes a day or two.
- Chances of file corruption are high. A single mistake may lead to complete data loss. Therefore, additional care is mandatory in these steps.
Considering all the above reasons, it is concluded that manual techniques are effective. However, the drawbacks are more significant than the results. So, choose an advanced solution to export Thunderbird to Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, and other versions.
A Comprehensive Solution for Thunderbird to Outlook Migration
The most effective solution to export Thunderbird to Outlook is the comprehensive DRS MBOX to PST Converter Software. You can migrate your Thunderbird MBOX files to Outlook PST file format in no time. Unlike manual techniques, this third-party application is secure and reliable. Also, the steps for migration are easy to perform. You require no additional assistance.
Conclusion
Now, you have learned different techniques to perform the migration of Thunderbird to Outlook PST applications, and you can choose the most appropriate one from them. We recommend you opt for an automated solution for fast and effective migration. DRS MBOX to PST Converter Tool is the best solution to serve the purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I export Thunderbird local folders to Outlook?
You can convert your Thunderbird MBOX files to Outlook PST file format.
- Download and install DRS MBOX to PST Converter. Run it as administrator.
- Now, select the desired MBOX file and press Next.
- After that, choose the mailbox item from the file preview and click Next.
- Select PST as the resultant file format and choose additional file properties.
- Assign a destination location and click on the Convert
How do I import Thunderbird contacts into Outlook 2016?
You can export Thunderbird contacts to Outlook by performing some simple manual steps. First, you need to migrate your Thunderbird contacts into the local drive as a CSV file. After that, import that CSV file to your Outlook profile to complete the migration.
Can I convert my Thunderbird emails to MSG or any other file format?
Yes, the DRS MBOX to PST Converter Tool allows you to convert your Thunderbird emails to MSG and multiple other file formats. Also, you can migrate your MBOX files to Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and other email clients.
