Top 5 Methods to Import PST to Thunderbird on Mac & Windows

Why Do We Need to Convert Outlook PST to Thunderbird?

PST files are personal storage table files that may need to be imported into Thunderbird for multiple reasons. Here’s an explanation for this conversion:

1. Thunderbird is a free, open-source email client, which makes it cheaper than Outlook.
2. Users can access Thunderbird from a variety of platforms since it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
3. Users prefer Thunderbird for its easy interface and feature customization.
4. Thunderbird has community-driven plugins and tools that make the functionality even more enhanced.

How to Import Outlook Data File to Thunderbird?

Opening PST files in Thunderbird is not that easy. It does not come with an option to import PST files to the Thunderbird mail client directly. Below are some manual and automated steps to export emails from Outlook to Thunderbird.

Method 01: Open the PST File in Thunderbird

This approach is very handy when you have both Outlook and Thunderbird installed under the same system. In other words, you are setting Outlook as the default for mail and granting permission to Thunderbird to access them.

Steps to Follow:

1. First, click Window+R to open the control panel on your default system.
2. Then, under the control panel, go to the program tab.
3. Now, in the programs tab, click on Default Programs.
4. Here, select Microsoft Outlook as a default application.
5. After that, install and launch the Thunderbird application on your system.
6. After launching the Thunderbird, go to the display menu.
7. Now, select the tool option in the menu bar and select the import option.
8. Here, select the mail option and click the next button.
9. After following the instructions, click on the finish option/button to save the changes.
10. In the end, verify the data to reduce the chance of error.

This method lets you access the emails of your Outlook right in Thunderbird and you will not need to convert files.

Method 02: Import PST to Thunderbird Using Google Takeout

This method indirectly migrates Outlook emails into Thunderbird. First, we export PST data into Google Takeout. Now, open the takeout data which is MBOX, in Thunderbird.

Steps to Export PST to MBOX:

1. Open the default browser and open the Gmail account; verify it using valid credentials.
2. After that, go to the settings and select the forward and POP/IMAP options.
3. Under this option, select the IMAP access and save it.
4. Now, open Microsoft Outlook and configure the Gmail account in it.
5. Now, open Google Takeout and select the Mail option.
6. Here, choose the mail that you want to convert.
7. Now, change the format and select the MBOX as an option.
8. Now, Google will notify the link, which contains the email in a zip file.
9. Then, extract the zip file and download it to open it in Thunderbird.

This method requires Google Takeout to be set up in Outlook to export the data and then import it into Thunderbird. But it is a sure way to make migration without losing data.

Method 03: Import PST to Thunderbird Using the Thunderbird Application

To import PST files into Thunderbird, you can manually configure Thunderbird to access the data directly. Here’s how to use Thunderbird directly to import Outlook files.

Steps to Follow:

1. First, download and install the Mozilla Thunderbird application on your system.
2. After that, set up a new mail account in the Thunderbird application.
3. Now, go to the menu option and choose Tools > Import.
4. After that, select the Import Address Books or Import Mail option based on what you want to transfer.
5. Here, choose Outlook as the source or default program.
6. Now, follow the screen instructions.
7. In the end, click on the Finish button and verify the data.

Thunderbird will import emails directly from Outlook. However, your PST file should be accessible and undamaged.

Method 04: Configuration Gmail in Outlook & Thunderbird

This method will allow you to let IMAP synchronize Outlook with Gmail and move the emails to Thunderbird while linking Gmail to Thunderbird.

Steps to Follow:

1. Install and open the Microsoft Outlook application on your system.
2. After that, go to the file section to choose Account Settings.
3. In the account section, choose the Gmail account using valid credentials.
4. Now, sync the Gmail account into Outlook.
5. Now, drag and drop the specific email into the Gmail folder.
6. Open the Mozilla Thunderbird application on your system.
7. Here, go to Settings > Account Action > Add Mail Account > Enter Details to sync the Gmail account into your Thunderbird application.
8. Wait for time to let the Gmail account sync.
9. In the end, verify all the emails to avoid any chance of error.

This method utilizes IMAP and cloud storage via Gmail to transfer emails from Outlook to Thunderbird, making the process efficient and manageable.

Limitations of the Manual Method

While the procedure is very good for small migrations, it has some serious drawbacks:

1. It is quite time-consuming to manually export and import emails, especially for large mailboxes
2. The attachments might get lost in the transfer process, or even the formatting could get disrupted.
3. Only support emails and exclude calendars, contacts, and other mailbox items.
4. This may be quite hard for non-technical users as it requires many steps and tools.
5. Improper handling during export or import can lead to incomplete data migration.

Method 5: Professionally Import PST File to Thunderbird on Mac & Windows

There is also an alternate resolution, i.e., Aryson PST Converter to import PST into Thunderbird. The tool comes with numerous advanced characteristics that make it more powerful and usable for all technical and non-technical users. In addition, it keeps the originality of the data after the transformation process. Its demo version is free to use; you can effortlessly download it. Well, this process is most liked by users as it is easy to perform. Moreover, the tool also facilitates users to convert PST to MSG, PDF, and other compatible formats effortlessly.

Simple Steps to Import PST to Thunderbird

1. First of all, install and run the PST Converter software on your default system.
2. After that, choose the single or multiple PST files according to your needs.
3. Now, you can preview and select the email folder that you want to import.
4. In the next window, select Thunderbird from the given file format drop-down list.
5. Also, you can apply the built–in features of the software for better outcomes and needs.
6. Finally, click the Convert button.

Conclusion

After reading the entire blog post, you can get an idea of how to import PST to Thunderbird. We have presented a unique solution to get the job done. However, the manual method takes a lot of time and seems too tough for new users. Hence, it is advised to continue with the professional application provided to import. Additionally, you will also be provided with the free demo version of the application to learn and do it correctly.

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