How to Export Emails from Outlook to Thunderbird?

Are you want to know how to export emails from Outlook to Thunderbird? If yes, then wait is over because your search has now come to an end. In this post, we are going to explain to you how you can convert Outlook emails to Thunderbird MBOX format. By reading this post, you will be able to move your emails from Outlook PST to MBOX Thunderbird email client without losing your data.

Introduction: Microsoft Outlook & Mozilla Thunderbird

 Microsoft Outlook

One of the most popular and famous email client application. It’s designed MS Office suite. It is a Personal Information Manager. It works as a Personal Organizer and manages Contacts, calendars, tasks, journals, etc. Microsoft Outlook supports PST (Personal Storage Table) and OST (Offline Storage Table) file format to save emails in the local machine.

Mozilla Thunderbird

It is an open-source email application and can be worked on Mac, Windows, and etc. operating systems. It designed by Mozilla Foundation. It stores data items in MBOX file format. It is a local email client application and freeware.

Why Need to Switch Outlook Mailbox to Thunderbird?

Freeware Application – Mozilla Thunderbird does not charge its users because it’s an open-source email application. It is the first reason for a move emails from Outlook to Thunderbird. Those who want to save money can convert to Thunderbird and they can opt for a free application such as Mozilla Thunderbird over Outlook.

There are many situations in which a user uses different email applications for personal and professional work. That’s why users want to know how to export emails from Outlook to Thunderbird.

Techniques to Migrate Email from Outlook to Thunderbird

There are two methods available:

1. Manual Method
2. Alternative Method

Through the free manual method, one can perform the complete conversion for free. Moreover, the professional solution allows you to complete the data items export without any loss of data. 

Manual Steps to Import Outlook Emails to Thunderbird

There are two free manual ways are presented to export Outlook email to Thunderbird. All of them are explained here, simply follow the steps and execute the procedure of importing Outlook mail to Thunderbird.

Method 1. Move Email from Outlook to Thunderbird on Single Machine

Perform this method to migrate folders from Outlook to Thunderbird on a single machine. The process will not be workable if multiple machines will be involved in the move Outlook mails to Thunderbird process. Follow the steps explained here:

1. Go to the start option of your Windows computer machine >> Go to Default Programs >> Set Outlook your default program. Click on the Set option as the program as default.
2. Install Thunderbird and pick the “Tools” option and press the Import/Export menu.
3. Select the radio button that opens next to Mail then hit on the Next button. Choose Outlook from the given list and press the Next button.
4. A dialog box will display and tab to “Finish” to complete the import procedure.

Method 2. Export Outlook Mail to Thunderbird by Google Takeout

For this method, you have to configure your Gmail account into Outlook. Then follow the below-listed steps for exporting email from Outlook to Thunderbird.

1. Open Outlook account and tab “File” from the navigation panel.
2. Choose ‘Add account’ which will open a new screen.
3. Enter all the details like – Username, Email ID Password to provide the user login details.
4. After that, log in to your Gmail account and click on the ‘Settings’ option.
5. In these options, choose Forwarding and POP/IMAP and select Enable IMAP > Save the changes.
6. Now, again open MS Outlook and click on the File tab.
7. All your Gmail has been configured to Outlook. Now you can view all your Outlook emails to Gmail account.
8. Then, go the Google Takeout.
9. Choose the folders that you need to convert and such as Calendars, tasks, messages, etc.
10. After that, one will receive a copy of the emails on your Gmail account. Now, expose the zip folder that has been downloaded from the Gmail profile.

Limitation of the Free Manual Methods

Lengthy Procedure – It contains a lot of steps to move email from Outlook to Thunderbird. It can create a trouble for a user’s busy schedule.

Time-Consuming Process – In this manual process, we have to synchronize the data at least 2 times, so this methods is very time taking and complicated too.

Risk of data loss – It is a very difficult method. Sometimes, users can confused while performing the process. There are chances of data loss. Your one mistake can make you lose your data permanently.

Alternative Method – All-in-One CubexSoft Outlook Export Tool

To overcome the drawbacks of the manual method, users can choose an automated tool such as Outlook Converter software. This software is widely used for exporting emails from Outlook to Thunderbird. Perform the complete export process will consume very little time. It supports various file formats like PDF, MBOX, NSF, EML, Gmail, G Suite, Exchange Server, Office 365, and many more. It was workable on editions of MS Outlook and Windows OS including Windows 10. This software directly exports Outlook emails to Thunderbird email client without any problem. There is no need to install MS Outlook and Thunderbird email application for the conversion process.

The Final Words!

In the above discussion, we have explained various approaches for how to export emails from Outlook to Thunderbird. Users can choose from any of the solutions as per requirements. But it is highly recommended to use an alternative method. As it is more reliable to convert multiple Outlook emails to Thunderbird without any issues.