How to Import OLM to Hotmail Account in Simple Steps

Written By Edwin Stark
Updated on June 10th, 2025

Summary: Mac Outlook users find ot difficult to consolidate mailboxes and shift system environments to access files in Hotmail/Outlook.com account. It is due to file format issues that make things hard, but with a few workarounds, everything is possible. So, this blog post briefly describes the possible solutions to import OLM to Hotmail along with an OLM Converter.

Windows
Mac

Download Buy Now

Why Import OLM Emails to Hotmail is Unusual?

Many users don’t understand that OLM is just a Mac Outlook archive email file. It stores all the data, including contacts, calendars, etc., in a schema unsupported by Hotmail. It isn’t cross-platform, and this is why things are difficult.

Since Hotmail is a web service, now known as Outlook.com, and the Outlook for Mac file is desktop-based, no direct import exists. But it is essential because:

After the import, users can access data universally.
Email consolidation on a single email platform becomes easy.
Collaboration for projects and integration with other services became feasible.
Moreover, Outlook.com is more secure than Outlook for Mac because of regular updates and more.

So, what now? Is it actually possible to move OLM to Hotmail? Well, if you want the free manual solutions, then an indirect route via sync. Otherwise, a professional tool will help with the instant and straightforward import.

Method 1: Hands-On to Import OLM to Hotmail

As stated before, the sync process, i.e., here we use the IMAP configuration. Follow these steps:

Open Outlook for Mac and go to Outlook tab to open Preferences.
Next, from there, opt for Accounts and enter your Hotmail credentials.
Further, with the help of IMAP, configure Mac Outlook and Outlook.com accounts.
After that, move to the File tab and opt for Import from the options.
Pick option Outlook for Mac Archive (.olm) and select the files to upload.
Wait until all the OLM emails load into the Mac Outlook account.
Later, drag and drop the OLM to the Hotmail’s new or existing folder.
Wait until the sync completes. Finally, check through the Windows web to verify that the transfer OLM files to Outlook.com is complete.

Limitations:

You can only sync attachments of size upto 25 MB. If the size exceeds, sync fails.
Contacts and calendar data aren’t imported with it. They are to be moved separately.
Not ideal for bulk and quick import without much time consumption.

Method 2: Automated Process to Import OLM to Hotmail

If you want to skip the sync delays and perform a quick and complete conversion. Then, there is a trusted and verified solution, i.e., OLM Converter Tool, tailored for you. It offers immediate transfer of OLM emails as well as contacts, calendars, and data items into a Hotmail account. Additionally, the tool facilitates bulk import while preserving data integrity, folder hierarchy, metadata, etc. Moreover, no Mac Outlook installation is needed here, and it also has a free demo version to enhance user data import.

Working Guide to Open OLM Files in Hotmail

Launch the software and with Select File/Folder, add the OLM into it.
Then, when the files and folders are uploaded, press Next to preview.
Check, assess the folders, and also, select for data transfer. Hit on Next.
Further, pick Hotmail from the email clients list and log in to Outlook.com.
At last, choose filters provided and press on the Convert button.

Note: IMAP Sync and OLM File Converter both methods enable you to import OLM to Yahoo Mail. But the case is the same, the expert tool is a better option.

Test Case and Hidden Insights

Case: Azax had around 7.5 GB of OLM data to move from Mac Outlook 2019 to a Hotmail account. He configured the accounts via IMAP manually. However, the results for import OLM to Hotmail came out as:

The sync slowed down after 2 GB of OLM transfer.
Outlook often showed the Not Responding warnings.
Also, it took around 5 hours for the transfer.

Moreover, a common issue faced with this is that emails may not be displayed. It is because of:

Mismatched folder path because emails stored On My Computer in Mac Outlook need to be imported manually separately.
By default, the IMAP only import OLM emails to Hotmail for the last 12 months.
Time zone issues and incomplete downloads are other problems.

Thus, all of this states that using a professional tool is the ultimate choice for all kinds of users. It helps import data flexibly on both Mac and Windows OS.

Conclusion

Import OLM to Hotmail account is convenient if you know the how-to approaches. For users with slight technical knowledge and fewer files, IMAP sync is suitable. However, for those with bulk files, data security concerns, and complete and accurate conversion, use the professional tool. Whether you are simply switching platforms or need a single-click email access, the guide gives you quick and secure practical import solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to import OLM files to Hotmail easily?

Ans- Move OLM to Hotmail directly and easily with the OLM to Hotmail Exporter. The steps are:
1. First, upload OLMs into the software wizard after its download and installation.
2. Next, preview and opting the desired files to import, press Next.
3. Choose and log in to the Hotmail account from the list of clients.
4. Finally, use filters and tap the Convert to import data files.

Q. Which tool is best to transfer OLM files to Hotmail in bulk?

Ans- Professional tool, i.e., OLM Exporter, is best for all new and old users to open OLM files in Hotmail. It guarantees security, accuracy, and provides convenience.

About The Author:

Edwin Stark

Edwin Stark is a Technical Content Writer who specializes in writing about databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He loves researching and developing content that helps database administrators, organizations and novices to fix multiple problems.