Import PST file to Mozilla Thunderbird: Step-by-Step Guide

Main Factors to Convert Outlook PST to Thunderbird

Sometimes a user is motivated to open PST file in Thunderbird, and there can be various reasons for it, like:

• Thunderbird by Mozilla is easily deployed on several platforms, making it a reliable option.
• Flexible to adapt to any of the operating system environments (Windows, Mac, Linux, or Ubuntu).
• Thunderbird identifies and filters spam emails, ensuring data authenticity and protection.
• Mozilla Thunderbird offers strong security solutions to prevent phishing and encrypt received files.
• Streamlines the process of not just decluttering the mailbox but maintaining an organized archive.
• Access to several fresh and advanced features and extensions with a large storage space by pCloud integration.

These are some of the probable advantages that users achieve when they import PST file to Mozilla Thunderbird. However, there is a challenge, i.e., the difference in formats. It is because Thunderbird’s native format is not Outlook PST, but MBOX. Let’s find out how you can perform the import with PST to MBOX conversion. 

Ideal Strategies to Import Outlook PST file to Thunderbird

As stated above, the file format difference is a roadblock to the smooth import of PST files. Yet, there’s no need to worry, as we have two ways through which you can import PST in Thunderbird without Outlook or with it. The process will depend upon your needs; learn the detailed steps for both solutions below. Also, since the manual method comes cost-free, it has some limitations, discussed in this section too. 

Manually Import PST File to Mozilla Thunderbird 

Understand that to execute this process, you must run Mozilla Thunderbird and MS Outlook on the same machine. Follow these steps:

1. Open Control Panel and move to the Default Programs window.
2. There, click on Set your Default Programs and choose Outlook.
3. Then, click Set this Program as Default and hit OK to complete the setup.
4. Further, start the Mozilla application and click the More(three lines) menu.
5. Next, choose Tools and opt for the option Import to open the new window.
6. In it, the first step is to choose Import from Outlook for transfer. Click Next.
7. After that, choose the items from the PST mailbox you want to import. 
8. Finally, press Continue, review, and Start Import to import PST to Thunderbird.

By the steps above, you can complete the import easily, and there is not much hassle as well. Additionally, there is another alternate way to import PST file to Mozilla Thunderbird for free. Do you want to know about it? Then, go through it below.

DIY to Convert Outlook PST to Thunderbird

In this, the process gets a little indirect as there are multiple applications involved. The steps are given here:

1. First, you need to enable IMAP in the Google Gmail email account.
2. Then, using the IMAP configuration, connect the Gmail and MS Outlook emails.
3. Once the sync completes and you find Gmail within MS Outlook, drag and drop PST emails.
4. Afterward, use the Google Takeout service to extract the PST data imported into the local system.
5. The emails are downloaded in a ZIP, which on extraction gives files in MBOX format.
6. Finally, you can upload MBOX to Thunderbird by ImportExportTools NG extension.

Through these processes, you can completely import PST to Thunderbird. But, they are time-consuming and only suitable if you have a few files to export. Also, technical skills are very essential to avoid any kind of losses during the transfer. Moreover, through this process, you cannot import calendars or other items. Thus, it is better to find a more natural solution to it.

Professional Tool to Import PST File to Mozilla Thunderbird

If you want a direct solution that you can trust with your bulk volume of PST files. Then, use the PST Migration Tool for efficiently importing Outlook PST files of any version into the Thunderbird account with ease. It allows you to move emails, contacts, calendars, notes, and more of any size at once in a single click. Additionally, the comprehensive utility ensures a secure transfer without compromising data on any Windows or Mac OS. Moreover, there are various other unique features to open PST files in Thunderbird with complete accuracy. Besides that, you can even import PST file to Hotmail and more.

Procedure to Import Outlook PST File to Thunderbird

1. Download the setup PST Outlook Migration Tool and run it as an administrator.
2. Then, with the Next button, proceed to choose the data that you have to move to another client.
3. Browse the PC and select your PST folders to upload and press Open. Click Next.
4. Further, preview the data from the next window that opens. You can also choose specific folders from the given tree.
5. Afterward, click Next and choose your output type as MBOX from the specific list.
6. At last, set the folder Path to Save with the given button and press Convert.

Conclusion

Import PST file to Mozilla Thunderbird is a decision users take when they want to save costs or switch to a more friendly application. Above here, we learned all the reasons to make the move and also the solutions available for successful outcomes. Native users can go with the manual approach, but cannot get free of the shortfalls it contains. Alternatively, it is best to get a professional tool for fast import with no loss and trouble.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Shivam Rathore

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