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How Do I Convert Outlook Emails from PST to MBOX? – Top Solution!

Ritu Roy | email conversion file conversion how to outlook software technology | 5 minutes read | Modified on: 04-12-2024
How do I convert Outlook emails to MBOX

Summary: If you want to convert Outlook emails from PST to MBOX on Mac & Windows platform then this article is right for you. We have mentioned the best methods to convert PST to MBOX format without Outlook in easy steps. Find the most effective way to export Outlook emails to MBOX format.

What is a MBOX?

The MBOX file type is used to store emails. To store several emails in a single file, email programs like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and others frequently use it. An MBOX file contains a unique delimiter between each email message, which is saved consecutively, one after the other.

Reasons to Import Outlook Mailbox to MBOX Format

There are several reasons why someone might choose to import an Outlook mailbox into the MBOX format. Here are the main reasons:

  • MBOX files are easy to share and transfer. Since MBOX is a single file format, it’s simpler to back up or send via email, which makes it more portable than Outlook’s PST format.
  • It’s useful for archiving or transferring email data between systems and devices that don’t support PST/OST.
  • MBOX is an open standard, meaning that it is not tied to any specific email client or software. This makes it future-proof compared to Outlook’s proprietary formats.
  • MBOX is commonly used for archiving emails due to its compact nature. If you want to store a large number of old emails, MBOX files are a good solution.
  • Some email clients that support MBOX, like Thunderbird, offer better email management features than Outlook, especially when it comes to customization, add-ons, and search functionalities.
  • While Outlook is often bundled with Microsoft Office, some users might want to switch to free alternatives like Thunderbird or Apple Mail. These email clients use MBOX and can save money by avoiding Microsoft Office subscriptions or licenses.

Read More – Import PST File to Thunderbird

Techniques to Convert PST to MBOX without Outlook

There are multiple solutions and software available online that support converting PST to MBOX files format but most of the solutions are difficult and complicated and also software is very expensive. But in this blog, we have told you some selected methods and software with the help of which you can easily convert Outlook emails to MBOX. These are a few of the widely utilized techniques:

  1. Using Microsoft Outlook
  2. With Google Takeout
  3. Automated Tool – BitData Migration PST to MBOX Converter

Method 1. Export PST to MBOX Using Outlook

Follow these steps:

For Windows

  1. Install Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer. Choose your mailbox and tap the Import.
  2. You will see the Import window open. Press the Continue button after selecting to import from Outlook.
  3. Moreover, choose the objects to import on the following screen and press Continue.
  4. Then, to import your PST files, click the Start Import option. Input “Finish.”
  5. To add ImportExportTools, select Add-ons and Themes under Account Settings.
  6. Next, choose Outlook, then ImportExportTools > Folder Export (mbox) > As MBOX file from the context menu.
  7. After selecting the location to save to finish the process, click Select Folder button.

For Mac

  1. Open Outlook on Mac and go to File > Choose Import.
  2. After that, select the PST file you want to convert and press the Import option.
  3. Navigate to the system and drag the imported mailbox. The PST file to MBOX conversion of your file has been completed.

Method 2. Convert PST to MBOX with Google Takeout

In order to convert PST to MBOX without Outlook, there are two steps involved. They are as follows:

Stage 1: Importing PST to Gmail

There are two further sections to this stage:

#Enable IMAP

  1. Go to Settings after logging into your Gmail account, then choose See all settings.
  2. Under IMAP Access screen, select Enable IMAP after choosing the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
  3. Click Save Changes after that.

#Setting Gmail in Outlook and Importing PST

  1. Rub Microsoft Outlook app and choose File >> Add Account.
  2. Click Connect after entering your Gmail credentials.
  3. After everything is set up, click Done.
  4. Click on Open & Export option, then pick Import/Export after returning to File.
  5. Next, choose Import from a different program or file and hit on Next.
  6. Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) second. To proceed, click Next.
  7. Click Next after choosing the PST file to import after browsing it.
  8. Finally, click “Finish” after choosing your Gmail account as the import destination for PST files.

Stage 2: Converting Emails to MBOX with Google Takeout

  1. Install and open the Google Takeout application on your PC.
  2. After that, locate Mail by scrolling down and click the box next to it. Click Next after you’ve reached the end of the page.
  3. Choose the file size and type as well as the frequency of exporting once.
  4. Click Create Export at the end.

Now, you get the mailbox file after downloading and extracting the mailboxes. Moreover, you can open the mailboxes in your preferred email program and import them.

Drawbacks of the using Manual Methods

  • It takes a long time and requires technological expertise.
  • Users frequently encounter issues while attempting to connect to various accounts.
  • Using this free approach carries a great risk.
  • Not all system versions can be used with this strategy.

Using a Professional Tool – Convert Outlook Emails from PST to MBOX without Outlook

BitData Migration PST to MBOX Converter is a powerful and user-friendly tool for anyone looking to migrate from Microsoft Outlook to an email client that supports MBOX. Its robust features like batch conversion, selective migration, and email data preservation make it an efficient solution for large-scale email migration tasks. It supports a wide range of Outlook PST files, including those created by Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and older versions, ensuring broad compatibility. It was workable on all the latest and below version of Mac OS and Windows OS including Windows 11. This tool is especially useful for individuals or organizations looking to migrate their emails from Outlook to other email clients that support the MBOX format.

How It Works: BitData Migration PST to MBOX Converter

  1. Download and install the PST to MBOX Converter on your computer.
  2. Open the software and select the PST file(s) you want to convert.
  3. Use the preview feature to verify that the correct emails and data are selected for conversion.
  4. Set the output file format to MBOX.
  5. Click the “Convert” option to begin the conversion procedure.
  6. Once the conversion is complete, you can import the resulting MBOX file into any supported email client.

Final Thoughts!

In this blog, we have discussed both professional and manual ways to convert PST to MBOX files. Despite being free, the manual technique is challenging for inexperienced users to use. Consequently, it is preferable to export using the expert tool. It preserves data integrity and folder organization while saving you time and being simple to use.