How to Convert MBOX Files to PST Format? Free & Pro Ways For Home Users & Businesses

Do you want to convert your MBOX emails into Outlook PST format? In many tech industries, users convert their MBOX data  into PST format when they migrate to the Outlook client. However, many feel disheartened when they get to know that MBOX files cannot be directly converted into PST format. But there are multiple workarounds to do so.

This guide explores the free way to convert MBOX data to PST using IMAP sync, EML as the intermediary format, and also using a pro tool for easy conversion of bulk mailbox data.

Why Do Users Convert MBOX Files to PST Format? Core Reasons

• PST is a more stable and widely supported format than MBOX.
• Importing MBOX into Outlook lets you access emails and also integrate them with other services such as Word, OneDrive, etc.
• When migrating email clients.
• Users convert MBOX to PST as an intermediate step to import MBOX into Exchange or  Office 365. 

Free Ways to Convert MBOX to PST

You need to use some additional tools and settings if you want to convert MBOX to PST manually. The manual method requires extra applications, while the tool-based method does not need any application to export MBOX to PST.

Method 1: Using Thunderbird & EML Intermediary

MBOX files can be easily imported into Thunderbird using the ImportExport tool, and the same tool can help you export them as EML files that can be directly imported into Outlook. You can further export them into PST format. But if you only want to import them into Outlook, you can stop the process at that stage.

Pre-Requisites: 

• Thunderbird installed and connected with an email account 
• Active internet connection.
• 2–3 times the size space of the MBOX file on your PC, as we will be converting multiple times.

Phase 1: Import MBOX Files in Thunderbird

1. Open Thunderbird on your computer
2. Click on the hamburger menu
3. Go to Themes and Add-onsSearch for ImportExport NG tool
4. Add the add-on to your Thunderbird
5. Go to Local FoldersRight-click and choose ImportExport NG too
6. lClick on Import MBOX files
7. Select Import MBOX from directory
8. Choose the MBOX file that you need to convert to PST format >> Open

Phase 2: Convert MBOX Imports in Thunderbird to EML

1. Right-click on the imported folderChoose ImportExport NG tool
2. Click on ExportSelect EML as the saving optionBrowse the destination on your PC
3. Click Save
4. Go to the folder location on your PC where the EML files are saved

Phase 3: Import EML Files in Outlook

1. Open Outlook (Classic or New)
2. Drag and drop the EML files one by one into the desired Outlook folder

Phase 4: Export EML as PST

1. Click on FileGo to Open & Export
2. Click on Import/ExportChoose Export to a file
3. Select Outlook Data File (PST)Browse the saving location
4. Click Save 

Drawbacks of Manual Approach

• Not suitable for bulk data
• Time-consuming
• Requires technical knowledge
• Folder structure and multiple email attachments and properties will be lost
• Dependent on multiple other factors & applications

RecoveryTools MBOX to PST Converter Software – Third-Party Solution

RecoveryTools MBOX to PST Converter is a dedicated software application to bulk import MBOX files into PST format and directly import them into Outlook. It has an advanced ability to support multiple MBOX architecture types and does not have any restriction on mailbox size for MBOX to PST conversion. It offers various advanced and helpful features like filter options, preview of MBOX folder structure, auto log report generation, and options to split, merge, or create separate PST files, making the MBOX conversion easier and smoother.