{"id":1576,"date":"2025-05-25T18:25:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-25T18:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/?p=1576"},"modified":"2026-05-18T17:53:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T17:53:25","slug":"best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Methods to Import MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re switching from email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Eudora to Microsoft Outlook, you\u2019ve probably encountered the challenge of dealing with MBOX files. Microsoft Outlook (versions 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013) does not natively support the MBOX format<\/strong>, making it necessary to find an effective workaround.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, we\u2019ll explore the best methods to import MBOX to Outlook<\/strong> \u2014 both manually and using specialized tools. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or prefer a simpler solution, there’s an option here for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is an MBOX File?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An MBOX (Mailbox)<\/strong> file is a widely-used email storage format used by email clients like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Mozilla Thunderbird<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Apple Mail<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Eudora<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Entourage<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Opera Mail<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It stores all email messages in a single file. Unfortunately, Outlook doesn\u2019t support MBOX<\/strong>, which uses the PST<\/strong> (Personal Storage Table) format instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Method 1: Convert MBOX to Outlook Using a Third-Party Tool (Recommended)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is the fastest, most reliable, and error-free<\/strong> way to import MBOX to any version of Outlook (2021\/2019\/2016\/2013).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Steps:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Download a Professional Converter Tool<\/strong>\n
        \n
      • Popular choices:\n
          \n
        • SysTools MBOX to Outlook Converter<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Stellar Converter for MBOX<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Kernel for MBOX to PST<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Install and Launch the Tool<\/strong>\n
            \n
          • Add one or multiple MBOX files.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Preview Your Emails (Optional)<\/strong>\n
              \n
            • Most tools allow you to view email contents before conversion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Choose Output Format: PST<\/strong>\n
                \n
              • Select PST format and set a destination folder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Import the Converted PST File into Outlook<\/strong>\n
                  \n
                • Open Outlook > Go to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Select your PST file to access the imported emails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Pros:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Preserves folder structure, attachments, metadata<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Handles bulk MBOX files<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Supports all Outlook versions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Quick and user-friendly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Cons:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Paid software (usually one-time fee)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Method 2: Free Manual Method Using Thunderbird and Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      This method is suitable if you’re only importing a small number of emails and prefer a no-cost<\/strong> option. It requires using Mozilla Thunderbird<\/strong> and Outlook<\/strong> together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Steps:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Step 1: Import MBOX into Thunderbird<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      1. Install Mozilla Thunderbird<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Install the ImportExportTools NG<\/strong> extension.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      3. Right-click Local Folders > ImportExportTools NG > Import MBOX File<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      4. Select and import your MBOX file.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Step 2: Export Emails from Thunderbird as EML Files<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        1. Select all emails (Ctrl+A) from the imported folder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Right-click and select Save selected messages > EML format<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Step 3: Import EML Files into Outlook<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          1. Open Outlook.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          2. Create a new folder in your Outlook account.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          3. Drag and drop the saved .eml<\/code> files into the new Outlook folder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                            Pros:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            • Free<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • No software purchase needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Cons:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                \n
                              • Time-consuming<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Only suitable for small mailboxes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Metadata and folder hierarchy may not be preserved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Method 3: Use Apple Mail + Outlook on Mac (For macOS Users)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                If you’re using Apple Mail<\/strong> on a Mac and want to move to Outlook for Mac:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Steps:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n
                                1. Open Apple Mail<\/strong> and export MBOX files.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                2. Use a conversion tool like Gladwev MBOX to PST Converter for Mac<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                3. Convert the MBOX files to PST.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                4. Move the PST to a Windows PC if needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                5. Open PST in Outlook via File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  Pros:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                    \n
                                  • Good for Mac to Windows transfers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Maintains data integrity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    Cons:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                                      \n
                                    • Requires a Mac<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Involves multiple steps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                                      When it comes to importing MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, or 2013, your choice depends on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \n
                                      • The amount of data<\/strong> you need to move<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Your technical comfort level<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                      • Whether you prefer free or paid<\/strong> solutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                        For a hassle-free, accurate, and complete migration, third-party converter tools<\/strong> are the best option. However, if you\u2019re okay with some manual effort and a small mailbox, the free method<\/strong> using Thunderbird and Outlook also works well.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                        If you’re switching from email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Eudora to Microsoft Outlook, you\u2019ve probably encountered the challenge of dealing with MBOX files. Microsoft Outlook (versions 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013) does not natively support the MBOX format, making it necessary to find an effective workaround. In this blog, we\u2019ll explore the best […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[170],"class_list":["post-1576","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-miscellaneous","tag-import-mbox-to-outlook"],"yoast_head":"\nImport MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Best Methods to Import MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013 - If you're switching from email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Import MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Best Methods to Import MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013 - If you're switching from email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-05-25T18:25:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-18T17:53:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Adsank\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Adsank\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Adsank\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/79fc1ff8cfa9fe3f16bedffefc53359c\"},\"headline\":\"Best Methods to Import MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-25T18:25:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-18T17:53:25+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/\"},\"wordCount\":580,\"keywords\":[\"Import MBOX to Outlook\"],\"articleSection\":[\"miscellaneous\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/best-methods-to-import-mbox-to-outlook-2021-2019-2016-and-2013\/\",\"name\":\"Import MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-25T18:25:45+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-18T17:53:25+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.mozesoft.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/79fc1ff8cfa9fe3f16bedffefc53359c\"},\"description\":\"Best Methods to Import MBOX to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013 - 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