Top 3 Ways to Backup IMAP Email Locally with Attachments

3 Methods to Download IMAP Emails to Hard Drive

Here we would discuss three different methods to save IMAP Emails Locally. Users having Windows OS can use MS Outlook for the backup and Apple Mail is suggested for Mac users to backup IMAP emails. If both these methods won’t work then you are free to use the IMAP Email Backup Tool that is compatible with both the OS.

• Save IMAP Emails to Hard Drive via Outlook
• Backup IMAP Email Locally using Apple Mail
• Try the IMAP Email Backup Software

Method 1- Save IMAP Emails to Hard Drive via Outlook

This method is recommended for Windows users and the IMAP Emails will be backed up in the form of a PST file locally. Before implementing the below steps, make sure that you configure iCloud with IMAP Account whose emails you want to backup.

MS Outlook usually stores IMAP Mailboxes in an OST File and by using the Import/Export option, you can easily convert OST File emails to PST in Outlook.

Check the Steps given below to extract IMAP Emails to a PST file and save it locally.

1. Launch the Existing Outlook Application on your system and click on the File Tab.
2. Then click on the Open & Export option and hit Import/Export.
3. You will see the Import and Export Wizard where you will have to click on the Export to a file option.
4. Then click on Next and select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option.
5. Click Next and choose the IMAP Email Folder(s) that you are willing to Backup (You can Backup IMAP Mailboxes one by one).
6. Finally, define the location on your local device and click on Finish.

Your IMAP emails will be backed up locally in the form of a PST file. But sometimes people face IMAP Error 0x800ccc0e in Outlook therefore we recommend Windows users to use the Automated IMAP Email Backup Tool.

Users having Mac OS can implement the 2nd method to backup IMAP Email Locally on their Mac devices.

Method 2- Backup IMAP Email Locally using Apple Mail

This method is appropriate for Mac users and it will help you to download IMAP emails on Mac systems in the form of an MBOX file. You

1. Open Apple Mail on your system and Configure IMAP account whose emails you want to backup.
2. Then mark the emails that you are willing to backup and make a right-click on the folder whose emails you have marked.
3. Now click on the Export Mailbox option and define the location on your device.
4. In the end, click on the Choose button and your IMAP Emails will be saved at the defined location locally in the form of an MBOX file.

This method will backup IMAP emails as MBOX files on your Mac device. You will also need the Apple Mail App on your Mac system.

So, you can see that there are many requirements for implementing the above methods. On the other hand, they are time-taking and need technical knowledge to be implemented. Therefore, we advise you the IMAP Email Backup Tool to save all emails to the local hard drive.

Method 3- Try the IMAP Email Backup Software

In order to overcome the drawbacks of the manual methods, you can straightaway use the Sysinfo IMAP Email Backup Tool. This software also helps users to Migrate IMAP to Google Workspace. Mac users can use the Mac IMAP Email Backup Tool which is compatible with all Mac devices.

The steps to Backup IMAP Email locally with attachments are the same for Windows and Mac users if you are backing up emails with the IMAP Backup Tool. Check the steps below and implement them.

1. Download and Launch the IMAP Backup Tool depending on the OS.
2. Provide the IMAP Details like User ID, Password, Hostname, and Port Number.
3. Now choose the Email ID whose emails you want to backup locally and click on Next.
4. You will see all the IMAP Emails in a Tree-Structure. Mark the mailboxes that you want to backup and hit Next.
5. In the Saving Option, choose PDF or whatever file format to which you want to backup IMAP Emails.
6. Finally, define the path on your local machine and click on the Convert button.

All your IMAP emails with attachments will be downloaded in the chosen file format on your local machine.

Conclusion

So, the ball is in your court and you will have to decide which method will be a good fit for you. Mac users can use Apple Mail and Windows users can use Outlook for the IMAP Email backup but IMAP account configuration is mandatory. On the other hand, you have a Professional Tool that does the emails with attachments backup quickly. We hope you will find your solution here.

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About The Author:

Simran Bhatia

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.