How to Convert Google Takeout to PST | A Complete Guide

Why Users Import Google Takeout to Outlook?

If you need to find secure storage and a central platform for all tasks, Outlook is the one. Here are the significant reasons stated to moving Google Takeout to PST:

• Google Takeout only extracts the data, whereas Outlook organizes all emails, calendars, tasks, contacts, etc., together.
• Outlook can be used for both personal and professional communications without any difficulties.
• Microsoft Outlook has several built-in advanced features and large storage to contain several files.
• Importing to Outlook PST ensures that Google Takeout data is securely backed up and can be accessed in the future.
• PST files can be accessed offline as well, unlike the Google Takeout MBOX files, and thus, is a better option.

Recommended Methods to Convert Google Takeout to PST

Since Google Takeout and Outlook support different file formats, it is quite difficult to convert them directly. However, there is an indirect manual solution through which you can import Google Takeout to new account. Alternatively, a professional tool is suggested at the end for quick and reliable conversion.

Migrate from Google Takeout to PST Manually

The manual method for this conversion involves several steps. Thus, we have divided it into three different parts for easy understanding. Follow the procedure below and execute the steps carefully.

Step 1: Export Data from Google Takeout

1. Open Google Takeout on the PC and click on the Deselect All checkbox.
2. Once all the items are deselected, choose the Google services you need to export.
3. Then, click Next Step and proceed to opt for Send Download Link via Gmail.
4. Further, set the export frequency to Once and choose the file type as (.zip).
5. Next, select a file size for the data to be extracted, and finally, hit Create Export.

Note: The process may take time to create the link and send an email. Once received, click it and choose to Download Archive. After downloading, extract the ZIP file contents on the PC. The data is in the MBOX file format.

Now, the first step to convert Google Takeout to PST is completed. Let’s proceed to the next.

Step 2: Import Google Takeout MBOX File to Thunderbird

1. First, install and start the Mozilla Thunderbird application with your account.
2. Then, go to the More menu and, from there, you click on Add-ons and Themes.
3. In the open window, search for ImportExportTools NG and add it to your Thunderbird profile.
4. Further, restart the application to save these changes and move to the Local Folder section.
5. There, right-click and create a new folder. Give it a name (say Takeout MBOX) and click OK.
6. Afterward, again right-click the new folder and select ImportExportTools NG.
7. Then, choose Import MBOX files and Individual files. In the open dialog, select and open MBOX files.
8. Now, again select the MBOX files folder and right-click it to choose ImportExportTools NG.
9. Furthermore, select the option Export all messages in the folder >> EML Message Format.
10. In the end, choose the final destination for your EML files and press Select Folder.

Doing so will add the Google Takeout MBOX files to your Thunderbird profile and change them to EML. Now, continue to the final step to convert Google Takeout to PST.

Step 3: Convert MBOX Files to PST

1. Simply drag and drop the EML files into the Outlook profile. It will automatically change to the PST format.
2. Alternatively, click on File and Open & Export to select Import/Export.
3. Then, press Export to a file and click Next to take PST format. Hit Next.
4. Select the dropped EML folder and click Next to pick a destination to save.
5. At last, press Finish to import Google Takeout to Outlook PST.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• The process is too lengthy, tricky, time-consuming, and difficult.
• Users require a high level of technical knowledge for this method.
• Need to work on several applications one after another with stable internet.
• No guarantee that the desired outcome is achieved without any loss.
• The process lacks authenticity and may also affect the data’s confidentiality.

Automated Tool to Convert Google Takeout to PST

The manual method is quite a hectic solution with several risks and conditions. Thus, we introduce the SysInfo MBOX Converter Tool for the easy conversion of takeout MBOX files into PST format. It keeps the data intact and preserves the original structure. Additionally, the tool has a simple GUI suitable for all and allows batch migration of multiple MBOX files at once. Moreover, it has many other features that enhance the user experience. These are:

• Export Google Takeout to Outlook PST and other formats at a user-specified location.
• Facilitates users to preview the data and sort them for specific conversion after excluding duplicates.
• Works for all Windows OS and provides a free demo version for converting upto 50 items per folder.

Steps to Migrate from Google Takeout to PST

1. Launch the MBOX Conversion Tool and click Next in the open window.
2. Choose the MBOX files and folders and click Open them. Press Next.
3. Further, preview them and select from the tree hierarchy for conversion.
4. Tap Next and opt for the PST file format from the list of saving options.
5. Afterward, pick the needed filters and click Path to Save for a new location.
6. At last, click on Convert to complete the process and save Google Takeout data as PST.

Conclusion

This blog described two solutions to convert Google Takeout to PST. You can go for either of the methods, but the manual method is not very convenient. It has many limitations and needs many applications. Also, there is no data security. Thus, use a professional tool for a more secure and feasible way to perform the conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.