How to Import PST to Windows Live Mail | A Detailed Guide

Though WLM is a discontinued email application, many users still working on older Windows versions, use it. Also, WLM is a feature-rich and easy-to-use application of its time. So, backing up Outlook PST data into it is beneficial. Let’s find out how.

Why Import Outlook to Windows Live Mail?

Some necessary reasons to transfer Outlook to Windows Live Mail are:

• Enhanced security to stop spam emails and protect from phishing and other attacks.
• Sends high-resolution images as Thumbnails to users with a full view option over the email.
• WLM enables users to customize the application interface and provides a quick view of news and emails.
• PST files are platform-dependent on Outlook, whereas, WLM is an email client that can be accessed anywhere.
• WLM allows subscribing to RSS feeds for numerous suits and blogs and has about 25 GB of free space.
• To share large files through SkyDrive in WLM and also save data in EML format.

With the conversion needs to be stated, let’s continue to find out how to move PST to WLM.

Import PST to Windows Live Mail Manually

There are two manual methods for you to transfer PST files into a Windows Live Mail account. However, these methods are indirect and have some conditions and limitations. Learn the step-by-step procedure below.

Method 1: Convert Outlook to Windows Live Mail

1. Run MS Outlook and download the PST files on your system through Import/Export.
2. Next, start WLM and move to Accounts -> Emails and connect your Outlook account.
3. Further, go to File -> click Import Messages -> Microsoft Outlook. Tap Next.
4. The PST file is moved into the WLM account. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the emails directly, once accounts are synced together.

Note: The method only works if you are using the same email in your Outlook and Windows Live Mail profile. Additionally, it must be IMAP or POP3 configured.

Method 2: Import PST to Windows Live Mail via Thunderbird

In this method, you first need to convert Outlook PST into EML through Thunderbird. Later, import EML to Windows Live Mail for access. The steps are:

1. Run Thunderbird and configure your MS Outlook account with it.
2. Further, move to the More menu and click the Import option from the list.
3. In the open window, select Import from Outlook and tap on Continue.
4. Afterward, choose the PST items to import and click on Continue.
5. Recheck the selected items and click Start Import to begin the process.
6. Once done, hit Finish and restart Thunderbird to check PST is imported successfully.
7. Later, press Ctrl + A to select all the imported PST emails and right-click.
8. Choose Save As -> set file type to EML and specify a destination for the files.
9. Click Select Folder to convert PST to EML and save them on the desktop.
10. Now, start Windows Live Mail and click Import Messages from the left menu.
11. Choose Windows Live Mail -> tap Next -> and click Browse to add EML files.
12. In the end, click Next and Finish to start importing PST (now EML) to WLM.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

• Lengthy, tricky, and time-consuming process with no guarantee.
• Difficult to understand and perform for non-technical users.
• Repetition of steps for multiple transfer of PST data, i.e., no bulk import.
• Installation of multiple email applications with stable internet connectivity.
• The data is likely lost or missed during the import due to no security.

Thus, these manual solutions lack a lot and are often considered failed solutions. Hence, it is suggested to look for a professional tool as one of the best alternatives.

Professionally Import PST to Windows Live Mail

You should use the SysInfo PST Converter Tool to instantly import PST files into Windows Live Mail. It is a user-friendly tool for all technical and non-technical users. One can easily import PST files into WLM or any other email client at once. Additionally, this tool has no limitations on PST file size and count and supports bulk converting them. Moreover, users get beneficial features with this exclusive software like:

• Save PST data into EML, PDF, MBOX, CSV, DOC, JPG, or any desired format.
• Open PST file on Mac as well as Windows OS within minimum steps.
• Customize the resultant PST data before the import or conversion.

Steps to Import PST to Windows Live Mail

1. Start the PST Converter Tool and choose Files or Folders. Hit Next.
2. Browse the PC and click Open to add the selected PSTs. Click Next.
3. Further, preview its folders, select for the import, and click Next.
4. Choose the EML file format from the menu to import in WLM.
5. Afterward, apply the filters needed and give a new Path to Save the file.
6. At last, press the Convert button to convert the PST file to EML.

Now, using the native way, import the EML file into WLM with simple clicks.

Conclusion

Switching email clients needs attention and carefulness to avoid any data loss. Here, this blog describes the reasons and methods to import PST to Windows Live Mail. You can opt for any of the three preferable techniques to import data. However, the manual methods do not ensure desired outputs. So, a professional tool is the best solution for safe and hassle-free import.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Lovely Baghel

Lovely specializes in technical writing for SysInfoTools Software and has over 2 year of experience writing blogs, and articles about databases & backup, email recovery, email migration & management solutions. Her passion is researching and developing content that helps Office users, professionals, administrators, enterprises, and novices solve multiple problems.