How to Open MBOX File in Outlook 2021, 2019 & 2016 Easily

Why is it Critical to Open MBOX File with Outlook?

This is a common situation that various industries face when switching platforms during email transitions. However, the real challenge is that Outlook can’t directly open MBOX files.

To state, MS Outlook uses OST and PST formats to save and manage the mailbox data. In contrast, MBOX files are plain text data in a single concatenated file format. It is completely different from what Outlook expects for its file. This means:

• It is not possible to drag and drop files to add MBOX to Outlook.
• Outlook doesn’t have a native import option for MBOX files.
• Using the wrong techniques can corrupt mailbox data, or you can lose attachments.

So, what’s the actual solution? Find out here in the next section, stated below.

Open MBOX File in Outlook 2021, 2019 & 2016: How?

One of the most prominent manual-free ways for this task is to convert MBOX to PST. Or if you have MBOX only from Thunderbird, then there is another manual way too. Furthermore, apart from these solutions, which may have some limitations, there is a secure and reliable tool for instant conversions. Let’s explore and understand all of them below.

Manual Processes to Import MBOX to Outlook

Explore the methods below to understand how you can access various client MBOX files within the Microsoft environment.

Export MBOX to PST with Thunderbird

1. First, ensure to have Outlook and Thunderbird on the same system.
2. Then, start Thunderbird and within it, connect a dummy IMAP account.
3. Say, Gmail. Enter its credentials and password, and connect to the account.
4. Further, check that you have the MBOX file in Thunderbird. Else, import it with the ImportExportTools NG.
5. Afterward, move your MBOX emails from the Thunderbird folder to the synced IMAP Gmail.
6. Once done, start Outlook and connect the same Gmail account within it through IMAP.
7. Lastly, drag emails from the synced folders to the local Outlook folder, and they are saved as PST.

With this method, you can import MBOX files into Outlook for free. Along with that, you can convert MBOX to EML and then convert EML to PST. But the process indeed gets lengthy and time-consuming.

Automated Process to Open MBOX File in Outlook

While these manual methods are available, they are difficult and do not provide guaranteed results. Instead, using a professional MBOX Converter Tool will do this task more directly and quickly. It helps bulk convert MBOX files into PST, which can be instantly opened with Outlook. Additionally, it retains the metadata, formatting, and structure of the MBOX folders intact. Moreover, you can use it for MBOX files from any client and on any operating system, Mac or Windows.

Steps to Open MBOX File with Outlook

1. Launch the MBOX to Outlook Converter and proceed with Next.
2. Then, click on the Select and opt for your MBOX file from the system.
3. Click Next and preview the data within the MBOX files, including attachments.
4. Further, select your folders and click Next to move forward. Then, opt for PST from the list.
5. After that, apply all relevant filters for the new file and give a Path to Save for the saving folder.
6. At last, hit the Convert button to finish the process of import MBOX to Outlook.

Furthermore, you may be wondering why use the tool and how it is better than the manual method. It is because of the following reasons:

• It provides bulk conversions accurately, which isn’t possible with the manual freeway.
• There are risks and possibilities of data manipulations and structure loss in a free way, unlike the automated tool.
• The expert software also has a demo version, which enables users to convert upto 50 emails per folder for free.

All of the following factors make the dedicated tool a better option.

Conclusion

By following the above methods, you can successfully open MBOX file in Outlook 2021, 2019 & 2016. It involves both manual and professional ways. For users with a few files and lots of time, the manual method is suitable. But for large enterprises dealing with major data, they must go for a professional utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.