Home » Blog » MBOX » How to Import MBOX Files to Outlook Manually?
Richard ~ Published: 20-May-2025 ~ MBOX ~ 5 Minutes Reading

How to Import MBOX Files to Outlook Manually?

Learn how to import MBOX files to Outlook step by step. In this article, we will guide you through multiple instruments to import MBOX to Outlook 2019 and below. Keep reading on to learn more.

MBOX is a file format commonly used for storing email messages. It stores emails in a human-readable rich text. It is cross-platform and compatible with several email clients, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, and Entourage. Due to its text-based nature, it offers several advantages such as wide support and easy navigation of messages. It is also a platform-based format. Therefore, if you need to import MBOX data files to Outlook for Windows, you need to make it Outlook compatible.

How to Manually Import MBOX Files to Outlook?

Manually importing MBOX to Microsoft Outlook is possible through Thunderbird client. The application is integrated with several add-ons that help you convert MBOX to Outlook compatible file format. Follow the complete steps given below to understand the procedure.

Step 1. Download, install and start Thunderbird on your Windows.

Step 2. Next go to menu and select Add-ons and Themes

Step 3. Look for ImportExportTools NG extension

Step 4. Next, click add to Thunderbird and then install it.

Step 5. Then, right click the Local Folder and create a new folder.

Step 6. Next, right click the new folder and choose ImportExportTools NG & Import MBOX Files.

Step 7. Select Import Directly One of More MBOX Files and then click OK

Step 8. Browse and select the MBOX files and then click Open

Step 9. Now, in Thunderbird, select folder containing your MBOX emails.

Step 10. Select all the emails (Ctrl+A)

Step 11. Now, right click on the select emails, select Save Selected Messages and select EML Format

Step 12. Select a location on your computer and then save them.

Step 13. Now, Open Outlook application and create a new folder or open Inbox

Step 14. Now, open the folder containing the Saved files and drag them into the Outlook Window

Step 15. All your MBOX emails will now appear in Outlook.

With these steps, you can manually import MBOX files to Outlook. This method is free, but it is very time-consuming and unreliable. It has many complexities. It is technical and you need to use Thunderbird to complete the operation. If you are not comfortable with this approach and want simpler and more direct steps, consider the following method.

Easy Method to Import MBOX To Outlook

PCDOTS MBOX to PST Converter is the recommended software to import MBOX files to Microsoft Outlook. It is easy to use and offers just a few simple steps to complete the task. Unlike the manual method, it does not require you to download and install additional email client. This smart software enables you to convert multiple MBOX files to single Outlook PST file without any hassle.

Download Now Purchase Now

This tool can easily import MBOX mailbox files to Outlook 2019, 2016 and earlier versions. It is available in free version, which you can download from the button above. Also, follow all the steps given below to understand how it works.

Step to Batch Import MBOX Files to Outlook

  • Download, install and start the software on your Windows computer.
    download tool to import mbox files to outlook
  • Go to the Open menu and select Email Data Files and MBOX Files.
    select mbox files
  • Then, browse and import MBOX files into the software interface.
    browse mbox files
  • All the selected files will be configured on the left panel of the software.
    loaded files
  • Next, click the Export menu and select PST from drop-down menu.
    select pst
  • Click browse button and select location for the output and then click Save button.
    select destination and click save

That’s it. With these simple steps, you can easily import MBOX to Outlook. The manual method allows you to save emails in EML format and Outlook can only import them one at a time, which is time-consuming. While you can import PST to Outlook at once. This method is much easier than the manual method. If you want to know more, then read on.

  1. The software allow users to import MBOX files to Outlook with attachments.
  2. Allows to import multiple MBOX files to Outlook at once without any restrictions.
  3. It has a user-friendly interface that non-technical users can use to import multiple files
  4. Import MBOX to MS Outlook from Windows, Mac, and Linux based email clients.
  5. It is compatible with all previous and latest versions of the Windows operating system.
  6. Also, it successfully supports to import MBOX to Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003.

Conclusion

If you want to import MBOX files to Outlook manually, you can do so by converting the file in stages on your own. However, it is an inefficient process with a high risk of data loss due to the intricacies involved. If the data in your mailbox is critical, then you should the given software to carry out safe and secure conversion results. This is because it is designed with one goal in mind to do the task as quickly as possible while maintaining data integrity.