How to Convert MBOX File to PST Format in Bulk? Top Techniques

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On June 6th, 2025

Reading Time 8 Minutes Reading

Summary: In this article, you will learn some easy steps to convert MBOX file to PST format quickly. Many users are seeking a solution to export MBOX files to PST manually and automatically without any issues. Don’t worry, in the post we will give you the best instructions to follow the step-by-step process for this migration.

MBOX vs PST

MBOX File: This file format is used by Thunderbird and Apple Mail; it also keeps all your email data in one single file. It does not support advanced features like others. Also, this MBOX file format maintains your data in plain text with well-structured formatting. MBOX files are easy to share with different email clients without facing any trouble or error.

PST File: Users know the PST format as a personal storage table. Many people use this format to store data like email, calendar events, tasks, contacts, and other information. The PST file format is also easy to share and great for backup. It gives users easier management and access, and supports advanced features in Microsoft.

Sometimes users want to convert MBOX file to PST manually and automatically due to multiple reasons, which we have explained below in detail.

What are the Reasons to Export MBOX to PST Format?

PST file format supports advanced tools like calendar, task, and contact management.
PST file is the best format for backup and recovery, widely used for organizing and securing data.
During the migration process, the PST file format means you can easily share one platform with another.
This file format provides users with better data security and encryption. This file format is a better option for your important emails.

How to Convert MBOX File to PST Format?

Step 1: Start the MBOX to PST conversion tool.

Step 2: Import your MBOX files/folders.

Step 3: Choose the “PST” from the list.

Step 4: Enable some settings and features.

Step 5: Select the location to save the output file.

Step 6: Hit the “Next” icon to convert MBOX file to PST format.

These are the working steps of a professional solution to export MBOX to PST. Check out all the information after the manual methods.

How to Export MBOX to PST Manually?

Converting MBOX files to PST format directly is not an easy task, so you have to take the help of a third-party application that supports both MBOX and PST formats. So, we will use the Thunderbird and Gmail accounts for the whole process.

We have used the two manual methods, and both are explained below in detail to convert MBOX file to PST:

Method 1: Using Thunderbird

Firstly, we will import MBOX files to Thunderbird, and then we will export uploaded MBOX emails as EML format, which can be accessed in an Outlook account. And we will export the mailbox as a PST format.

#1: Upload MBOX File Data

Open your Thunderbird.
Choose the “Tools” >> “ImportExportTools” >> “Import MBOX Files” option.
Select the “Import One or More Files” and then the “Next” button.
Select the location of your MBOX file.
Lastly, choose the “Open” button to convert MBOX file to PST.

#2: Export Uploaded Emails as EML

Restart Thunderbird.
Locate the uploaded data files.
Right-click on the uploaded folder.
Choose the “ImportExportTools NG” >> “Export All Messages in Folders” >> “EML Messages Folder” options.
Select the path to save your output data files.

#3: Import EML Files to Outlook

Locate the path of downloaded emails.
Right-click on it.
Choose the “Open With” >> “Outlook” option.
Your emails will move into your Outlook account.
After opening your emails, choose the “Move To” option.

#4: Convert Uploaded EML Files to PST Format

Choose the “File” tab in Outlook.
Select the “Open & Export” >> “Import/Export”.
Choose “Export to a File” from the list.
Select the “Outlook Data File”.
Choose the uploaded file to export.
Select the location to save the file and hit the “Finish”.

Method 2: Convert MBOX File to PST Format using Gmail

Again, here you have to follow multiple steps to export MBOX to PST format. All the step-by-step the guide are mentioned below:

#1: Import orphan file on your Thunderbird account by following above mentioned steps.

#2: Connect Gmail to Thunderbird

Restart your Thunderbird.
Select the “Account Settings” from “Tools”.
Find the “Account Action” and choose “Add Mail Account”.
Type the details like email address, password, etc.
Choose the IMAP and hit the “Finish” icon.

#3: Move Emails to Gmail Account

Locate the uploaded folder in Thunderbird account, right click on it and choose Move to >> and connect Gmail account. And your emails will go into your Gmail account’s folder.

#4: Connect Similar Accounts in Outlook

Open your Outlook.
Head to the “File” tab and choose “Add Account”.
Provide again login details of the Gmail account.
And successfully your account connected to convert MBOX file to PST.

#5: Transfer Emails from Gmail to Outlook

Gmail account will appear here, now select the folder which have MBOX file data and drag and drop it into the Outlook account’s folder. And your MBOX to PST file conversion process is successfully done.

Setbacks of Manual Methods

The first method doesn’t allow users to export multiple MBOX files to PST format in bulk at the same time.
Users have to follow the same process to convert MBOX file to PST format again and again for each data file.
The original folder hierarchy will not be maintained during the process.
The second method contains the risk of data loss and missing your crucial file due to multiple steps.
Also, multiple working steps and phases make the process lengthy and time-consuming.
Working Thunderbird, Gmail, or Outlook account is required to convert MBOX file to PST format.
Not suitable for professional data.

Suggested and Reliable MBOX to PST Conversion Tool

If you are using the MailsWare MBOX Converter Tool, then you don’t need to go through lengthy processes. This brand provides users with reliable products. In this software, you will see multiple file migration features (bulk conversion).

It also allows you to select a destination path, which is an excellent feature. Users can easily save data to their preferred location. You can also convert MBOX to PDF, TXT, CSV, and more with the 35+ multiple saving options. So, by using this professional method, you can quickly convert MBOX file to PST file format.

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How to Export MBOX to PST Format in Bulk? All Steps

Download and run the software to convert MBOX to PST.
Choose the “Select Files” or “Select Folders” options to add files/folders.
After that, choose the required folder.
Now, select the “PST” file format from the saving options.
Enable filters to export MBOX to PST selectively as per choice.
Select the location from the machine to download your output data file.
Then, click on the “Next” button to convert MBOX file to PST.

Advanced Capabilities of MBOX to PST Conversion Tool

There’s software that automates the whole process, making it faster and easier to work with large MBOX files.
It is capable of letting a user convert several MBOX files to PST in one go.
Ensures all contents and metadata of the email, including attachments, are retained in the course of conversion.
This means users are free to select which particular mail or folder to include in the MBOX migration.
Eliminates errors like lost or deleted emails and manages corrupt data that might occur in manual filing systems.
Preserves the recipients, & they also preserve their email format, attachments, and even folder structure.
Supports the MBOX files created with several email clients, including Thunderbird and Apple Mail, and more.
Unlike other software that may require special skills, it makes the conversion process much easier and simpler to follow.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you are completely informed about the manual or automated method to convert MBOX file to PST format. Users need to understand that the manual method is a very lengthy and time-consuming process. On the other hand, if you go for the automated solution, you can quickly export MBOX to PST file format. Also, non-technical users easily use this software because of the user interface.