How to Import and Open MBOX File in Outlook? Top Methods

Approved By Rollins Duke

Published On June 10th, 2025

Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

Are you looking for the straightforward methods to import MBOX file to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 365, and older versions? This guide is for your help. Here we have explained the best methods and alternate solutions to open MBOX in Outlook account.

The MBOX file extension is used to store emails and other data by multiple email clients and applications. On the other hand, Outlook is an email service provided by Microsoft. It is available for desktop Windows, Mac, and Online versions. Experts and users prefer to use Outlook because it comes with multiple advanced and amazing features.

But knowing the exact and right answer to import MBOX file to Outlook, let’s get why users choose Outlook over the MBOX format. Some of the benefits are explained below for better knowledge:

Why People Choose Outlook Over MBOX File?

Here are the benefits of using an Outlook account.

People widely use Outlook, and it is most popular for individuals and businesses
It has a user-friendly interface that makes email management simple and clear.
Also, provide the best tool for calendars, email organization, tasks, and contacts.
Most of the users prefer to manage all their emails in one application.
It offers better email security compared to some other email clients
Outlook offers better email security to users compared to some different email clients.
Outlook has cross-platform access, such as Windows, Mac, and Web App.
Mac Outlook offers built-in security features, threat protection, and email encryption for users.

How to Import MBOX File to Outlook Account Manually?

To open your MBOX file in Outlook account, you have to convert it into PST format, because only this format can import MBOX file to Outlook accounts, and MBOX to PST conversion is not an easy task.

So, we will use any third-party applications like Thunderbird and Gmail for importing MBOX file in Outlook account. Both methods are given below in detail.

Preparations:

Create empty folders in Gmail to move emails without any confusion.

Using an app password and enabling IMAP access in your Gmail account is necessary to connect to any third-party application.

Method 1: Using Thunderbird

Here we will convert MBOX files to EML files, which can be opened in Outlook one by one. If you have limited MBOX files, then follow the given steps to import MBOX file to Outlook.

#1: Upload Data Files into Thunderbird

Firstly, install the “ImportExportTools” add-ons in TB.
Choose the “Tools Menu” from the top.
Select the “ImportExportTools” >> “Import MBOX Files” options from the appearing list.
A small screen will open, and choose the “Import One or More Files” option.
Select the file that you want to import by locating the path.
And use the “Open” button to upload MBOX file in Thunderbird.

#2: Export as EML Format

Head to the upload MBOX file.
Right-click on it using the mouse.
Choose “ImportExportTools” from the list.
After that, select the “Export All Messages in the Folder”
Lastly, select the “EML Format” from the appearing list.

#3: Open Exported EML Files to Outlook

These are the steps for Outlook Classic to upload an EML file.

Important Note: The New version of Outlook allows importing EML files without losing hierarchy and email components.

Locate the destination of your EML.
Right-click on it and choose the “Open With” option.
After that, select Outlook from the list.
After opening your file, select the “Move To”

Method 2: Using Thunderbird and Gmail to Open MBOX in Outlook

If you don’t want to follow the export and import process, then you can use this configuration method to import MBOX file to Outlook account. We will use Gmail as a mediator to move our data from one account to another.

We will set up a Gmail account in Thunderbird and move data, and then we will connect a similar account in Outlook to open MBOX file in Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and older versions.

Import your MBOX file on your TB account by following the steps, which are given above.

#1: Connect Gmail Account

Open your Thunderbird account.
Now open the “Account Settings” from “Tools”
Choose the “Add Mail Account” from the “Account Actions”
Provide the login details of your Gmail account, like email address and password,d and choose the “Continue”
Select the “IMAP” option and the “Done” >> “Finish”

#2: Move Data to Import MBOX File to Outlook

Head to the uploaded MBOX file.
Right-click on that file.
Select the “Move To” >> and select your Gmail account.
And your email will move into Gmail’s folder.

Log in and open your Outlook.
Choose the “File” tab and “Add Account” option.
Provide the login details of your Gmail account.

After successful configuration, move the uploaded MBOX file data from Gmail to Outlook by the drag-and-drop process.

What are the Setbacks of these Methods?

The folder hierarchy and email structure will not be maintained.
Thunderbird and Outlook installation with proper account configuration is required.
Data loss changes occur due to moving your data from one platform to another.
Following multiple steps to import MBOX file to Outlook makes the process lengthy and time-consuming for all.
Creating an app password and enabling IMAP access are required to connect Gmail account.

Which Method is Reliable to Open Multiple MBOX Files in Outlook?

If you don’t want to follow the extra process to import MBOX file to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and older versions, then you should try the MailsWare MBOX Converter Tool. This software allows users to open any type of MBOX file in bulk without losing any information or details.

This tool comes with different options and saving types, also you can open selective emails according to your choice by applying filters and settings. Try the demo version for a better understanding.

Download Now Buy Now

How to Import MBOX File to Outlook Account? All Steps

Firstly, download the software and install it.
Import your single or multiple MBOX files/folders using the “Select Files” and “Select Folders” options.
Choose the needed folders and sub-folders from the appearing list.
Select the “PST” from the appearing saving list from “Select Saving Option”.
Choose the destination from the machine to save your output data.
Select the “Convert” button to import MBOX file to Outlook account.
After the process, a message will appear, and select the “OK” button.

After getting your emails in .pst format, now we will import them into your Outlook account.

Firstly, to perform the above steps, open Outlook on your system.
Get on “File Menu”, then click on “Open & Export”, then “Import/Export”.
From these options, click on the “Import from Another Program” option.
Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and then proceed to the “Next” button.
Lastly, you will import MBOX file to Outlook.

Comparison of Manual and Automated Solutions to Import MBOX into Outlook

There are two methods to open MBOX in Outlook, manual and automated, but most users don’t know the differences between the manual and automated ways. Don’t worry, in this section, we provide a comparison table to clear your thoughts.

Features	Manual Solution	Automated Solution
Ease of use	Multiple steps need tools like Thunderbird.	User-friendly software is simple and quick.
Time Consumption	Time-consuming process for many emails.	Save your time and effort with direct processes.
Risk of Data Loss	During the conversation, there is a higher risk of data loss.	There is no data loss risk with a reliable tool.
Technical Knowledge	Users need Thunderbird and IMAP some technical knowledge.	Non-technical users also convert their files easily.
Cost	Free using Thunderbird and other software.	Paid tool for quick conversion.
Accuracy	Users can easily make mistakes.	Provide the user with an accurate result without any mistake
Support	No direct support.	Dedicated support.
File Formats Supported	Users need to convert MBOX to EML and then to Outlook.	Directly import MBOX to Outlook.
Bulk Conversion.	Slower for large data, no support for bulk conversion	Easily handle bulk conversion,

Final Conclusion

Importing MBOX file to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and older versions is not an easy task, depending on which method you are using. Here we have explained the best manual methods and alternative solutions for experts. Manual methods are best for a certain number of data files, and the professional tool is best for professional uses. If you have any doubts related to open MBOX file in Outlook, then contact us anytime. We are available for you 24*7.