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Expert Way for Thunderbird to PST Export with Attachments

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Published By Jamie Kaler
Rollins Duke
Approved By Rollins Duke
Published On May 20th, 2025
Reading Time 7 Minutes Reading

No doubt at all that Thunderbird is an amazing email client, but still, a lot of users want to export Thunderbird to PST export so that they get a more compatible file format of their data. The output of the process Thunderbird backup to PST allows the user to work more independently in other email clients as well. Thus, there are multiple other reasons also that instigate and eventually make a user think of a Thunderbird to PST converter. Therefore, to guide such solution seekers, we prepared this complete blog post, which shares every detail, including reasons, methods, pros, consequences, and more. So, without any further ado, let’s dive into to find the best solution that works for your professional requirements.

What is a PST File Format? So, the full form of the extension PST is Personal Storage Table. This file format is mainly used by Outlook. Thus, the PST file has the ability to contain various data items such as contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, emails, and more.

Objectives of Thunderbird to PST Export 

The need and requirement for Thunderbird backup to PST may vary from one user to another, depending on their scenarios. Below, we are sharing the most common reasons or benefits that make an individual find a way to Thunderbird export to PST format.

  • Thunderbird does not have the tendency to manage tasks and calendars without the installation of the plugin. Therefore, if one does the Thunderbird backup to PST, they can organize and access this data easily.
  • Configuring accounts and using Thunderbird is not an easy task, which makes a user export Thunderbird to PST and switch to a PST-supportable email client that is also beginner-friendly to use.
  • Doing this also allows the user to organize the files in a more managed and separate way.
  • Another reason that makes a user choose Thunderbird to PST export is that they can access the emails in offline mode, which is not possible while using Thunderbird.
  • Working with Thunderbird means very little customization as well as swift workflow, which also makes the user to find a way for Thunderbird to PST export.

Professional Way for Thunderbird Backup to PST Format

Email data cannot be risked at all due to its cruciality, and therefore, in such a case, experts always trust a professional tool such as MailsWare Thunderbird Backup Software. This does not act like a regular Thunderbird to PST converter but has advanced features that ensure quality and customized output. Therefore, from multiple Thunderbird file selection modes to summary report generation, this utility has all the options that one needs to efficiently do the Thunderbird to PST export with attachments. The quick and easy steps of this Thunderbird to PST File Converter are as follows:

  1. Install the mentioned conversion tool on your system.
    install the tool
  2. Using the selection modes, select specific Thunderbird files/folders.
    select thunderbird files
  3. From the list of saving options, choose PST.
    select pst
  4. Browse and pick the saving location and the saving name option.
    destination path
  5. Finally, click on Convert for Thunderbird to PST export with attachments.
    thunderbird to pst export

Indirect Way for Thunderbird to PST Export 

The conventional methods of Thunderbird backup to PST have various limitations and multiple phases to successfully complete the conversion. And, therefore, to learn about that in brief, read and follow the mentioned steps.

Method 1: Use the Drag & Drop Method

  1. Run Thunderbird on your device.
  2. Browse and open the email that you want to save in PST.
  3. Now, right-click on it and choose the Save As option.
  4. Further, choose the saving location and, in the saving type, select All Files. 
  5. Give the saving name option and click on Select Folder to do the export.
  6. This will convert Thunderbird to EML.
  7. Now, open Outlook and create a new folder in it.
  8. Once done, drag the EML file and drop it into Outlook.
  9. After this, right-click on that email in Outlook and click Open & Export.
  10. Then select Import/Export and choose the Export to a File option.
  11. Next, click on Outlook Data File (.pst).
  12. Lastly, select the saving name and destination.
  13. Finally, click on Save for Thunderbird to PST export.

Method 2: Use Gmail IMAP Settings

  1. Open your Gmail account and click on the All Settings option.
  2. Now, in the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab, check that IMAP is enabled.
  3. After this, restart Thunderbird and click on Account Settings.
  4. Next, from the Account Actions tab, choose Add Mail Account.
  5. Fill in the Gmail credentials correctly to configure the Gmail account.
  6. Further, click on Continue and complete the setup of Gmail in Thunderbird.
  7. Once done, give the permissions to Gmail in the browser and click on Finish.
  8. Next, in Thunderbird itself, drag the emails from the Thunderbird folder to the configured Gmail folder.
  9. After this, open Outlook and configure the same Gmail account there using IMAP.
  10. Once done, drag the emails from the Gmail folder to the Outlook folder, only there.
  11. Further, right-click on the email that you want to convert to PST.
  12. Then, choose Open & Export>Import/Export and click on Export to a File.
  13. Select Outlook Data File (.pst), give the saving name, and destination.
  14. Hit the Save button for Thunderbird backup to PST format.

Manual vs Pro Tool: Which One Is Reliable?

After a deep evaluation of the direct and indirect methods of Thunderbird to PST export, we have created a comparison table that shares a brief overview of the pros and cons of each one of them. So, have a quick look at them and decide which solution works best for you.

Manual Way Automated Way
Very complex and time-consuming procedure. An extremely easy and quick way for Thunderbird to PST export.
Does not support bulk actions at all for Thunderbird backup to PST. Allows the user to work in batch mode hassle-free.
Alters the data layout and content during the conversion process. Ensure data originality throughout the process of conversion.
This way does not backup attachments from Thunderbird to PST. The tool scans the attachments and makes sure to keep them intact even after the conversion.
The user has to depend on other applications or plugins to positively complete the export from Thunderbird to PST. It is an independent and standalone solution that does not need the assistance of other tools, email clients, software, etc.

Unique Features of Thunderbird to PST Converter

  • This tool gives a demo version that is completely free of cost and helps the user test the tool’s efficiency before getting the paid edition.
  • It has 30+ saving options. Therefore, one can convert Thunderbird to PDF, DOC, TXT, MSG, MBOX, etc.
  • One can also transfer Thunderbird to Outlook for Mac, Gmail, Yahoo, Zimbra, and other prominent email clients.
  • With this Thunderbird to PST Converter, a user can also extract attachments from Thunderbird emails.
  • It generates a summary report as well once the process of Thunderbird to PST export process completes.
  • The file naming and file saving destination options help the user easily manage and access the output whenever needed.

Conclusion

By the end of this blog, it is very clear that the professional tool has more ease of use, advanced features, and data security, which everyone seeks in Thunderbird backup to PST file. Thus, the manual ways are free but have endless limitations, which cost a lot of resources. Therefore, choosing the Thunderbird to PST converter is a far better option than the conventional solution.

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