How to Import MBOX to Outlook?

Christopher Plummer | April 10th, 2025 | Import Emails

Summary: Importing MBOX files to Outlook might seem difficult, especially if you’re not a tech-savvy person. But don’t worry — with the right steps and tools, you can easily move emails from MBOX-supported apps to Microsoft Outlook. In this guide, we’ll show you a couple of easy methods to import MBOX to Outlook, including a smart solution using the professional tool. This guide is simple and beginner-friendly, so anyone can follow along without confusion.

When you need to import MBOX file to Outlook, it’s important to know the different ways to go about it. Although Outlook doesn’t natively support MBOX files, some workarounds can help you move your emails efficiently. You can either go for manual methods like using Thunderbird or opt for a more automated approach using a professional MBOX to Outlook transfer tool.

The manual method is free but can be a bit tedious and time-consuming. On the other hand, the automated method requires a software tool but offers faster and hassle-free results.

Let’s understand these methods in more detail.

How to Open MBOX File in Outlook Free?

  1. In Thunderbird, create a new folder where you can save the emails you want to read in Outlook.
  2. Now select the messages you want to import into Outlook and drag them to a new folder.
  3. Click on the “Tools” option in the menu bar.
  4. Now, choose the “Import MBOX file” option from the drop-down list.
  5. Browse the location and select all the MBOX files.
  6. After that, your MBOX file is now imported into Thunderbird.
  7. Right-click on selected emails and choose “ImportExport Tools NG>>Export all messages in the folder>>EML format.
  8. Now, select a location to save EML files.
  9. Thereafter, import these EML files to Outlook (local folder) by the drag and drop method.

Done!! This is how you can read MBOX file in Outlook by using Thunderbird & Outlook.

However, if you find this method lengthy and time-consuming, refer to the method below.

How to Import MBOX to Outlook Manually?

For this manual process, one must configure an email account with Thunderbird and Outlook via IMAP settings.

Before proceeding with this method, import MBOX file into Thunderbird.

  1. Open Thunderbird on your PC, go to the menu bar, and click Account Settings.
  2. Then, click on Account Actions >> Add Mail account.
  3. Now, enter your username, email address, and App password of your email account and press the Continue button.
  4. Now, go to the imported MBOX file that you added to Thunderbird.
  5. Right-click on it and choose Move To >> Your Email Account >> Email mailbox folders where you want to import MBOX file.
  6. Open Outlook, go to the menu tab, and choose the File option.
  7. Now, click on Add Account to configure your Email account.
  8. Here, enter your email credentials and tap the Connect button.
  9. Then, a page from your email service provider will pop up on your screen, enter the details, and click Password to continue.

Thereafter, Outlook will verify all the email details and quickly add your specific email account to Outlook.

Now, access all your MBOX files in Outlook that are imported into your email account.

So, we are done with providing the two manual solutions to import MBOX file to Outlook.

Note: Both the manual solutions seem straightforward, but require technical specialties to implement these methods.

Let’s get into an automated solution to overcome these limitations.

How to Transfer MBOX to Outlook Automatically?

Try out the Advik MBOX Converter tool on your system. The software will effortlessly complete the MBOX to Outlook transfer in a few clicks without affecting the mailbox hierarchy. It will convert MBOX file data into the file format that is supported by Outlook i.e., PST. After that, using the Outlook import tool, you can easily transfer your converted file.

Additionally, it gives the option to select a file or folder for importing, which is not possible with a manual method. Moreover, there will be no data loss while opening MBOX file in Outlook.

Try out the free version of the software and learn the complete functioning of the tool.

Steps to Import MBOX to Outlook Profile

Step 1. Run the suggested utility on your PC.

run the automated tool

Step 2. Click Select File or Folders to add an MBOX file.

choose mbox files

Step 3. Select the required MBOX email folders from the preview.

select mbox folders

Step 4. Now, choose PST as a saving option from the list.

select PST

Step 5. Browse a destination path and press the Convert button.

click convert button to import mbox to outlook

Finished!! The software will automatically redirect you to the location that you have chosen after the completion of the process.

Run Outlook and navigate to Open & Export >> Import/Export to easily import PST file in Outlook.

 read mbox file in outlook 2021

This is how you can import MBOX file to Outlook Windows automatically. No data loss will take place during the entire process.

Watch How to Import MBOX File into Outlook

Why are Automated Solutions better than Manual Methods?

For smaller or more complicated conversions, you might prefer to consider using automated tools instead of the above-mentioned manual approaches.

There are a few reasons for this:

  • Time-Consuming: The manual procedure involves multiple steps, including importing into Outlook, exporting to EML format, and then importing into Outlook. It may take a while to do this, especially with large MBOX files.
  • Error-Prone: Manual processes make it more likely that someone will make a mistake and choose the incorrect option or unintentionally erase data.
  • Limited Functionality: Advanced functionality like filtering, selective exporting, and handling MBOX structures might not be available with manual approaches.
  • Compatibility Problems: When importing MBOX into Outlook, particularly for older or corrupted MBOX files.
  • Lack of Support: You might not have as many choices for assistance if issues arise throughout the manual process.
  • Inefficiency: Manual techniques can be time-consuming and laborious when dealing with large MBOX files or frequent conversions.

Therefore, for a more effective, dependable, and feature-rich experience, experts frequently advise using professional automated solutions.

Software Features and Benefits

  • Open MBOX file in Outlook: This software lets you import MBOX files to Outlook with all components, including attachments, subject, and sender/receiver details.
  • Bulk Import: You can upload multiple MBOX file to Outlook in batch mode, which will save you time and effort as well.
  • Repair Corrupted MBOX File: The tool can repair corrupted MBOX file. So that you can easily open them in Outlook with a healthy data file.
  • Advanced Filters: You can use various email filters to import mailboxes to Outlook. Such as based on date range, email address, subject, and folders.
  • Wide Compatibility: This software is compatible with all the latest and previous versions of Windows OS. Also, it supports PST file of all the Outlook versions as well.
  • Free Trial Version: It comes with a demo version functionality that you can try to check its working process. Such as that it will import 25 emails from each MBOX to Outlook for FREE.

Conclusion

This article has provided different ways to import MBOX to Windows Outlook. Users can opt for the required method that best suits their needs. No matter which solution you choose, make sure to read their instructions carefully. Moreover, if you have multiple MBOX files, then the manual solution will not be useful. Hence, it is recommended to choose an automated software to quickly transfer mailboxes into Microsoft Outlook with attachments in bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions with Answers

Q 1. What should I do if my MBOX file is corrupted and I can’t import it into Outlook?

Ans. If your MBOX file is corrupted, you might face issues during the import process. You can try the MBOX repair tool before attempting the import.

Q 2. Can I import MBOX file into Outlook for free?

Ans. Yes, the manual method is 100% free to transfer MBOX file into Outlook email client.

Q 3. Does Outlook provide a built-in option to import MBOX files?

Ans. No, Microsoft Outlook does not have a built-in feature to import MBOX files. You need to use a third-party converter or an IMAP-based method to transfer MBOX emails into Outlook.