How to Import Outlook PST file to Thunderbird? – 3 Best Methods

Are you tired of searching for the right and reliable solution to import Outlook PST file to Thunderbird. Mozilla Thunderbird is a popular email client that let users manage multiple email accounts in one place. Uploading your PST into your Thunderbird account makes it easy to organize and track your inbox. This blog provides step by step guide on how to import PST file to Thunderbird.

Mozilla Thunderbird cannot directly import the PST file as it supports the MBOX file format. However, in this post, we will share the different methods that can be used to upload PST into the Thunderbird account. 

Quick Solution: If you want to instantly import PST to Thunderbird without Outlook application, then use Yota PST Conversion Tool. This is the most secure solution that lets you directly transfer Outlook data file to your Thunderbird profile in just a few minutes.

As we discussed earlier that there is no option available in Thunderbird to add PST file. But using some indirect manual methods it is possible to accomplish this task. Along with this, the automated tool is also available to achieve this without Outlook installation.

So first we are going to discuss the different manual methods and then move to the automated method.

Manual Methods to Import Outlook PST file to Thunderbird

There are 2 different manual methods that can be used to import PST file to Thunderbird application. So let’s start step by step.

1. Import Outlook Emails into Thunderbird
2. Use Google Takeout to Convert PST file to MBOX

Manual Method 1: Import Outlook Emails to Mozilla Thunderbird

In this approach, Outlook and Thunderbird are installed on your system. Follow the listed steps:

• First, you need to make Outlook the default program.

• For this, press the Start button and click Default Programs then click Set your default programs.

• Now, select Outlook from the list of Programs. Click on Set this program as default and click OK.
• After that, open your Thunderbird application and click on the right top side Menu icon.

• Then Click Tools and select Import.

• Select Import Everything or select Mail and click on the Next button.

• Now, select Outlook as the file type and click Next.

• Then click on the Finish button to finalize the process.

That’s it!

Manual Method 2: Use Google Takeout to Convert the PST file to MBOX

In this method, you need to configure a Gmail account in Outlook and export emails from Outlook to Gmail. To do so, we use Google Takeout Service which is free. Here are the complete steps to achieve this:

• First of all, open your Gmail account, click on Settings >> Forwarding and POP/IMAP, and select the Enable IMAP option.

• Then open your Outlook application and go to File >> Add Account option.

• Now, enter your Gmail account credentials.
• Make a new folder within the newly configured Gmail ID and move the desired Outlook emails to this folder.
• Log in to your Gmail account on your browser and open Google Takeout (https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout).
• On the Select Data to Include tab, first uncheck all options and check only the Mail option. After that click Next.

• On the Customize Archive Format tab, select the delivery method, export type, file type, size and click the Create Archive button.

• Once the email archive is done, you will get a message on your Gmail account with the download link.

• Click Download to download the ZIP file to your computer.
• After downloading, extract the ZIP file. You will receive an MBOX file containing all emails. 

• Now, Open the Thunderbird application and import the downloaded MBOX file.
• For this, install the ImportExportTool NG add-on on your Thunderbird account.
• Then right-click under the Local Folder and select ImportExportTool NG > Import MBOX file.

• Choose the import way according to your needs and click OK.

• Select the downloaded MBOX file and click Open.

You are done now!

Automated Method to Import Outlook PST File to Thunderbird Directly

Using Yota PST File Converter Tool for Windows, you can directly import PST file to Thunderbird profile without installing the Microsoft Outlook application. This software allows you to upload large PST file without corrupting and modifying a single piece of information. It is a completely a secure solution that is free from all viruses and malware.

With this tool, it is possible to upload multiple emails from PST file at the same time in an accurate way. It is also capable to repair damaged PST files and support importing password-protected PST file without entering the password. Apart from that, it permits you to upload ANSI as well as UNICODE files with no compatibility issues.

The software support uploading all PST files no matter which is created or exported from Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and other versions. Moreover, you can easily install it on Windows 11, 10, and earlier versions.

Steps to Import PST file to Thunderbird Profile Directly are:

Step 1. Run Yota PST to Thunderbird Converter and select PST file.

Step 2. Hit the Export option from the top and select Thunderbird from the saving options.

Step 3. Now, choose the desired Thunderbird Profile and click Save to start the procedure.

All Done!

This is how you can quickly upload PST files into your Thunderbird account without installing any external applications on your system. 

Final Thoughts

Thunderbird has no option to add Outlook PST file, which leads to worrying situations for users who want to import PST file to Thunderbird account. To help these users, we have shared the 2 manual methods and automated methods that will help you import Outlook PST file to Thunderbird. Both manual approaches required technical knowledge, installing Outlook and Thunderbird, and take many hours. With the automated converter tool, you can directly import PST into Thunderbird without installing any application. So choose any of the methods that suits your needs. I hope this blog will help you to transfer Outlook data files to the Mozilla Thunderbird application.