Easy Ways To Convert Outlook PST To EML Format

As we all know, PST is the file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store contacts, emails, and other data.  EML is a file format used by other email clients like Thunderbird, Windows Mail, and others. It is a very versatile file format whereas PST is restricted to use only with MS Outlook for Windows. For several reasons, users often want to convert PST to EML file format.

If you are switching from Outlook to another email client, converting PST to EML is essential. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of converting PST to EML format with ease. We will provide detailed information on all factors related to exporting PST to EML. Methods, including the manual method and the PST Converter Tool, will be explained in this write-up.

Why do Users Need to convert PST to EML?

According to circumstances, everyone has different needs, requirements, and situations to Export PST Files to EML. Further, we will mention the reason for the conversion.

The following are the possible reasons to convert PST to EML.

• EML files support multiple email clients like Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Entourage, etc.
• While sharing a single email, EML is more handy rather than PST files.
• The PST file has a higher chance of getting corrupted because it holds bulk data, whereas EML holds only one email. Converting PST to EML can help avoid bulk corruption.
• PST files are supported in Windows Outlook only. While EML is supported by various platforms. E.g., Android.

Best Methods to Convert PST Files to EML Format

There are two ways to convert PST to EML: A manual method and a professional method. Here, we will cover both methods. Firstly, we will discuss the manual techniques and then move further to professional.

#Method 01: Import MS Outlook Profile in Outlook Express

In the first manual method, we use Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail to convert PST files to EML. This process involves exporting the PST file to Microsoft Exchange Server from Outlook and then importing that file to Windows Live Mail. At the end, save the emails as EML files. To perform this manual method requires both Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail installed on your computer.

Step 1: Export to Microsoft Exchange Server

• First, Open Outlook and click the  File >> Open >> Import.
• The Import and Export Wizard will open.
• Now, select Export to a file and Hit on the Next button.
• Then, Choose Microsoft Exchange and click the Next button.
• Select the folder to export from, and choose a location to save the exported file.
• Click the Finish button to complete the export.

Step 2: Import to Windows Live Mail

• Open Windows Live Mail and click on File >> Import >> Messages.
• Select Microsoft Exchange as the format.
• Then, click the Next button.
• Direct to the location of the exported file from Outlook.
• Again, click Next to import.
• Once the import is complete, right-click on the email.
• Then, select Save As to save the email in EML format.

Important Notes

• Before starting the process, Back up your PST files first.
• Then, Double-check the exported data in Windows Live Mail for completeness.

Cons

• Windows Live Mail is discontinued, which might pose compatibility issues with another system.
• It can be time-consuming for large PST files.

#Method 02: Convert PST to EML Using Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird

In this method, we use Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird to convert Outlook PST to EML format. This method involves importing the PST file into Thunderbird first and then exporting the emails to EML files. This manual method requires both Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird installed on your system.

Step 1: Import PST to Thunderbird

• First, In your Windows, go to the Settings.
• Select the Default Program option.
• Now, Click on the Email and select MS Outlook (Desktop) from the Choose an app list.
• Then, Open Thunderbird and click on the Thunderbird menu icon.
• Select Tools and choose the Import option.
• After that, Choose Import Everything or choose the Mail option as per your requirement.
• Now, click on the Next button.
• From the select the type of file, select Outlook.
• Then, Click on the Next button.
• After this process, Click on the Finish button to complete the process.

Step 2: Export EML from Thunderbird

• After importing PST file data, select the emails you want to convert and export. To select all emails, press Ctrl+A.
• Then, Right-click on the selected emails and select Save as an option.
• Select the folder to store the EML files.
• Click on the save button.
• At last, go to the folder, and you find all the EML files there.

Important Notes

• First, ensure that both Outlook and Thunderbird are properly configured and updated.
• It may not work with certain versions of Outlook or Thunderbird.

Cons

• It requires both Outlook and Thunderbird installed.
• Both methods are time-consuming for large PST files.

These manual methods are long and require manual expertise. In some versions, they do not work properly. In that case, you can use a PST to EML Converter tool.

#Method 03:  Reliable solution for converting Outlook PST to EML.

PST to EML Converter Tool is the most effective and trusted software to convert PST to EML. It offers a simple one-click solution to export PST Files to EML. This tool is the most powerful and the first choice of all technical and non-technical users. Moreover, It can export single and multiple PST files to EML at once. Users can easily convert all types of PST files exported from any version of Outlook. It provides secure and safe conversion without any data loss throughout the conversion process.  Additionally, It offers a Preview of the EML file content before saving the file in the targeted location.

Step to Export PST to EML via PST to EML Converter

• Download, install, and Run the Cigati PST Converter on your machine.
• Now, select Single File/Multiple Files or Select Folder to add a PST file.
• Click Select Files to choose a PST file. 
• Then, click Open to add it/them.
• Now, you can preview and select the email folder from the tree structure.
• Choose the EML file format from the drop-down list.
• Click on the Save to Path button to set the location to save the newly created file.
• Finally, Hit the Convert button to start the conversion process.

To overcome the limitation of manual processes, We recommended an alternative solution, the PST to EML Converter Tool, generally used by professionals to convert multiple PST to EML.

Also Read: Import PST Files To IMAP Account

Concluding Thoughts

This blog covers all the details related to the process of PST to EML conversion. Reasons, methodologies to convert PST to EML, and processes using the professional PST to EML Converter are explained. However, with the right tools and proper guide, you can easily convert PST to EML format. Whether you decide to apply manual methods using Microsoft Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird or utilize the simplified, efficient solution.