How Do I Export Thunderbird to PST Format – 6 Easy Steps

A business plans to develop an email backup system to enhance data protection. They are currently using Mozilla Thunderbird for their email communication. Their primary goal is to back up their emails in a widely supported format. So, they decided to export Thunderbird to PST as a part of long-term archiving. By exporting emails to the PST format, the company integrates with Microsoft’s 365 environments, too. There are manual methods to do this conversion, but they are complicated. In contrast, using a dedicated Thunderbird Backup Tool export to PST format smoothly and efficiently. Read the blog till the end to better understand the tool. 

Thunderbird is a cross-platform, open-source email application developed by Mozilla. PST is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store email data locally. They are typically used for archiving or backup purposes.  

Need to Convert Thunderbird Data Mail to PST

Companies need to export their files to PST for better accessibility, efficiency, and productivity. The following are some benefits of doing this:

• When migrating from Thunderbird to MS Outlook, the user needs to export Thunderbird to a PST file.
• Many organizations use Microsoft 365 or an Exchange environment for email communication. By converting to PST, users can access Thunderbird data in Outlook.
• PST files are widely supported in the case of email backup and archiving options.
• The Microsoft ecosystem and regulatory tools like eDiscovery work smoothly with PST files.

How Do I Export Thunderbird to PST?

Having explored the advantages of converting Thunderbird to PST, the next step is to implement the solutions. You can do it either manually or use a dedicated tool that handles everything efficiently. Let’s explore both methods in detail.

Manual Method 1: Using Thunderbird 

This method is suitable for smaller mailboxes. Neither Thunderbird directly supports exporting to PST nor does Outlook directly import Thunderbird’s MBOX format. 

Use this step-by-step procedure to transfer Thunderbird mails to PST:

Step 1: Import EML files into Outlook

1. Open Mozilla Thunderbird and go to Menu > Add-ons and Themes.
2. Search ImportExportTools NG and install it.
3. Restart Thunderbird.
4. Right-click on the folder that you want to export.
5. Select ImportExportTools NG > Export all messages in the folder > EML format.
6. Choose a destination folder and export it.
7. Now, open Outlook and create a new folder.
8. Drag and drop the EML files into the new Outlook folder.

Step 2: Export to PST from Outlook

1. In Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
2. Choose Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst).
3. Select the desired folder and export it. 

Limitations: Some of the EML files may not retain the attachments during drag and drop. There is a risk of data loss. 

Manual Method 2: Using IMAP Synchronization

Step 1: Create an IMAP Email account in Thunderbird and Outlook

1. Open Thunderbird.
2. Go to File > New > Existing Mail Account. Enter your credentials.
3. Confirm that the Incoming server is set to IMAP.
4. Now, open MS Outlook.
5. Go to File > Add Account. Enter the login credentials of the IMAP account.
6. Set Outlook to IMAP and complete the setup by clicking Next.

Step 2: Export to PST from Outlook

1. Open Thunderbird and select the emails that you want to move.
2. Drag and drop emails into an IMAP folder.
3. In Outlook, verify that the emails are imported to the IMAP account in Outlook.
4. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
5. Choose Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst) > Next.
6. Now, select the IMAP folder, choose a location to save the file, and click Finish. 

Limitations: It is a time-consuming process. Also, the user needs to have technical knowledge to implement the technical steps manually.

A Dedicated Tool to Export Thunderbird to PST

The Thunderbird Backup Tool is a comprehensive solution to migrate or archive Thunderbird emails efficiently. It supports backup into 12+ file formats such as PST, PDF, MBOX, etc. Users can export local folders and attachments filtered by date. The tool gives options to convert attachments to PDF, split large PST files, and migrate directly to email clients. This tool simplifies the process for professionals and teams. 

The following are the steps to convert Thunderbird data Mail to PST:

1. Download, install, and run the tool.
2. Then, choose the Thunderbird account profile.
3. Pick the mailbox from the mail list and click on Next to continue.
4. Now, under Saves/Backup/Migrate As, choose PST as the saving format. 
5. Apply the additional features if needed.
6. Finally, click on the Convert button.

Conclusion

Exporting Thunderbird to the PST file format ensures improved accessibility and better compatibility. In this blog, we have explored multiple manual solutions using IMAP synchronization and Thunderbird. Whereas, for faster, more precise, and error-free results, choose a dedicated Thunderbird to PST Converter to export Thunderbird to PST. This tool is recommended by experts and is ideal for both individuals and businesses. 

Related Post: Export Thunderbird Emails to CSV Files.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- Can you export to PST from Thunderbird?

Ans- Yes, but not directly. Thunderbird does not support exporting to PST natively. But, there are several ways by which we can export it indirectly:

• First, import the EML files from Thunderbird to Outlook, and then export them to PST from Outlook.
• Creating an IMAP account in Thunderbird and Outlook, and then exporting to PST from Outlook.

Q- Which is the best software to export Thunderbird to PST?Ans- The Thunderbird to PST Converter is the best software to export Thunderbird files to PST. It further has advanced features that simplify the process.