Easy Way to Import PST to Windows Live Mail [2025 Guide]

Summary: Archived PST files contain years of important emails. If Outlook isn’t available, users may choose to import PST to Windows Live Mail. Importing PST to WLM is quite a challenging task. However, the process becomes manageable with the right approach. In the next few parts of the blog, we will understand why we import the PST file to Windows Live Mail. Also, will explain both manual ways and an automated PST Migrator to begin importing the files. Continue to read the blog further to understand each method in detail. 

Why Choose to Import Outlook to Windows Live Mail?

Technically, Microsoft Outlook offers more advanced features as compared to Windows Live Mail. However, some users still prefer Windows Live Mail because of its simplicity and ease of use. Let’s look at some of the reasons behind this preference:

• Windows Live Mail is a no-cost alternative to MS Outlook, which is a part of the paid MS Office Suite. 
• Non-technical users still prefer Windows Live Mail over Outlook due to its simplicity and user-friendly experience. 
• For users who don’t have Outlook and need to access PST file, importing PST to WLM is the best option.

How to Import PST to Windows Live Mail Manually?

After understanding the benefits of this process of import PST to Windows Live Mail, let’s move ahead. Now, we will review the solutions, both manual and automated. Both methods do the job, but each of them has its pros and cons. Let us start with the manual processes first. 

Manual Method 01: Import Outlook PST File to Windows Live Mail

In this method, first, the user needs to open the PST file in MS Outlook. Then, import the PST file messages in Windows Live Mail. 

Use the following step-by-step instructions to start the process:

Step 1: Open the PST File in Outlook

1. Start by opening MS Outlook.
2. After that, press on the File tab and click on Open & Export.
3. Then, go to Import/Export > Open Outlook Data File.
4. Find and open your .pst file. 

Step 2: Import PST to Windows Live Mail

1. Launch Windows Live Mail on the system.
2. Then, go to File and choose Import messages.
3. Afterwards, select MS Outlook as the source and click Next to proceed.
4. Now, select either All Folders or Selected Folders to import. Then, click Next again.
5. Once the process gets completed, tap on Finish. 

Limitations: There is no option to import selective folders. The process imports the entire mailbox, which can take a lot of time. Additionally, there can be a risk of data duplication. Moreover, when handling large PST files, the process becomes slow. 

Manual Method 02: Transfer PST Files to Windows Live Mail

Before proceeding with this method, make sure to configure Outlook with a PST file. This method involves three parts: 

• Import the PST File into Thunderbird
• Extract EML from Thunderbird
• Import EML Files in Windows Live Mail

Now, let’s look at the whole process in detail:

Step 1: Import PST to Thunderbird

1. Start by opening Mozilla Thunderbird.
2. Then, click on Tools > Import.
3. Now, choose Mail and select Outlook.
4. After that, select the items that you wish to import and click on Start Import.
5. Once the PST file is imported, tap Finish and restart Thunderbird.

Step 2: Extract EML from Thunderbird

1. First, start Thunderbird and go to the folder with the imported PST file.
2. Then, select all the emails by pressing Ctrl+A.
3. Right-click on them and choose Save As.
4. Now, choose a destination folder and click on the Save button.
5. The emails will be saved as .eml files.

Step 3: Import EML Files to Windows Live Mail

1. Open the Windows Live Mail application on your system.
2. Now, create a folder where you want to import the EML files.
3. Drag and drop the .eml files into this folder.

Limitations: There will be some attachments, formatting, or folders that won’t be imported correctly. The process does not maintain the original folder hierarchy. Also, the drag-and-drop method leads to human errors more often. 

Instantly Import PST to Windows Live Mail Using a Professional Tool

The PST Converter Tool efficiently converts PST files to Windows Live Mail and other email clients. This reliable utility also allows users to export PST files to different file formats like VCF, PDF, MSG, MBOX, etc. Also, features like bulk processing, smart advanced filters, and duplicate email detection simplify the conversion workflow. Moreover, with an integrated preview interface, the tool ensures accuracy and secures the entire process.

Simple steps to convert Outlook to Windows Live Mail:

1. Install and launch the conversion tool on your PC.
2. Now, proceed by selecting the Single File mode and hit Next.
3. Then, use the Select Files button to navigate to your PST file’s location and open it.
4. Click Next, and from the folder view, pick the desired folder that you want to import.
5. Again, click Next, and select Windows Live Mail as the output.
6. Then, if required, customize it with the available filters.
7. Lastly, click Convert to finish. 

Conclusion

Importing PST files into Windows Live Mail can be accomplished either manually or by using an automated tool. In the blog, we have explored two manual options: using Outlook and WLM directly and using Thunderbird. While the manual process works, it involves software dependencies and formatting issues. However, the automated converter tool proves to be the most efficient to import PST to Windows Live Mail. It handles large PST files and ensures data accuracy. User can choose the method depending on their needs and technical comfort level.

You May Also Read: Import PST Files to IMAP Account

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