How to Easily Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird – 7 Proven Steps

As email traffic increases, business teams require a secure and efficient communication tool. The teams using Windows Live Mail are now facing issues meeting enterprise needs. The need for more collaborative features is driving the IT teams to upgrade to more scalable and secure email platforms. Therefore, to improve productivity and ensure efficient email management, the teams decided to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird. But, what’s the most efficient way to do it? This blog explores both manual techniques and a trusted Windows Live Mail Converter Tool. Keep reading the blog to discover all the available options for importing WLM to Thunderbird.

Windows Live Mail is an email client that allows users to manage multiple accounts in one place and work offline. Mozilla Thunderbird is a free email client that helps users manage emails, contacts, and calendars in one place. Thunderbird is a cross-platform email client, while Windows Live Mail is not. Therefore, users migrate to Thunderbird.

Why Import Windows Live Mail EML Files to Thunderbird?

The major reason for importing WLM to Thunderbird is that Thunderbird is cross-platform compatible. The WLM only works on Windows. Given below are some of the advantages that explain why this import process is required: 

• The emails in Windows Live Mail are saved in .eml files. Thunderbird directly supports EML files, making email migration easy.
• Windows Live Mail is only confined to Windows. Thunderbird is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. 
• Thunderbird includes powerful features such as advanced filtering, customizable themes, and add-ons, and supports modern email protocols.
• Thunderbird includes advanced security tools, such as phishing protection, built-in junk mail filtering, etc.
• The Thunderbird application is regularly updated, focusing on new features and security improvements. 

How Do I Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird?

There are three primary ways to perform WLM to Thunderbird conversion. Both the manual method and the automated tool method work perfectly, but differ in time and effort. However, for a faster, more efficient, and error-free transfer process, opt for a professional automated tool. Let’s start with the manual ways first.

Using the ImportExport Add-on to Import WLM Emails to Thunderbird

In this method, we will first export all Windows Live Mail email messages as EML files. After that, import these EML files into Thunderbird. This method ensures that the folder structure remains intact during the whole process. 

Follow the instructions to import Windows Live Mail EML files to Thunderbird:

Step 1: Export Windows Live Mail Email Messages as EML Files

1. First, open the Windows Live Mail application.
2. Go to Menu > Export Email > Email messages.
3. Choose Windows Live Mail and click on Ok to continue.
4. Browse and select the emails or folders that you want to export, and click on Finish.

Step 2: Import EML Files to Thunderbird

1. Open Thunderbird, search, and install the ImportExportTools NG add-on.
2. Now, create a New Folder in Thunderbird, right-click on it, and choose ImportExportTools NG.
3. Select Import all messages from a directory > also from its subdirectories.
4. Browse and select your desired EML files, and then click on Select Folder.
5. Your EML files will get imported into Thunderbird.

Limitations: This process can be time-consuming for non-technical users. It does not import the contacts and calendars. Also, there is a chance of data loss during the import process.

Migrate Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird Using the Drag and Drop Method

This is a simple and much easier method to execute the import process. The user has to simply drag the emails from a local folder and drop them in a Thunderbird folder.

These are the following steps to initiate the process:

1. Open the Mozilla Thunderbird application.
2. On your left sidebar, navigate to Local Folders and right-click on it.
3. Then, choose New Folder and create a new folder to save your EML files in it.
4. Locate the .eml files and drag and drop them into the Thunderbird folder.

Limitations: The user can import only a limited number of EML files by drag and drop. If the EML file is corrupted, Thunderbird may not show them properly. Also, make sure that the ImportExportTools NG is compatible with your Thunderbird version.

A Trusted Solution to Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

The Windows Live Mail Converter Tool simplifies the conversion of EML files. Users can easily convert multiple emails in one go. It converts EML files into multiple formats while ensuring data integrity. The tool enables direct migration to email services like Thunderbird, Outlook, Office 365, etc. With smart features like selective conversion, duplicate email elimination, preview before export, and custom naming patterns, ensuring workflow continuity. 

Given below is a step-by-step procedure to import Windows Live Mail EML files to Thunderbird:

1. Download and run the converter tool.
2. Then, choose from either Select Files/multiple files or Select Folder. Click on Next.
3. Tap on Select Files, locate the EML file, and open it to add it.
4. After that, choose the EML files from the tree structure and preview them. Click Next to proceed further.
5. Select the Email Client as Thunderbird and choose the additional features if required.
6. Pick the destination folder to save the file.
7. Finally, click on the Convert button to begin the process. 

Conclusion

Many businesses find it necessary to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird for cross-platform compatibility and improved data protection. This blog has explained why this conversion matters and presented both manual techniques and a trusted Windows Live Mail Converter Tool. This tool will help users convert their emails error-free. This will help the users to select the most appropriate solution that works best for them. 

Related Post: Import Windows Live Mail to Outlook Email.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q- Can I Import Windows Live Mail into Thunderbird?

Ans- Yes, you can. Follow the steps to begin this process:

1. Export your emails from WLM as an .eml file.
2. Import them into Thunderbird using the ImportExportTools NG add-on. 
3. Create a folder in Thunderbird and import all your emails into it.

Q- How do I export emails from Windows Live Mail?Ans- In Windows Live Mail, go to File > Export email > Email messages. Choose WLM as the export format and click on Next. After that, browse and add your emails that you want to export, and save them in your destination folder.