How to Convert Outlook Emails to Thunderbird For Free Using Best Methods

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on converting MS Outlook emails to Thunderbird. The article discusses free manual procedures and software execution for exporting MS Outlook files into Thunderbird seamlessly. It will also showcase all the pros and cons of these procedures and which would be a better option for these types of migration.

A Brief on MS Outlook & Thunderbird

Both MS Outlook and Thunderbird are email clients, each with its unique features. It's crucial to have a basic understanding of these differences before attempting to import an Outlook mailbox to Thunderbird.

MS Outlook is undoubtedly one of the most popular email clients in recent times of Microsoft's Office suite. Many small and large organizations use Outlook with MS Exchange server or SharePoint server to manage calendars, coordinate meetings, and even to share mailboxes. The best feature of Outlook is that it allows users to work even in offline mode.

Thunderbird, developed by the Mozilla Foundation, is an open-source application designed for cross-platform use. Thunderbird can be used in Windows, MAC, as well as in Linux operating systems to manage emails, RSS feeds, news feeds, and so on.

Reasons To Migrate Outlook to Thunderbird

There are several compelling reasons why many users choose to migrate their MS Outlook mailboxes to Thunderbird format. These reasons, which we'll explore in this section, highlight the benefits of such a migration.

Compatibility: One of the major reasons for migrating MS Outlook email to Thunderbird is its compatibility. Thunderbird is a cross-platform application and runs swiftly on various Operating systems.

Price Tag: MS Outlook boasts a user-friendly interface and offers a range of amazing features, although some are paid. In comparison, Thunderbird is a free tool that doesn't charge anything to its users.

A Manual Guide To Import Outlook Mailbox to Thunderbird

Converting MS Outlook emails to Thunderbird is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through it step by step, making it easy for you to follow along and complete the process with confidence.

Before we delve into the migration process, it's important to note that there are two scenarios we'll be covering. The first is for a single machine transfer, and the second is for a migration from one system to multiple ones. Choose the process that aligns with your specific situation.

Scenario 1: Single Machine Transfer

• Go to 'Start'
• Select 'Default Programs'
• Now choose 'Set your default program'
• Select the 'Outlook' option
• Now click on 'Set this Program as the default option'
• After setting your preference, launch Thunderbird on your system
• Go to the 'Tools' tab
• Select 'Import' and
• Go to the 'Mail' tab and select the 'Radio Button' just next to it
• Now click on 'Next' and choose 'Outlook'
• Now click on 'Next' and then 'Finish'

This is how you can import or convert Outlook to Thunderbird

Scenario 2: Migration From One System to Multiple Ones

• First, install Thunderbird on the system where Outlook is pre-installed
• After installing, close Thunderbird
• Now go to the 'Start' button and type %APPDATA% in the search box
• Now choose the 'Roaming' folder
• Next, go to 'system's USB port and attach an external device.
• Under the 'Roaming Window' right right-click on 'Thunderbird folder'
• Choose the 'Send to' option and select 'Externally Connected Device to import data'
• After selection, add an external device to your system and then open it
• Now right right-click on the 'Thunderbird folder' and copy the folder
• And again, click on the 'Start' button and type %APPDATA% in the search box
• Now select the 'Roaming' folder
• Now, delete the 'Thunderbird' folder and paste the new 'Thunderbird' folder

Here's how to migrate your Outlook mailbox to Thunderbird if you're using different systems.

Advantages Of Using Manual Techniques

• Free of cost
• Disadvantages Of Using Manual Techniques
• Complicated process
• Time-consuming process
• Chance of losing your data
• Doesn't allow users to transfer contacts

Convert Outlook Emails into Thunderbird With The Help Of A Software

As an expert and former tool analyst, I have reviewed and tested numerous software applications that are worthy of mention. However, one of the most advanced and feature-rich applications for migrating Outlook to Thunderbird is Outlook PST Converter Tool. This tool is one of the finest for importing files from Microsoft Outlook, allowing users to save these files into Thunderbird MBOX format. The best part of this application is that it can even support corrupt PST files. The user interface of this Software is very easy to understand and execute. So that even a novice user can also use it without any help. Plus, they offer a free version, allowing you to evaluate the tool and its performance.

Advantages Of Using Software

• Fast and effective
• Secure way to convert Outlook to Thunderbird
• Simple and easy user interface
• Support corrupt PST files
• Disadvantages Of Using Software
• For a full version, you have to pay a small amount

Conclusion

So, whether you prefer the hands-on approach of manual techniques or the convenience of software, the choice is entirely yours. This article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Manual procedures are good, but they are lengthy and complicated. In contrast, Software is paid but easy to execute and very effective.

Hope you liked this article.