How to Convert Thunderbird to Outlook Account Swiftly?

Rollins Duke
Published: April 21st, 2025 • 10 Min Read

Overview: In this write-up, we are going to explain the methods to convert Thunderbird to Outlook using free and professional ways. Here we will show you every detail related to the process of how to import Thunderbird to Outlook without any data loss. So, let’s continue with us to know everything in detail.

In short, Microsoft does not provide any direct solution to import emails from Thunderbird to Outlook. But it is quite easy and can be done in a few simple clicks. Thus, one just have to export Thunderbird emails to Outlook data file format and then access it in Outlook all versions.

As we all know, Thunderbird and Outlook are both email client, which provides amazing and advanced features for email management. But due to some lack of features in the Thunderbird application, some users may prefer to export Thunderbird emails to Outlook. So, without any further delay, let’s read the difference between both two email clients and the respective solutions to convert Thunderbird to Outlook.

What Makes Users Convert Thunderbird to Outlook Account?

Thunderbird	Outlook
Mozilla Thunderbird is a free and open-source email client.	To utilize Microsoft Outlook, it is necessary to acquire license keys.
It utilizes the MBOX file extension to store emails.	It facilitates the storage of email data in OST and PST formats.
Thunderbird supports IMAP, SMTP, and POP protocols.	It also supports protocols including IMAP, SMTP, and POP.
There is no server connectivity available in Thunderbird.	Outlook can be connected to Microsoft Exchange Server.
Thunderbird is an appropriate option for individual users seeking basic email functionalities.	Outlook is an appropriate choice for businesses due to its ability to provide additional features and capabilities
This software is not compatible with any mobile operating system, thus making it inaccessible to smartphone users.	MS Outlook is compatible with all mobile operating systems, including Android, iOS, and Windows.
Thunderbird does not include a feature for email scheduling.	Outlook offers a feature that allows users to schedule emails to be sent later, which is important for businesses.

How to Import Thunderbird to Outlook Account Manually?

There are multiple solutions available for Thunderbird to Outlook transfer, however, not all the methods are suitable for everyone, as it depends on the use case and scenarios. In this post, I will explain 2 different solutions that you can follow to manually convert Thunderbird to Outlook email account. The conventional ways are as follows:

Transfer mailbox using a Gmail account
Drag Thunderbird emails and drop them into Outlook

Method 1: Convert Thunderbird to Outlook Using Gmail

Thus, this process requires performing 5 steps to export Thunderbird emails to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010. Each steps are interconnected to the other, so you cannot skip any one of them. Thus, follow them in the same sequence as mentioned below:

Phase 1: Enable IMAP Access and Create Gmail App Password
This is the first step in order to Thunderbird to Outlook transfer. Let’s get started:

Enable IMAP

Firstly, log in to your Google Gmail account and choose the Gear icon.
Select the See all settings option.
Choose Forwarding and POP/IMAP and enable IMAP.
Scroll down and save changes.

Create App Password

Go to your Google Account and choose the Security option.
Turn on 2-step verification under security.
Select an app and device for which you want to generate the app password. (Select App as Mail and Device as Windows Computer).
Now you can see the app password is created for your Gmail account.

Phase 2: Configure Your Gmail Account in Thunderbird

Now let’s move to the second step, which will move one step closer to import Thunderbird to Outlook.

Start the Thunderbird email client on your pc.
Select Tools >> Account Settings option.
Choose Account Actions >> Add Mail Account.
Enter your Gmail account credentials, and press Continue.
Enable IMAP from the available configurations and click Done.

Phase 3: Create a New Folder in Configured Gmail Using Thunderbird

This is the third step in order to convert Thunderbird to Outlook account. Follow the instructions:

Now you can see your configured Gmail account in Thunderbird.
Right-click on your Gmail account and create a new folder.
Give a name for the folder and hit the Create Folder button.
An empty folder is created in your Gmail using Thunderbird.

Phase 4: Move Thunderbird Emails to New Folder and Wait for Sync

The steps below are responsible for adding your Thunderbird mailbox items to your Gmail account. It may take some time to complete. Stay calm while performing the steps below. After completing these steps, you will move to the final steps to convert Thunderbird to Outlook.

Choose a Thunderbird folder that has crucial emails.
Select all or required emails to move them under the newly created folder.
Drag and drop selected emails under the newly created folder.
Now Thunderbird emails are moving to the new folder, please wait.

Note: Thereafter, you are done with the process to import Thunderbird to Gmail, and a new folder will be created under your Gmail account.

Step 5: Configure the Same Gmail Account in Outlook and Finish

You have reached the final step in converting Thunderbird mail to Outlook. Follow the instructions and perform the steps to complete the migration process of Thunderbird to Outlook.

Start your MS Outlook email client.
Choose File >> Info >> Add Account option.
Fill your email address in a specific field and click Connect.
Enter your Gmail credentials for successful configuration.

Note: Once you have completed the steps to migrate Thunderbird emails to Outlook. Outlook will start downloading Gmail emails, including the folder you just created. You will now be able to view Thunderbird emails in Outlook. Congratulations, your Thunderbird emails have now been successfully migrated to Outlook.

Method 2: Drag and Drop Thunderbird Emails into Outlook

This is another way to import Thunderbird to Outlook PST, which has two phases. First, you need to export the emails from Thunderbird, and then you need to import Thunderbird emails into Outlook. Thus, have a quick look at them below:

Phase 1: Export Thunderbird Emails

Start your Thunderbird email client.
Once done, choose a mailbox folder having crucial emails.
Check or uncheck the required emails that you wish to export.
Right-click and choose the Save As option.
Browse a folder on your computer to save Thunderbird emails as EML.
At last, open the destination folder and see Thunderbird’s exported emails in EML format.

Phase 2: Import EML Files to Outlook

Run MS Outlook email client.
Right-click on the configured account and choose the New Folder option.
Give a name for the newly created folder in Outlook.
Now you can see a new folder is generated in Outlook.
Afterward, open a folder that has exported EML files.
Drag and drop these EML files into the newly created folder to import EML into Outlook.

Note: After completing the 2 phases, you can convert Thunderbird to Outlook but this is suitable for the small-scale migration process only.

Why Not Choose Conventional Ways?

Both are lengthy methods and require technical knowledge to complete the Thunderbird to Outlook transfer conversion process.
If you convert Thunderbird to Outlook, some of your email items may not appear due to compatibility issues.
These methods allow transferring email from Thunderbird to Outlook from a single folder at a time.
You will need to repeat the same steps again and again if you want to convert all Thunderbird folders to Outlook folders.

Professional Solution to Import Thunderbird to Outlook

BitRecover Thunderbird Converter Software is one of the best and most sophisticated solutions to convert Thunderbird to Outlook data file without any hassle. The software has multiple advanced features and capabilities like bulk and selection conversion, also the tool has a very simple and user-friendly interface.

Also, there is no need to install Thunderbird or any third-party utility to run the tool. Because the software is an independent and standalone tool. Just download Thunderbird to Outlook Converter and launch it on your Windows or Mac machines.

Moreover, it provides a free demo version of this tool to evaluate the feature and compatibility for free. The Freeware edition allows you to convert the first 25 emails from Thunderbird to Outlook data file format. Whereas the full version does not impose any such limitation. Download the tool according to your OS and easily convert Thunderbird to Outlook.

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How to Convert Thunderbird Emails to Outlook PST Format?

Download and run the Thunderbird to Outlook converter tool on your system.
And then, select between the “Convert Emails” or “Contacts & Calendar” option.
Now, add the profile data automatically or use dual options manually. It will allows to add your Thunderbird mails into software panel.
After that, choose the required data from the screen and hit the Next icon.
Now, select the PST option from the select saving option.
After that, browse the destination path and hit the Next button for Thunderbird to Outlook transfer.
Now, the process to migrate Thunderbird emails to Outlook is running.
Get the resultant PST file from the provided destination path.
Lastly, start your Outlook and choose the Open Outlook Data File option. After that, navigate to the location and select PST and hit Othe pen button. Finally, you can view the complete mailbox of Thunderbird in Outlook interface.

Thunderbird to Outlook Converter Features

The software provides multiple feature that allows customization of the migration process. It beats industry competitions and fulfills all the user’s needs to convert Thunderbird to Outlook with precision and ease. So, without any further delay, let’s have a look:

Allows bulk import Thunderbird emails to Outlook data file format with attachments.
Auto detects Thunderbird profile and migrates it to Outlook directly.
Plus, it migrates multiple profiles from Thunderbird to Outlook at once.
Provides dual options (Select Files and Select Folders) to browse Thunderbird mails for specific migration.
In addition to this, it allows migration of selected folders from Thunderbird to Outlook PST.
The easiest way to import Thunderbird emails to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 versions.
Furthermore, it runs on all OS, which boosts versatility to import mail from Thunderbird to Outlook.

FAQs

1. Can I transfer contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook using this solution?

Yes, of course, first export Thunderbird contacts into CSV (Comma Separated Values) file extension manually. After that, you can use this software to convert contacts from Thunderbird.

2. Can I install the application on Windows and Mac OS?

Thus, yes, this utility can work with all Windows as well as Mac Operating systems.

3. Does the Thunderbird to Outlook converter work with Windows 11 OS?

Yes, this software is suitable for all Windows OS, including the latest Windows 11.

4. Does the tool support the latest Outlook 2021?

Yes, BitRecover Thunderbird to Outlook transfer tool is compatible with all Outlook versions, including Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and all other versions.

The Verge

Therefore, in this post, we mentioned the complete information about how to convert Thunderbird emails to Outlook data file format. All 3 mentioned methods are straightforward and amazing. But the manual methods have some drawbacks, which are mentioned above. On the other hand, the expert solution provides multiple advanced features and can easily migrate complete data from Thunderbird to Outlook.

Author’s Recommendation: I found method 3 simple and easy to use. It also guarantees complete data migration from Thunderbird to Outlook with all the attachments and attributes intact with them.