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Export Apple Mail to Windows Outlook Using Two Different Methods

  author
Jamie Kaler   Contribution
Rollins Duke
Rollins Duke  Approved By
Published On March 22nd, 2024 • 6 min read

If you are trying to find a way to export Apple Mail to Windows Outlook, this article helps you to work with it comfortably. All the process is getting Mac emails MBOX files from the default location with a simple process to convert this file to PST. The native email program for macOS is the Mail app.

All the Apple Mail / Mac Mail emails are stored in the MBOX file format. Microsoft Outlook is a Windows and Mac email client. It provides an intuitive GUI filled with sophisticated security protocols and filters. To store all its mailbox items, Outlook uses PST files.

Need to Import Apple Mail Emails to MS Outlook 

The incompatibility of Apple Mail and MS Outlook database files is the main reason why this kind of email migration is such a complex activity. On one hand, to store several emails and attachments, the Mail app utilizes a single file with a .mbox extension. 

On the other hand, MS Outlook uses PST folders, all in a single file, to store addresses, attachments, schedules, contacts, and tasks. None of these two email clients also have a native option for MBOX files to be transferred to the Outlook platform. Often, adding to the risk factor is the fact that the migration takes place from one OS (Mac) to another OS (Windows).

How to Manually Export Apple Mail to Windows Outlook Account?

Firstly there is no direct method to move emails from Apple Mail to Outlook, therefore we need assistance from Apple Mail and Thunderbird to complete the manual procedure. Follow the procedure to transfer Mac Mail emails to MS Outlook:

Export Apple Mail Mailboxes

In the Apple Mail folders, Apple Mail stores its mailbox info. Users can also go to their default location i.e., ~/Library/Mail/V to locate the Mac Mail files or export Mac Mail mailboxes manually as follows:

  • In Apple Mail, select the mailbox folder(s) that the user wanted to import to Outlook
  • In the Ribbon bar, go to the Mailbox and press the Export Mailbox button.
  • To export the MBOX file from Apple Mail, select a folder, and then press Choose.

Import Apple Mail MBOX Files

  • Use the ImportExportTool NG add-on from the Thunderbird 
  • Now, restart the Thunderbird account again and follow the next step.
  • Go to the ImportExportNG tool>>Import MBOX Files>>Import Direct One or More MBOX Files
  • Press the OK button and open the desired MBOX files 
  • Again go to the ImportExportTool NG>>choose export all messages in folder>>EML format.
  • Finally, select a location and save EML files.

Drag and Drop to the MS Outlook 

With the steps below complete the procedure to export Apple Mail to Windows Outlook with Thunderbird:

  • Local the generated EML files.
  • Open Outlook and drag & drop the files/folders.

Limitations of Using Manual Method: 

  • From the steps mentioned above, it is clear that the method is lengthy and needs full attention.
  • We need two different applications to work on a single migration.
  • Technical knowledge is required to execute the manual approach.

Expertise Method to Export Mac Mail to Outlook 

Users who have attempted the manual technique know how long it is. Due to the long phases involved in the common process, the chances of data loss are also high. This is why, particularly for large mailboxes, most users want to import Mac Mail to Outlook with the third-party toolkit.

Apple Mail to PST Converter is an effective tool that comes with multiple advanced features. This transforms multiple Apple Mail files into a PST format. The email attributes and metadata of Mac mailbox files are maintained during the conversion process. Besides, it also helps the user without any problems to export Apple Mail to Windows Outlook. Users can take advantage of the tool’s various advanced choices, such as mail filters, .pst file split, and more.

A suitable approach to export Mac Mail to Windows Outlook effortlessly. Go to the email file directories, transfer the files, and create supported PST files for all Outlook editions – Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019.

Complete the Procedure to Import Apple Mail to Outlook Accounts

Start by downloading the software from the above links. Then set up the software and easily carry out the procedure.

  • Step 1: Click on the required “contact” or “Email” option and add Mac Mail Email to the software. ( import the Apple Mail from the default location -explained in “Get Apple Mail Mailboxes”) select emails or contacts
  • Step 2: From the scanned list, choose Mac Mail, and then click Next to move further. select preferred Apple Mail file
  • Step 3: To migrate Apple Mail to Windows Outlook PST, select PST as the export type and press the Export button. Choose PST to export apple mail to windows outlook

Finally, the tool notifies the user of the completion of the Mac Mail to Windows Outlook process. The PST file thus generated via the tool supports Windows Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007. 

CONCLUSION

Use any of the methods given in this article for migrating Mac Mail emails to MS Outlook. However, it is recommended to use a third-party tool for quick and effortless migration. This tool protects the privacy of email messages and helps to import Apple Mail to Windows Outlook. Users should first try the free trial version and then settle on the technique.

FAQ

Q1) How do you directly export the email files from Apple Mail?

A1) To Export mailboxes from Mac Mail, all the user needs is to select the email from the Mac Mail default folder or use the ImportExportTool Ad-on. 

Q2) How long does it take to complete the Import Apple Mail to Outlook?

A2) The export process by manual or automated method depends on the number of email files and the internet connectivity.

Q3) Is there a simple manual approach to importing emails from Mac Mail to Windows Outlook?

A3) No. Since both the email clients stored data in exclusive file format, there is no direct procedure to import Apple Mail to Outlook.

Q4) Does Outlook support Apple Mail files?

A4) No. Outlook stores the email files in *.pst format whereas Apple Mail stores them in the MBOX format. Thus, the user must convert the file format and then, import it to MS Outlook.