How to Convert Thunderbird to Outlook Account Swiftly?

  Rollins Duke
Rollins Duke   
Published: November 3rd, 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 has 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 differences 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.

Reasons to Convert Thunderbird to Outlook

  • Integration with Microsoft: If you want your emails to be accessed and integrated from any Microsoft-based software, like OneDrive or Microsoft Exchange. Then, convert emails from Thunderbird to Outlook.
  • Enhanced Security: Outlook has enhanced security patches and features like encrypted email, phishing protection, and spam filtering. This helps them provide better reliability and online protection, unlike Thunderbird.
  • Better Support and Updates: Thunderbird is an open-source software; the updates and support are done by the community and volunteers, whereas Outlook provides proper enterprise-grade support and updates by an official support team.
  • Professional Preference: Outlook and other Microsoft-based apps are more preferred in the industry. These apps have more centralized support and security enhancements for entrepreneurs and 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. 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: Add Gmail to Thunderbird

  1. Open Thunderbird and reach the menus in the top right corner
    reach menu settings
  2. Click on “create account” option>>> then “email
    add email
  3. Add “name” and “email address”, and add credentials in the browsing window.
    login details
  4. Thunderbird will configure your account, then select “IMAP” and click “continue”.
    imap settings
  5. Finally, Click “finish” and your account will add successfully.
    configuration successful

Phase 2: Add Gmail account to Outlook

  1. Open Outlook, reach “settings” from the gear icon in the top-right corner.
  2. Navigate “add account” option from the Accounts tab, then Your accounts>>> “add accounts
  3. Enter the same “Gmail ID”, you have added in Thunderbird.
  4. Your Gmail account will be added to your Outlook client successfully

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:

  1. Now you can see your configured Gmail account in Thunderbird.
  2. Right-click on your Gmail account and create a new folder.
    create new folder
  3. Give a name for the folder and hit the Create Folder button.
    name of the folder
  4. An empty folder is created in your Gmail using Thunderbird.
    folder created
  5.  Drag and drop emails into the Gmail folder you created, and your data will sync.
  6. Open Outlook to access your emails.
    open outlook

Method 2: Drag and Drop Thunderbird Emails into Outlook

This is another way to import Thunderbird to Outlook, 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 

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

Phase 2: Import EML Files to Outlook

  1. Run MS Outlook email client.
  2. Right-click on the configured account and choose the New Folder option.
  3. Give a name for the newly created folder in Outlook.
  4. Now you can see a new folder is generated in Outlook.
  5. Afterward, open a folder that has exported EML files.
  6. Drag and drop these EML files into the newly created folder.
    Read: Import EML into Outlook for more detailed instructions.

Limitations: Both are lengthy methods and require technical knowledge to complete the Thunderbird to Outlook transfer conversion process. Additionally, These methods allow transferring email from Thunderbird to Outlook from a single folder at a time.

Limitations of Both Manual Methods

  • Complexity: Both are lengthy methods and require technical knowledge to complete the Thunderbird to Outlook transfer conversion process.
  • Compatibility: If you convert Thunderbird to Outlook, some of your email items and attachments may not appear due to compatibility issues.
  • No batch conversion: These methods allow transferring email from Thunderbird to Outlook from a single folder at a time.Time-Consuming: 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. The tool also has a very simple and user-friendly interface.

Also, there is no need to install Thunderbird or any third-party utility to run the Thunderbird to Outlook migration 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.

How to Convert Thunderbird Emails to Outlook Format?

  1. Download and run the Thunderbird to Outlook converter tool on your system.
    thunderbird to outlook converter
  2. And then, select between the “Convert Emails” or “Contacts & Calendar” option.
    convert emails and contacts
  3. Now, add the profile data automatically or use dual options manually.
    choose thunderbird data
  4. After that, choose the required data from the screen and hit the Next icon.
    select next
  5. Now, select the PST option from the select saving option.
    choose pst
  6. After that, browse the destination path and hit the Next button for Thunderbird to Outlook transfer.
    convert thunderbird emails to outlook
  7. Now, the process to migrate Thunderbird emails to Outlook is running.
    migrate thunderbird to outlook pst
  8. Get the resultant file from the provided destination path.
    result pst file
  9. Lastly, start your Outlook and choose the Open Outlook Data File option. After that, navigate to the location, select output, and hit the Open button. Finally, you can view the complete mailbox of Thunderbird in the Outlook interface.
    open outlook data file

Thunderbird to Outlook Converter Features

The software provides multiple features that allow customization of the migration process. It beats industry competition 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:

  • Bulk Migration: Allows bulk import Thunderbird emails to the Outlook data file format with attachments. Also, it migrates multiple profiles from Thunderbird to Outlook at once.
  • Auto File Detection: Auto-detects Thunderbird profile and allows preview and selection for migration to Outlook directly.
  • Dual Import Selection: Provides dual options (Select Files and Select Folders) to browse Thunderbird emails for specific migration.
  • Compatibility: it runs on all OS, which boosts the versatility to import mail from Thunderbird to Outlook.
Professional Assistance: Facing any doubts while operating our tool referred to above. Opt for our migration services, where we will migrate your data on your behalf with absolute accuracy and reliability for your data. A certificate for a successful migration will also be provided as proof. Additionally, new customised features can be added as per request to our team.

FAQs

Q1. Can I transfer contacts from Thunderbird to Outlook using this solution?

Ans. Yes, of course, first export Thunderbird contacts into a 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?

Ans. 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?

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

4. Does the Thunderbird to Outlook migration tool support the latest Outlook?

Ans. Yes, BitRecover Thunderbird to Outlook transfer tool is compatible with all Outlook versions, including all the latest Outlook 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.

Need Further Support: If you have any remaining questions, feel free to contact our support team on our live chat support or email us at [email protected]. We will contact you shortly and give our best to resolve your question through a scheduled online meeting if required. Resolving your concerns is our highest priority.

Download Thunderbird Toolkit

Live Chat