How to Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird? Easy Way

  Rollins Duke
Rollins Duke   
Published: January 27th, 2026 • 6 Min Read

In this guide, you will explore simple and expert-tested methods to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird with clear step-by-step instructions. This article covers all the practical solutions including manual and automated to help all types of users to migrate Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird hassle-free. Read the complete guide till the end to understand which method best works for you.

Also Read: How to Migrate Windows Live Mail Contacts to Thunderbird?

Why Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird?

  • Windows Live Mail has been discontinued, so to avoid compatibility and security issues users convert WLM emails to Thunderbird.
  • Thunderbird offers advanced security, spam protection and regular updates features.
  • Accessing old emails on Windows Live Mail becomes difficult which further increases risk of losing data permanently.
  • Users can easily configure their email accounts to Thunderbird as it supports IMAP, SMTP, and SSL/TLS settings.
  • Thunderbird is an open-source desktop-based free email client with robust modern features.

How to Convert Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird? Manual Ways

Here, in this section we will discuss some reliable manual methods to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird. Follow them properly to avoid data loss or any confusion during the process.

Method 1- Drag & Drop using WLM Directory

Step 1- Export emails from Windows Live Mail

  1. Open Windows Live Mail and go to File > Export email.
  2. Choose Email messages option and select mailbox folders that you want to migrate.
  3. Browse a destination path and save your emails into EML format.

Step 2- Drag-and-Drop emails to Thunderbird

  1. Open Thunderbird and the folder in which you want to import WLM emails.
  2. Now, navigate the EML files on your system.
  3. Simply drag and drop them in the Thunderbird folder.

This is how you can access Windows Live Mail emails in Thunderbird.

Method 2- Convert Emails using Thunderbird Add-ons

Step 1- Locate Windows Live Mail Path

  1. Press Win + R key.
  2. Simply copy-paste this path: %localappdata%\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail
  3. Click OK to navigate to the location.

Step 2- Export WLM emails to Thunderbird

  1. Open Thunderbird > navigate to the main menu.
  2. Select Add ons and Themes option. Search ImportExportToolsNG and install it.
  3. Once done, reopen Thunderbird.
  4. Right-click on the folder in which you want to import Windows Live Mail emails.
  5. Select ImportExportToolsNG > Import EML Messages > All EML messages from a directory and subdirectories.
  6. Browse the path where files are saved. Select them and click Open.

That’s it, you have successfully imported Windows Live Mail messaged in Thunderbird.

Method 3- Configure Windows Live Mail Account

  1. Open Thunderbird.
  2. Go to Main menu > New Account > Email.
  3. Enter your email address and password.
  4. Follow the steps required and once it is done, wait for Thunderbird to sync data.
  5. After completion, simply drag and drop emails from WLM into Thunderbird folders.

All these methods are cost-effective or you can say free. But they require installation of both Thunderbird and Windows Live Mail accounts. Additionally, they don’t guarantee data security as well as can result in losing important metadata details and structure, especially when you’re dragging and dropping files.

Expert Solution to Export WLM emails to Thunderbird

The BitRecover Windows Live Mail Converter is specially launched to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird, an open-source email client. The software is one of the best and most sophisticated tools to export complete data of Windows Live Mail in bulk without losing any information. It supports an user-friendly interface and ensures 100% data safety even in cases when you have large volumes of data.

Download the tool now and enjoy its free demo to get fully satisfied with its features and functionality.

Download Now Purchase Now

Working Steps to Convert Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

  1. Firstly, launch the Tool.
  2. Now choose Select Files or Select Folders options to export WLM emails.

    upload Windows Mail data

  3. Preview selected emails before converting. This helps to avoid exporting unwanted files.

    folders/files to import windows live mail to thunderbird

  4. Then, pick Thunderbird as the saving format as you can see in the screenshot below.

    Thunderbird as saving format

  5. Thus, the tool automatically chooses the Thunderbird default destination path, press Next to proceed.

    destination path

  6. Finally, the Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird Export process has started.

    import windows live mail to thunderbird

  7. Now, run the Thunderbird email client for previewing the imported email messages with all attributes.

    previewing

Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird Converter Key Features

  • This application permits to transfer of Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird inclusive of emails, attachments, attributes, subjects, signatures, and other important items.
  • Allow users to browse data as per their requirements, including single as well as entire folders.
  • It is a fully automatic tool to import folders from WLM to Thunderbird’s latest and all previous editions.
  • The tool automatically generates Thunderbird SBD, MSF, MOZMSGS, WDSEML, MBOX, etc. files and folders if required.
  • WLM to Thunderbird Migration Tool is available with free & pro editions so that users can easily evaluate it before purchasing the product license keys.
  • Another key point, it automatically creates a SavingLog.txt (Log Report) file that has full important information about migrated data.

FAQs: Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

Q 1 – I am using the latest Windows Server 2022 version and I have Windows Mail profile data in raw email format. Will, your software permits to export Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird?

A – Yes, the software is compatible with all the latest Windows OS, Windows Live Mail, and Windows Mail profile data. Even WLM installation is not mandatory as the tool requires only its profile data.

Q 2 – Can I import WLM to Thunderbird’s latest version?

A – Yes, you can proudly use this tool to import WLM to Thunderbird’s latest as well as previous editions.

Q 3 – Does your software maintain the actual folder hierarchy structure, after finishing the operation?

A – Yes, Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird Converter maintains the original email folder structure.

Closing Words

After all, Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird Converter is obtainable with a free trial version to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird. The demo version is beneficial for all users as using this, they can test the software features before buying the license keys. After complete satisfaction, users can purchase its pro edition for avoiding all software limitations. So, this toolkit can be installed on all Windows OS inclusive of the latest Windows 11 or Windows Server 2022.


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