How to Download Gmail Folder to Desktop?
Jackson Strong | June 27th, 2025 | Data Backup, Gmail
Quick Summary: Do you want to download Gmail folder to desktop for backup or offline access? In this guide, you’ll learn two simple ways to save Gmail folder to desktop: a free manual method and an automatic solution. Whether you’re saving a few emails or your entire mailbox, these steps will help you do it easily.
Why Download Gmail Folder to Desktop?
People often look for a way to save Gmail folder to desktop. Some of the major reasons are;
- To create Gmail backup for safety.
- Transfer Gmail emails to Outlook, Thunderbird, or any other email program.
- Keep a local copy for legal, work, or personal use.
- Free up Gmail storage space.
No, let’s move on to the solutions to download Gmail folder to desktop easily.
How to Save Gmail Folder to Desktop for Free?
You can use Gmail’s built-in tool to backup Gmail emails to PC. Follow the steps carefully to export Gmail inbox and other folders.
Step 1. Log in to your Google account and go to your profile.
Step 2. In the left pane, select the Data & Personalization tab.
Step 3. Select Deselect All from the Select data to include the menu.
Step 4. Select Mail from the drop-down menu and then click Include all Mail data.
Step 5. Choose the folder containing the data you wish to export and then select OK.
Step 6. Select the data you wish to download and press Next.
Step 7. Choose the appropriate option such as the Send download link via Email option.
Step 8. To save the archive file to your computer’s desktop choose either a.zip or.tgz file format.
Step 9. Select the size of the archive file and press the Create Export button.
Step 10. In the Manage your Exports tab, Click the Download button.
Note: Google will prepare your data. This can take a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size of your mailbox. You’ll get an email with a download link. Once downloaded, you’ll see your emails saved as an MBOX file. To open MBOX file, you need a compatible email app, like Thunderbird.
How to Download Gmail Mailbox Folders to Desktop Automatically?
The Advik Gmail Backup Tool is an easy-to-use software that helps you quickly download Gmail folder to desktop in bulk while keeping the original folder structure and attachments intact. It lets you save your emails in over 30 different formats so that you can download your data as per your need. The tool also offers advanced filters to export only specific emails by date, sender, or subject, and includes options to name your files for better organization.
To check its working procedure, just tap on the FREE download button.
Steps to Download Gmail Folder to Desktop
Step 1. Run the software and sign in.
Step 2. Choose the required Gmail folders.
Step 3. Select the saving option from the menu.
Step 4. Select the target location and click the Backup button.
Done!! Go to the chosen location and open the exported files easily.
Why Choose Software over Manual Methods?
The manual technique enables one-by-one saving, so it takes a long time. The tool can download multiple Gmail folders with attachments at once. Also, it offers many benefits that you must check.
- Multiple Saving Formats: This software enables you to export Gmail to MBOX, PST, EML, PDF, MSG, HTML, DOC, and more.
- Advanced Email Filters: Apply filters such as date range, sender, recipient, subject keywords, and exclude or include attachments to download only the emails you need.
- Email Migration: Easily migrate Gmail emails to Office 365, Exchange Server, Yahoo Mail, GMX, iCloud, Zoho Mail, and many other webmail services without additional configuration.
- Bulk Data Conversion: Export data from single or multiple Gmail accounts simultaneously without any file size limitation or restriction.
- File Naming Option: Rename exported email files using custom naming conventions like Date, Subject, To, From, or a combination for better organization.
- Maintain Folder Hierarchy: Keeps your original mailbox folder and subfolder structure intact, so nothing gets mixed up or misplaced.
- Preserve Email Properties: Retains email metadata such as read/unread status, timestamps, inline images, hyperlinks, and attachments without alteration.
- Preview Before Export: View email content inside the software interface before downloading, so you know exactly what you’re exporting.
- Supports All Windows Versions: Fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and older editions, ensuring smooth performance on any system.
- Secure Login with OAuth 2.0: Uses secure Google OAuth authentication, so your credentials remain safe and are never stored by the software.
- Free Demo Version: Try the tool for free to export a limited number of emails and test all premium features before purchasing.
Final Words
We hope this guide helps you learn how to download Gmail folder to desktop. If you only need to save a complete folder and are okay with using Google Takeout, it’s a free and simple option. But if you want more control over file formats and folders or need a faster bulk export, the Advik Tool is the best choice.