How to Import MBOX to Outlook Easily (2025 Updated Guide)

Christopher Plummer | September 1st, 2025 | Import Emails

If you recently switched from an email app that uses MBOX files and want to open your old emails in Microsoft Outlook, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll show you three easy and reliable ways to import MBOX to Outlook. Read the full blog to discover the best solution for your needs.

Before moving ahead, the most important thing you must know is that Outlook doesn’t support MBOX files natively, which can make this process tricky. But don’t worry, this guide will show you three practical methods to open your MBOX emails in Outlook, including free manual ways and a faster automated solution.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to import MBOX to Outlook safely, without losing emails, attachments, or metadata.

Why You Can’t Open MBOX File in Outlook Directly

MBOX is a standard file format used by many email apps to store messages. However, Microsoft Outlook uses PST/OST files for email storage. Because of this difference, you can’t simply double-click an MBOX file in Outlook.

This limitation is why users often look for ways to:

Transfer emails from Thunderbird or Apple Mail to Outlook

Move old MBOX archives into their Office 365 or Outlook account

Ensure no emails, attachments, or metadata are lost during the migration

How to Import MBOX to Outlook Using Thunderbird Client?

This method uses Thunderbird as a bridge to convert MBOX files into a format Outlook can read.

Steps:

  1. Install Mozilla Thunderbird on your PC.
  2. Create a new folder in Thunderbird where you’ll save emails to import.
  3. Drag your MBOX messages into the new folder.
  4. Go to Tools → ImportExportTools NG → Import MBOX file, and select the MBOX files.
  5. Once imported, right-click the folder → Export all messages in EML format.
  6. Save the EML files to a location on your computer.
  7. Open Outlook and drag-and-drop the EML files into a local folder.

Limitations of this method:

  • Time-consuming and technical for beginners
  • Cannot import multiple MBOX files at once
  • Risk of misplacing emails or attachments

How to Transfer MBOX File to Outlook Using IMAP?

This method syncs emails via your IMAP email account, allowing Outlook to access MBOX messages.

Before proceeding with this method, import MBOX to Thunderbird email client.

  1. Configure an IMAP email account in Thunderbird.
  2. Import your MBOX file into Thunderbird as explained above.
  3. Right-click imported emails → Move To → Your IMAP email account.
  4. Open Outlook and add the same IMAP account (File → Add Account).
  5. Wait for Outlook to sync with the IMAP server—your MBOX emails will appear in Outlook.

Limitations:

  • Requires IMAP configuration and email credentials
  • Cannot handle very large MBOX files efficiently
  • May take hours for syncing, depending on the file size

How to Migrate MBOX to Outlook Automatically?

If you have multiple MBOX files, large archives, or want a faster and error-free solution, an automated tool is the best choice.

Advik MBOX Converter allows you to convert MBOX to PST format, compatible with all Outlook versions. It supports batch import, preserves folder hierarchy, keeps attachments intact, and even repairs corrupted MBOX files.

Click on the free download button and check it’s working steps.

Steps to Import MBOX to Outlook Mail

Step 1. Run the suggested utility on your PC.

run the automated tool

Step 2. Click Select File or Folders to add an MBOX file.

choose mbox files

Step 3. Select the required MBOX email folders from the preview.

select mbox folders

Step 4. Now, choose PST as a saving option from the list.

select PST

Step 5. Browse a destination path and press the Convert button.

click convert button to import mbox to outlook

After conversion, open Outlook → File → Open & Export → Import/Export, and select the PST file. Your emails will appear in Outlook with all attachments and metadata intact.

read mbox file in outlook 2021

This is how you can import MBOX file to Outlook Windows automatically. No data loss will take place during the entire process.

Watch How to Open MBOX File in Outlook

Why Automated Solutions Are Better Than Manual Methods

For importing MBOX to Outlook, manual methods can work for small or occasional conversions, but they have several limitations:

  • Time-Consuming: Manual steps like importing into Thunderbird, exporting to EML, and then importing into Outlook can take hours, especially with large MBOX files.
  • Error-Prone: It’s easy to make mistakes, accidentally overwrite emails, or lose attachments.
  • Limited Functionality: Manual methods often lack advanced features such as selective email export or filtering.
  • Compatibility Issues: Older or corrupted MBOX files may not work properly with manual approaches.
  • Lack of Support: Manual procedures don’t offer technical help if something goes wrong.
  • Inefficiency: Large MBOX files or frequent conversions make manual processes tedious.

For these reasons, using a professional automated tool is often recommended.

Features and Benefits of Automated Software

  • Open MBOX Files in Outlook: Import emails along with attachments, subject lines, sender/receiver info, and other metadata.
  • Bulk Import: Migrate multiple MBOX files at once, saving time and effort.
  • Repair Corrupted MBOX Files: Fix damaged MBOX files before importing to Outlook.
  • Advanced Filters: Import emails selectively based on date, sender, subject, or folder.
  • Wide Compatibility: Supports all versions of Windows and Outlook PST files.
  • Free Trial: Test the tool with a demo version that allows importing 25 emails per folder.

Conclusion

If you need to import MBOX to Outlook, you have three options. Manual methods work for small files but are slow and technical. For faster, reliable, and bulk migration, using an automated tool like Advik MBOX Converter is the recommended approach.

With the right method, you can open your old MBOX emails in Outlook safely, efficiently, and without data loss.

Frequently Asked Questions with Answers

Q 1. What should I do if my MBOX file is corrupted and I can’t import it into Outlook?

Ans. If your MBOX file is corrupted, you might face issues during the import process. You can try the MBOX repair tool before attempting the import.

Q 2. Can I import MBOX to Outlook for free?

Ans. Yes, the manual method is 100% free to transfer MBOX to Outlook email client.

Q 3. Does Outlook provide a built-in option to import MBOX files?

Ans. No, Microsoft Outlook does not have a built-in feature to import MBOX files. You need to use a third-party converter or an IMAP-based method to transfer MBOX emails into Outlook.