How to Import PST File to Thunderbird in 2024?

Jackson Strong | February 11th, 2024 | Mozilla Thunderbird

Learn the step-by-step instructions to import PST to Thunderbird without Outlook. This article will discuss two approaches to open PST file in Thunderbird.

PST file format origin is from Microsoft Outlook. This file format includes emails, folders, contacts, notes, etc. People usually export data from Outlook to .pst file format as a backup file. On, the other hand Mozilla Thunderbird is a different email platform with different database file type.

How to Open PST File in Thunderbird?

This loophole is tested with the Thunderbird 92.0 version. You have to import PST file in MS Outlook via Import/Export Option. After that, follow the below step-by-step guide to import emails from Outlook to Thunderbird client.

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Programs>>Default Programs>>Set your default programs.
    open pst in thunderbird
  2. Select Outlook and click Set this program as default and hit OK.
    import pst in thunderbird
  3. Open Thunderbird and click Thunderbird menu.
    import pst in thunderbird
  4. Go to Tools>>Import.
    import pst file in thunderbird
  5. Choose Mail and click Next.
    import Outlook data in thunderbird
  6. Choose Outlook and click Next.
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  7. Click Finish and let the Thunderbird import Outlook PST data.

Please Note: This solution may not work in Thunderbird 115 edition. Also, it requires full version of MS Outlook installation. This is because in trial edition of MS Outlook, import export option is greyed out.

How to Import PST to Thunderbird Automatically?

Download and install the Advik PST File Converter in your Windows computer. It allows you to copy emails from .pst file to the Thunderbird client. The software will import PST to Thunderbird without Outlook. The software will also maintain folder and sub-folder structure and email attributes as well. Thus no data loss or modification would take place.

Steps to Import PST to Thunderbird Without Outlook

  1. Launch software on your Windows PC.
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  2. Click Select File(s) and add .pst file.
    convert pst to thunderbird
  3. Choose Thunderbird as a saving option.
    convert pst to thunderbird
  4. Click Convert and analyze the process.
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Now, sit back and relax! The software will start copying emails from PST to Thunderbird. The software will also helps in other scenarios as well. Below are the few highlights of the software.

  • Batch import PST files to Thunderbird application
  • Option to select single and multiple mailboxes for transferring
  • Apply email filters to export only selected emails
  • Options to Convert PST to MBOX, PDF, EML, MSG and 15+ file formats
  • No MS Outlook installation is required

Watch How to Transfer PST File to Thunderbird.

Final Ending

After knowing the fact that Mozilla Thunderbird does not have the option to import PST files, we found a loophole. The manual trick is 100% workable in the older version of Thunderbird. It may or may not work in the latest edition due to various technical changes. If it does, then it’s great. If it doesn’t you can opt the professional automated software. You will be able to save your manual efforts, and time and get the results 100% accurately.