How to Import EML Files into Outlook? – 4 Methods

This post will guide you, how to import EML to Outlook application? You can follow this write-up to migrate any mail clients multiple EML files into Outlook 2021 and all below versions. 4 possible solutions are explained here along with their pros and cons.

Due to the continuously increasing demand for Microsoft Outlook, users are instantaneously migrating from multiple email clients’ EML files into Outlook. With the help of Outlook, users can send/receive emails, manage calendars and contacts, etc. Nevertheless, replacing an email client with another is not that simple as each application has its own separate file format to store data.

Microsoft Outlook stores its data in PST file format. Whereas Outlook Express, WLM, Thunderbird, SeaMonkey, and Apple Mail use EML format for the same. Thus, it becomes essential to make data compatible with to target application before executing the migration process.

This article explains how to import messages from EML to Outlook along with reasons to execute such a migration. So, let’s start it out.

Table of Contents:

1. Factors That Cause the Need
2. Ways to Import EML
3. Windows Live Mail Method
4. Drag and Drop Method
5. Risk Free Method
6. Drawbacks
7. FAQs
8. Overview

Reasons to Import EML Files into Outlook

There are many aspects responsible for performing the migration of EML into Microsoft Outlook. Microsoft keeps on altering or updating its Windows-based email application, but has only one email client for MS Office that is Outlook. Apart from this, some other factors indicate the basic need to perform EML to Outlook migration:

1. Network Error: Depending upon the variety of factors, there may be some issues with the internet connection. Such problems will generate interruptions while working with applications. Migrating EML to Outlook allows users to continue the mailflow.
2. Human Fault: It is obvious that while working with one or another email application, users may alter some default settings of the email application. This could result in the occurrence of the need to import EML to Outlook if in case some error occurs due to a change in default settings.

Aside from the above-mentioned reasons to import EML into Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc., editions. It is possible that there may be some other reasons for the same. It is so because the factors are totally dependent upon email clients who automatically generate/use EML files.

Methods to Import EML into Outlook

There are different ways in which users can import EML files into Outlook applications. You can use either the free manual method or EML to Outlook Converter Software. The instructions provided here apply to only these versions of Outlook :

Outlook 2021, Outlook 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2013, Outlook 2010, and the Classic Desktop version of Outlook.

The web-based version of Outlook does not support import EML files into Outlook so you must use the Classic Outlook.

Method-1: Import EML to Outlook Using Windows Live Mail

This method only works if Windows Live Mail is downloaded and working on your computer. It does not work on Windows 11 and modern Windows systems because it was discontinued by Microsoft. Follow the guidelines mentioned below:

1. Launch both Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail applications on your local machine.
2. In WLM, click on the File tab and highlight the Export option and select the Email messages.
3. Now, choose Microsoft Exchange as the export option and hit the Next button.
4. After this, you will get a pop-up that all emails will be exported to MS Outlook/Microsoft Exchange. Click OK.
5. You can either migrate all email folders or select only the appropriate folders that you need to export using the Select folders option.
6. Then, click OK and let the export process complete successfully.
7. After prompting the Export Complete wizard and click Finish.

Method-2: Drag and Drop EML Files into Outlook

This method can be used when EML files are separately saved on the computer and no EML-supported email client is installed to access them. It is most effective for quick and limited imports as it is not suitable for large-scale migration and may not retain all the metadata. But it is mandatory to have Outlook on the local machine to perform the instructions. This way you can open EML files in Outlook.

1. Open Outlook on your computer.
2. Navigate to the location where EML files are saved and then select all EML files.
3. Drag the selected EML files and drop them into the Outlook application.

Method-3: Import EML Files into Outlook in a Risk-Free Manner

Manually importing EML to Outlook without compromising data loss is not possible. Therefore, a need for professional EML to PST Converter Software, which facilitates users to import EML into Outlook.

This is an effective way to import EML files into Outlook along with attachments in bulk. The software generates a UNICODE Outlook file. Following are the steps to import EML into Outlook:

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Step-1: – After launching the tool, explore the folder and navigate to the folder that contains EML files. The Windows Explorer view helps you to find the EML file folder easily.

Step-2: – Click on the Folder and Preview complete data in 8 different modes. If not needed then you can skip this step.

Step-3: – Click on the Save button from the menu bar for complete data conversion. You can also export only selected EML files, for this use the Save Selected button.

Step-4: – From the list, select the PST radio button and browse the location to save the exported file. After that click on the Save button.

Step-5: – Wait till the conversion process completes. After that navigate to the provided location and check the exported PST file.

Step-6: Now launch Outlook and follow File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export option and follow UI instructions.

 

Note: Now you have PST file, which you can easily import in Outlook. If you don’t know how to do this? don’t worry just read Import PST file to Outlook Guide.

You take a long breath because the important task has been completed successfully. Enjoy accessing EML files in Outlook.

Weakness of Manual Methods

1. Time-Consuming Process: Individually importing large emails to Outlook can take hours and even days as it uses intermediate formats like EML.
2. High Risk of Data Loss: Fails to protect attachments, folder structure and metadata due to interruption during transfer.
3. No Bulk Conversion Support: Requires you to drag the emails one by one so it is impractical for enterprises and for users with years of data.
4. No Automation or Support: There is no error reporting or technical support for business users and this creates a lack of reliability when EML files not opening in Outlook correctly.

Import EML into Outlook – FAQ

1. EML to Outlook conversion can be performed manually?

Yes, you can perform this conversion manually, but remember there are many dependencies on email applications.

2. Suggested Tool will Import 10000 EML Files in Outlook?

Yes, the software is capable of importing EML to Outlook in bulk mode.

3. By Using the Given Solutions Can I Import EML into Outlook 2019?

Yes, you can easily import EML into Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003.

Conclusion

While migrating emails from Thunderbird to Outlook you should handle them correctly as it does not have to be a complicated task.

Manual methods take a lot of time and errors are a common issue in them but they work for small mailboxes which are not that important. A professional MBOX to PST conversion tool is an effective way to learn how to convert EML to Outlook PSTs when data integrity and efficiency matter as it is a safe solution for bulk migration.

If you are switching to Outlook then choosing the right migration method will save you time and prevent loss which will help you in maintaining a better connection, enterprise integration and Microsoft 365 compatibility.