How to Import PST Files into Thunderbird Profile?

author Written By Rohit Singh
author Approved By Sonika Rawat
Updated on 27th Dec 2024
Reading Time 8 minutes

Summary

Microsoft Outlook has supported multiple users in an effective email communication since long. However, organizational changes and other reasons demand users to shift from one email client to another, like Thunderbird. So, if you are finding an accurate and secure way to import PST to Thunderbird. Then the solution is right here. Go through the detailed free manual solutions as well as a professional Cigati PST Converter for best results.

What are the Ways to Convert PST to Thunderbird?

This conversion process has different solutions including both manual as well as professional ways. But, to briefly know about them, you have to read till the end. The PST files in Mozilla Thunderbird can easily be integrated across applications and can be preserved securely for a long. Moreover, users will get many customization features and increased flexibility and productivity. So, to get the advantage of the Thunderbird application and maintain PST files feasibly, let’s get started.

How to Import PST to Thunderbird Manually?

Majorly, we have two manual methods for this import. One is using the Thunderbird application and the other is using the Google Takeout service. Follow the steps below.

Method 1: Open PST File in Thunderbird

  • Firstly, set MS Outlook as the default application from the Control Panel.
  • Next, start the Thunderbird application and expand the More menu.
  • Here, select Tools > Import, and in the open dialog, pick Import from Outlook.
  • Click Continue and checkbox the PST data to import. Hit Continue.
  • Lastly, recheck the items to be imported and click Start Import.
  • Once the process is completed, press the Finish button to end.

Method 2: Import PST File to Thunderbird via Takeout

This method involves two stages to complete the process.

#Convert PST to MBOX

  • Foremost, open MS Outlook and ensure your Gmail is synced to it.
  • Create a new folder in Gmail on Outlook and copy all the data to import into it.
  • Check your Gmail to verify whether the PST data is present in it or not. If it is, then Continue.
  • Afterward, open Google Takeout and deselect all items to select only those you need to import.
  • Click Next Step and choose the file type, size, and frequency. (Take the file type as (.zip) and frequency as strongOnce.)
  • Lastly, click Create Export and wait until the process completes to receive a link on your Gmail.

#Import PST to Thunderbird

  • After receiving the link, download it to get your PST files in MBOX format to upload to Thunderbird.
  • Now, start Thunderbird , and from More, click Tools > Import > Import from a file > Continue.
  • Later, select the Import Backed up Profile option and click Continue.
  • Select the Choose a ZIP file option and pick your downloaded MBOX zip. Click Continue.
  • Subsequently, select the items to upload into the Thunderbird profile and hit Continue.
  • At last, check the items that you are importing from the selected MBOX file and press Start Import.

The process is completed and your PST files are added to Mozilla Thunderbird successfully.

Are there any Limitations to This Free Method?

Yes, these manual methods have some cons as follows:

  • The processes take a lot of time and are lengthy as well as tricky.
  • Novice users need technical assistance to execute the steps.
  • No guarantee of data security and the methods aren’t flexible.
  • Doesn’t support migrating multiple files at once and has size limits.

Thus, to avoid these and perform an import without much hassle, using an expert tool is a better option.

Which Professional Tool is Best to Import PST to Thunderbird?

Cigati PST Converter Tool is a full-fledged comprehensive solution to handle your Outlook PST file migration. Follow these steps for the conversion:

  • Start the tool, select the File or Folder option, and click Next.
  • Browse through your system to find and add the required PSTs to import.
  • Hit Next and preview the files. In addition, select folders and click Next.
  • Afterward, pick Thunderbird from the list of File Formats and apply filters.
  • The location is set by default. To change to another profile, click Path to Save.
  • At last, click Convert to import PST file into Thunderbird directly.

Why Professional Tool Must be Opted Over The Manual Methods?

The necessary reasons stating the advantages of choosing tool over free solutions are:

  • It enables to convert PST files in batches without any specific size limits.
  • Offers filters for attachments and duplicate exclusion, sorting data, etc.
  • Enables to preview message content and attachments of PST file data.
  • Can convert up to 50 emails for free and maintains the integrity of data.
  • Supports all Outlook and Windows versions, either latest or previous.

Thus, with this, the process to import PST to Thunderbird gets a lot easier, smooth, secure, and quick.