Home » MS Outlook » How to Import OST file in Thunderbird? Best Technique

Trying to transfer mail folders from Outlook data file OST to Mozilla Thunderbird email client? If yes, then you can stop your search now because you will find your solution right here. In this article, we will explain “How to import OST file into Thunderbird with easy steps?”. Let’s start…

MS Outlook and Thunderbird are two different email clients that users use to manage their email profiles. MS Outlook is developed and distributed by “Microsoft” brand, Thunderbird on the other hand is offered by “Mozilla Corporation”.

Both of these applications perform similar tasks with email profiles like sharing emails, managing contacts/calendars, creating notes, etc. These applications take each task and save it as a local copy on the user’s drive.

Outlook uses OST files in which it stores all user profile data – including mail folders, contacts, calendars, and other items. Thunderbird, on the other hand, uses different files to save each type of item.

In some cases, Outlook users need to add OST files to Thunderbird. The main reason for this is the moving of the mail folder. However, users are unable to do so because they do not know how to do it.

Also Read: – How to Import EML files to Thunderbird directly?

Why Migrate Mail folders from Outlook OST to Thunderbird?

  • Switching Email Client: – Users migrate from Outlook to Thunderbird due to its cost-effectiveness or some other reasons. When switching to Thunderbird, users also need to import their old Outlook profile’s mail folders from OST files.
  • Re-using Orphaned OST files: – If you’ve used Outlook before and have your email data in some orphan OST files, you’re now using Thunderbird. In this case, you may need to Import OST in Thunderbird to read and use that email data.

Users Query


I have both Thunderbird and Outlook applications installed on my computer. I mainly use MS Outlook for email, but right now I’m having trouble getting it to run. I have some important emails inside the OST file, but I can’t open them in Outlook, so I might want to use them in Thunderbird. Please, let me know of any solution to access these OST files inside Thunderbird.

Automated Method to Import OST in Thunderbird


There is no direct option available in Thunderbird to import OST files, but users can still add mail folders to Thunderbird from OST files. The solution that will help users in doing that is Enstella OST Converter Software.

This tool is specifically designed to help you switch from Outlook to different email platforms. Safe and straightforward, this tool will import all or specific mail folders from OST files to Thunderbird profile. It automatically detects the Thunderbird storage space and imports all the user’s selected OST files from the Mail folder to Thunderbird.

How to use Enstella OST to Thunderbird importer software?

Apply the following steps to import emails from OST files to Thunderbird profile: –

  • Download and Run OST Converter software on your Windows PC.
  • Press the Select OST button and choose a file conversion mode: –
    • Single OST File Conversion: – Import one OST file for conversion.
    • Bulk OST File Conversion: -Add multiple OST files at once.
  • Choose the mode of adding OST files into the software and click on Next.
  • Add OST files from which you want to export emails and press the Start Scanning button.
  • Load Mail folders and other data from OST files into the software.
  • See/Read emails, choose required folders, and press the Save OST button.
  • Select “Export to Thunderbird” from the available conversion options.
  • Use the mail filtering function for transferring emails of a specific date range.
  • Finally, press the Convert button and start the OST email to Thunderbird import process.

Conclusion

Importing OST files into Thunderbird can be difficult due to the lack of direct support for OST files. Therefore, the best technique available to transfer data from Outlook OST files to Thunderbird directly is the use of automated third-party tools. With the above article, we have explained everything you need to know for OST to Thunderbird migration. Simply use the method above and transfer mail folders from OST to Thunderbird email profile.