Top 2 Methods to Export Office 365 Emails to EML Format

Written By Md Shoaib
Updated on December 27th, 2025

Miller’s Issue: “How can I export Office 365 Emails to EML while keeping folders and attachments intact?”

Introduction: Office 365 is a widely used cloud-based email platform in professional environments. However, many users need to change to EML for email backup, legal compliance, forensic analysis, etc. Unfortunately, Office 365 does not provide a direct option to export. Manual methods are available. But they are often complex, time-consuming, and limited in functionality. Still, this guide explains the manual approach to export Emails from Office 365 to EML. Also, explains how to use a professional CloudMigration Office 365 Backup Tool securely and without data loss.

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Table of Contents

Understanding Office 365 vs EML Format

Before deep diving into the migration, the user must understand Office 365 and the EML format.

Features	Office 365	EML Format
Data Type	Cloud-based mailbox	Individual email file
Accessibility	Requires internet access	Accessible offline
Email Structure	Stored in the server mailbox	Each email is saved separately
Portability	Platform-dependent	Highly portable
Best Use Case	Business communication	Backup, migration, archiving

Why Export Office 365 Emails to EML?

Here are some common reasons to choose the EML format over Office 365:

To create an offline backup of Office 365 emails.
Migrating emails to EML-supported email clients.
Preserves emails for legal or compliance purposes.
Sharing individual emails easily.
Also, to avoid Office 365 subscription dependency.

Manual Method to Convert Office 365 Email to EML

If you don’t want to install the software, users can attempt a manual conversion using email clients. However, this approach comes with several limitations and is suitable only for small mailboxes.

Step-by-Step Process to Follow the Manual Guide

Step 1. Configure Office 365 in an Email Client

Firstly, open Thunderbird or another EML–supported email client.
Add Office 365 account using IMAP credentials.

Step 2. Download Emails Locally

Now, allow mailbox folders to sync completely.
Select the emails you want to export.

Step 3. Save Emails as EML

Lastly, drag and drop selected emails to a local folder.
Emails will be saved in EML format.

Disadvantages of the Manual Method: Export Office 365 Emails to EML

This process is not suitable for large mailboxes.
It requires manual email selection.
There are no bulk or selective filters.
Folder hierarchy may not be preserved properly.
The manual method has a risk of data loss during synchronization.
Moreover, it is time-consuming and error-prone.

Automated Approach to Export Office 365 to EML

The CloudMigration Office 365 Backup Tool provides a reliable and automated way. This tool directly migrate Office 365 Email to Gmail and other supported email platforms. It ensures complete data accuracy while preserving email properties and attachments. The tool eliminates the need for email client configuration. Additionally, it supports multiple conversions with advanced filtering options.

One-Time Backup Service Available

For users who prefer not to handle the export process themselves, a One-Time Backup Service is available. Migration experts securely export Office 365 Emails to EML. Moreover, delivers them without downtime or data loss.

Verified Guide to Use the CloudMigration Software

Firstly, launch the CloudMigration Office 365 Backup Utility and click Backup to proceed.

Now, sign in using the Office 365 account credentials.

After that, select the mailbox ID via which you want to back up the files and click Next.

Further, expand the data structure and tap Next to move ahead.

Finally, choose EML as the saving file format, apply the filters, and click Backup to start the process.

Why Choose This Tool to Export Office 365 Emails to EML?

The tool export Office 365 to MBOX and more.
Preserves folder hierarchy and attachments intact.
It supports bulk and selective export.
This software generates detailed export reports.
Compatible with all previous and latest versions of Windows.
Additionally, it has a user-friendly interface for all users.

Explore More: You can also check our reference guide on how to migrate Office 365 to Yahoo Mail.

Real-Life Example
A legal consultant needed to preserve Office 365 emails as individual files for case documentation. Since EML is widely accepted for legal review, he used an automated Office 365 backup to export Microsoft 365 Emails to EML with complete metadata and attachments. The entire mailbox was exported in one go without errors.

Conclusion

To conclude, exporting Office 365 emails to EML format is essential for backup and compliance needs. While manual methods work only for limited data, they are not reliable for large mailboxes. For a fast, secure, and accurate export, using a professional Office 365 backup tool is the best approach to export Office 365 Emails to EML. It ensures data integrity, saves time, and eliminates technical complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I export all emails from Office 365 at once?

Ans. Yes, you can save all emails at once using a professional Office 365 backup tool. The manual methods are limited and not suitable for exporting large mailboxes in one go.

Q2. Is there a free way to export Office 365 emails to EML?

Ans. There is no direct free option provided by Microsoft to save Outlook 365 Emails as EML. Free manual methods exist, but they are time-consuming, limited, and not reliable for bulk exports.

Q3. How can I export Office 365 emails to EML quickly?

Ans. The fastest way is to use an automated CloudMigration Office 365 backup tool. This allows bulk export, preserves email properties, and avoids manual configuration.

Q4. Does exporting to EML affect my Office 365 mailbox?

Ans. No, exporting emails to EML does not alter or delete data from your Office 365 mailbox. The process only creates a copy of your emails for backup or migration purposes.

About The Author:

Md Shoaib

Hi, I’m Md Shoaib! I enjoy writing about technologies and helping my readers with their queries, and I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and grow. Professionally, I work as a Digital Marketer, where I specialize in SEO and Copywriting.