Top 2 Methods to Convert PST to EML

Written By Md Shoaib
Updated on August 12th, 2025

Barbara Martinez Query: “I switched from Outlook to Thunderbird to manage my essential emails. However, I now have a large number of PST files that I can’t open. Is there a method to convert PST to EML so I can open them in Thunderbird or other email applications? Please provide a direct method without any hassle!”

Introduction: Running into unreadable PST files after switching from Outlook to Thunderbird can be hectic. That’s exactly the issue raised in the query above, and also, many users face the same problem. Since Thunderbird doesn’t support PST files. The only way to make those emails accessible is by converting them into the EML format. In this blog, we will show you how to export PST to EML without any hassle. You can use the manual and a professional PST File Converter according to your requirements. Now, continue reading this complete blog for a 100% accurate conversion.

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Table of Contents

What Are PST and EML Files?

PST File	EML File
An Outlook data file that stores emails, contacts, calendar entries, etc.	A standard email file format that contains a single email message along with attachments.
Commonly used by Microsoft Outlook.	Besides that, open with Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail, and many others.
Purpose: Archive and manage all Outlook mailbox data.	Import/export individual emails.

Since PST files save multiple emails and data in one file. In contrast, EML files save individual email messages. Converting PST to EML means extracting each email from Outlook’s archive for use in other email apps.

Why Convert PST to EML Online?

Here are common reasons that explain the need for this conversion:

Transferring from Outlook to Thunderbird or other apps that use EML.
To save specific PST emails in a portable and accessible file format.
When you don’t have Outlook installed, but need to access emails.

Top 2 Methods to Convert Outlook PST to EML

Converting PST to EML offers flexibility if you don’t want to install Outlook on your system. Manual method and a professional CloudMigration tool provide a quick and secure way without losing email attachments. Let’s explore the top 2 methods to perform this conversion.

Method 01: Convert PST to EML Using Outlook and Thunderbird

This method works if you already have Microsoft Outlook and Thunderbird installed. Here is how you can perform it:

Firstly, open Outlook and make sure your PST files are properly loaded.
Then, install and open Thunderbird on the same system where Outlook is installed.
In Thunderbird, go to Tools and choose Import > Mail > select Outlook.
After that, Thunderbird will import your Outlook emails.
Next, select the emails or folders you want to convert.
Further, right-click and choose Save As.
In the end, choose the destination folder, and Thunderbird will save the emails as individual .eml files.

Limitations of Manually Convert PST File to EML:

Requires Outlook installed (not always possible).
Slow for large PST files or many emails.
Moreover, manual work is required for organizing.

However, you can easily avoid these limitations with the help of an alternative professional tool.

Method 02: Professional Tool to Convert PST to EML

For users who want a hassle-free, fast, and reliable solution without installing Outlook or Thunderbird, CloudMigration’s PST File Converter is a great choice. This user-friendly software handles large PST files efficiently, preserving all email content, attachments, and metadata during conversion. It supports batch processing, which makes it ideal for business or personal use. Also, it allows you to convert PST to CSV and other formats without hassle.

How to Change PST Files to EML?

Start by downloading and installing the CloudMigration PST Converter Tool.
Now, choose: Select Files or Select Folder to upload PST file >> Next.
Then, check and choose the added PST file to convert. Click Next.
After that, pick EML from the available Saving Format.
Further, use advanced features & filters as per your needs.
In the end, hit Next to complete the PST to EML conversion.

Important Note:

This tool offers a trial version to understand its features and functions.
Also, you can easily import PST to IMAP and other email clients.

Tips for Successful PST to EML Conversion

Before performing any method, manual or a professional tool. Just remind these points:

Always keep a copy before conversion.
Very large PST files may cause errors.
During conversion, close other apps to avoid conflicts.

Conclusion

The process of this conversion is essential when you are switching from Outlook to Thunderbird, that don’t support PST files. The two main ways to convert PST to EML online free. First, using the free manual method with Outlook and Thunderbird, ideal if you have both programs. Besides that, using a professional tool like CloudMigration PST File Converter, perfect for fast, reliable, and large-scale conversions without Outlook. So, choose the best method that fulfills your needs and offers you 100% accurate conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can Outlook open and use EML files?

Ans: Outlook does not natively support opening EML files directly. However, you can drag and drop EML files into Outlook folders to import them.

Q2. Which is the best tool to convert PST to EML?

Ans: The best tool depends on your needs, but CloudMigration PST File Converter stands out for its speed, accuracy, and ease of use. It supports batch conversion, preserves email integrity, and doesn’t require Outlook installation.

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.