How to Export Thunderbird to a PST File? Simple Guide

Written By Adom James
Updated on October 11th, 2025

Eliza’s Query: I have been using Thunderbird for a long time, but now my company is moving to MS Outlook. Therefore, now I need to convert Thunderbird to PST for Outlook. What is the easiest way to do this without losing my data?”

Introduction: Mozilla Thunderbird is a popular open-source email client used for managing emails. However, as businesses adopt MS Outlook for its advanced features, users export Thunderbird to PST. Since Thunderbird saves its data in MBOX format, and Outlook supports PST format. However, direct conversion isn’t possible manually. In this guide, we’ll explain the manual and CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool

Table of Contents

Real-Life Scenario:

Consider a small IT firm that uses Thunderbird for internal communication. Therefore, the management shifted to MS Outlook for better security. The team needed to export Thunderbird emails to PST. However, manually exporting each mailbox is time-consuming, prompting them to explore a more reliable automated approach.

Easy Procedure to Migrate Thunderbird to PST

Download & Install the CloudMigration Thunderbird backup Tool.
Select the Thunderbird Profile.
Preview the data.
Save the Thunderbird in PST format.
Apply the filters (if needed) → Convert.

Quick Solutions:

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Export Thunderbird to PST: What Makes This Essential?

Most businesses depend on MS Outlook as their primary email client for communication.
Therefore, Outlook merges effortlessly with MS Office and Exchange Server.
PST files provide enhanced data encryption and backup options.
Moreover, users can manage multiple accounts and calendars in one place.
Also, Outlook offers access to emails via web, desktop, and mobile.

Note: This conversion seamlessly allows users to migrate email from Thunderbird to Office 365.

How to Convert Thunderbird Emails to PST Manually?

Since Thunderbird and Outlook support different file formats. Therefore, the manual method requires an intermediary process involving IMAP configuration.

Moreover, the manual method is easy to use, but it comes with several challenges.

The following are the steps to export Thunderbird to PST:

Firstly, set up a Gmail account in Thunderbird → Copy Thunderbird email folders.
After that, let the connection complete to upload all emails to the IMAP server.
Now, add the same IMAP account to MS Outlook.
Lastly, use the Import/Export option to export them as a PST file.

Pitfalls to Convert Thunderbird to PST:

Firstly, the process is lengthy and it requires technical skills.
Therefore, internet connectivity is essential for connecting to emails.
There is a risk of email mismatch or losing attachments or losing data.
Also, this method is not suitable for multiple or large mailbox migration.

Advanced Solution: Using Thunderbirds to PST Converter

To simplify the process, users can opt for the CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool, that directly converts without installing Outlook. Therefore, this tool ensures complete data, including emails, attachments, and metadata. Moreover, it supports the users to convert Thunderbird Email to PDF and other file formats as well. Also, this conversion guarantees to save time and effort.

One-Time Service Option
For users who prefer professional assistance, CloudMigration offers a one-time export service. The team ensures that all emails are securely exported to PST format without data loss.

Here’s the step-by-step guide to export Thunderbird to PST:

Firstly, download and install the CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool.
After that, select the Thunderbird profile → Next.
Further, expand the tree structure → Preview the data → Next.
Subsequently, save the Thunderbird in PST format.
Lastly, apply the additional filters (if needed) → Convert to begin with the process.

Tool Highlights to Export Thunderbird Emails to PST:

Firstly, it directly migrate Thunderbird to Google Workspace and other email clients.
Therefore, maintains complete email structure, attachments, and metadata.
Also, offers batch migration of multiple Thunderbird profiles.
Moreover, this tool provides a built-in filter to export selective emails.
This software supports all versions of Thunderbird and MS Outlook.
It works smoothly on Windows and macOS systems.

Conclusion

In short, exporting Thunderbird manually can be complex, especially for large mailboxes. Therefore, the Thunderbird Backup Tool provides an accurate solution to export Thunderbird to PST. Whether you’re switching platforms or need a backup, this tool guarantees seamless migration without any loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the easiest way to convert Thunderbird to PST?

Ans. The easiest and most secure method is by using the CloudMigration Thunderbird Backup Tool, which directly convert Thunderbird emails to PST without installing Microsoft Outlook.

Q2. Can I transfer contacts from Thunderbird to PST?

Ans. Yes. The automated tool supports exporting of not only emails but also contacts, calendars, formatting, and attachments from Thunderbird to PST.

Q3. Can I directly export Thunderbird emails to PST?

Ans. Yes, using the efficient Thunderbird Backup Tool, you can directly convert Thunderbird emails to PST without manually setting up an IMAP account.

Q4. Why would I want to export Thunderbird to PST?

Ans. Exporting Thunderbird to PST allows users to access their emails in Microsoft Outlook,. This offers better integration and high security for business and personal communication.

About The Author:

Adom James

I’m Adom james, a skilled content strategist with a focus on technical writing. With in-depth knowledge in Email Backup, Data Recovery, and Email Migration, I specialize in providing expert solutions and addressing technical challenges for both individuals and businesses, especially in the areas of Cloud Backup and seamless email transitions.