How to Import MBOX Emails to Windows Live Mail? Easy Methods

User Query:

“I have around 50 GB of MBOX files that I need in my legacy Windows Mail account. But I don’t know how to convert MBOX to Windows Live Mail without affecting the structure and email content. Do you have any effective ways that can help with this transfer without any hassle?”

-Charlotte Salvatore

Summary: The transfer of email clients is more complicated than it seems, especially if the file types differ. One of the difficulties users face is to import MBOX emails to Windows Live Mail since MBOX files are not supported by Windows Mail. Knowing that MBOX works well with clients such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, or Eudora, accessing them in Windows Live Mail requires some work. This guide discusses a manual way and a professional MBOX Converter. It allows you to import or export the MBOX data as EML messages without losing attachments or metadata.

Need to Import MBOX to Windows Live Mail

Windows Live Mail is an email client for Windows users and was developed with Microsoft’s support. It supports EML files and not MBOX files, which means direct import is not possible without conversion. There are some common scenarios in which users need to perform this migration:

  • Transitioning from macOS or Linux-based clients (think Thunderbird, Apple Mail)
  • Merging many different mailbox archives in a Windows environment.
  • Sharing archived MBOX emails with a Windows Mail user.
  • To access old email data, especially when changing systems.
  • Access email offline with a proper backup, ensuring full data security and no loss.

Thus, the general process is really to convert MBOX files to EML and import EML messages into Windows Mail. To check out how to do this, continue to the step-by-step methods provided below.

Small-Scale Import MBOX Emails to Windows Live Mail

Emails in MBOX format can be imported manually using Mozilla Thunderbird as an intermediary, which is a technically sound procedure. But it does involve some manual effort to execute it correctly. The steps are as follows:

Step 1: Install and Configure Thunderbird

  1. Download and install Mozilla Thunderbird on your Windows.
  2. Then, set up a dummy account (or don’t sign in if you are using it locally).

Step 2: Import MBOX into Thunderbird

  1. Navigate to Menu >> Add-ons and Themes.
  2. Then, search for ImportExportTools NG and install it.
  3. Once installation is complete, right-click on “Local Folders”.
  4. Afterward, select ImportExportTools NG >> Import MBOX file >> Import directly one or more files.
  5. Lastly, locate and open your .mbox. All your emails are now within Thunderbird.

Step 3: Export Your Email to EML

  1. Select all MBOX files with the keys (Ctrl + A).
  2. Next, right-click ImportExportTools NG>> Export Folder >> EML Format.
  3. Designate a path to save the .eml files. In the end, tap Save.

Step 4: Convert MBOX Files to Windows Live Mail

  1. Now, open Windows Live Mail on your Windows OS.
  2. After that, move to File >> Import Messages >> Windows Live Mail.
  3. Locate the folder where the .eml files are saved and select it.
  4. Finally, click Next >> Import to complete the mailbox transfer.

Note: This method is quite lengthy and indirect. Also, it requires multiple applications and technical expertise. Moreover, it doesn’t support very large MBOX files (10 GB+) and sometimes may even lead to missing attachments or lost data.

Large-Scale Import MBOX Emails to Windows Live Mail

To ensure a faster, error-free, smooth, and secure import of MBOX data, use the dedicated MacSonik MBOX Converter Tool. It allows you to bulk save MBOX files in EML format or directly export to Windows Live Mail via IMAP protocol. Additionally, it maintains original folder hierarchy, retains the content, and ensures 100% accuracy during data transfers. Moreover, it works for all Mac OS versions and supports MBOX files from all email clients.

Besides this, it offers a user-friendly GUI that any non-technical user can handle to perform the MBOX transfers. For cloud-based solutions, you can also check out how to import MBOX file into Gmail.

Importing MBOX to Windows Live Mail in 05 Easy Steps

  1. Launch the MBOX Exporter and add your desired files to it.
  2. Then, click Next once the files are loaded and preview them.
  3. Select those to import and click Next. Choose IMAP from the saving options.
  4. Further, enter the credentials of Windows Live Mail and sign in.
  5. Finally, apply the filters and tap Convert to complete the import.

This is the easiest way for you to access MBOX files in WLM directly.

Pro Tip: If needed, you can use it to directly save MBOX files in bulk as EML and later import EML to Windows Live Mail yourself.

Conclusion

Import MBOX emails to Windows Live Mail may seem tricky at first, but if you know what you’re doing, you can do it accurately and smoothly. If the data sets are minor, you can follow the manual process with Thunderbird. However, for businesses or more advanced users, it may be beneficial to use an automated MBOX to Windows Mail Converter, which allows for the migration of email messages with attachments and folder hierarchy altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I Import MBOX Emails to Windows Live Mail on Windows?

Ans. You can manually take your MBOX files to Thunderbird, export as EML files, and then import to Windows Live Mail. Otherwise, the excellent option is to use an automated MBOX File Converter.

Q2. Can I transfer MBOX files to Windows Live Mail with Attachments?

Ans. With a professional MBOX to Windows Live Mail Exporter, yes. All attachments, inline images, and formatting are maintained with this process in the original format.

Q3. Which is the best method to convert MBOX to Windows Mail?

Ans. For larger amounts of data, or if you have multiple MBOX files to import, a dedicated MBOX Exporter is most efficient and reliable. The steps are limited and no loss occurs during the transfer.

About The Author:

I, Simran Bhatia am a Technical Content Writer specializing in data management, email migration, and data recovery IT solutions. My focus is on simplifying complex processes into clear, practical guides that combine technical accuracy with real-world value for IT admins, decision-makers, and everyday users. For me, writing is not just about explaining technology, it’s about making it accessible, reliable, and valuable for readers.

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