How to Import OST to Thunderbird? Step-by-Step Guide

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  • Updated on May 24th, 2025

Summary: “I want to switch from MS Outlook to Mozilla Thunderbird to enhance email accessibility. As I was using Outlook for a long period of time, moving instantly is a bit challenging. Therefore, I need a method that helps meimport OST to Thunderbird without any issues. Do you know any such technique? Please guide me on this.”;

Now, we will discuss the methods to effectively help users who want to move OST files into Thunderbird. To do this task, you can choose either a manual or a professional OST to PST Converter for Mac. Besides, you must read all the approaches beforehand to avoid unnecessary hassle.

Why Import OST File to Thunderbird?

Well, there are various benefits of choosing Thunderbird as it is a free, open-source email client. Here, we will provide some common reasons for this process. 

  • Easy access to email from different platforms, including Mac, Windows, and Linux.
  • With Thunderbird, you can view or share mailbox emails in various file formats. 
  • Later, it allows users to sign in to different accounts at once. 
  • Additionally, users can keep a large number of emails as it has a huge storage space.

Import OST to Thunderbird – How to 

Read the methods to do the task efficiently and smoothly. You will get all kinds of ways, but you must choose the solution that fits appropriately to your requirements. 

#1. Manual Method: Import Outlook OST Files into Thunderbird

To perform this process, you have to save OST as PST and then move PST to the Thunderbird email client. 

Step 1: Converting OST File to PST Format

  1. Begin by launching Outlook and visiting its File option. 
  2. Later, look and opt for Open & Export and hit Import/Export.
  3. Further, pick the option: Export to a File -> Next.
  4. Then, select the option from the given list: Outlook Data File (.pst).
  5. Afterwards, select the mailbox that you want to export.
  6. Thereafter, provide the location by clicking on the Browser tab. 
  7. At the end, hit Finish to start the OST to PST conversion process. 

Step 2: Move PST Files to the Mozilla Thunderbird Email Client

  1. Now, you have to set Outlook as the default program to send and receive emails. 
  2. Then, open and visit the Menu section of Thunderbird.
  3. Thereafter, pick Tools -> Import and a window will be displayed on your desktop. 
  4. Further, click Import from Outlook and press the Continue.
  5. After that, choose the data that you want to import and tap Continue.
  6. In the end, click Start Import to move OST files to Mozilla Thunderbird.

#2. Professional Solution to Import Outlook OST Files into Thunderbird

OST to PST Converter Tool is a reliable utility for saving OST files into different file formats and email clients. Using this wizard, you will be able to view unlimited OST files hassle-free, even without Microsoft Outlook. Additionally, this helps to import OST to Thunderbird in bulk or single. In addition, it offers various excellent features such as converting OST files with no recurring emails, saving emails without attachments, and many more. Apart from this, it preserves the original folder hierarchy and gives error-free results effortlessly. 

Quick Steps to Import OST File to Thunderbird

When you go through this section, the process becomes simpler and easier. 

  1. In starting, run the OST to PST File Converter Software on your OS.
  2. Later, add the Outlook OST file for conversion via the Select Files/Select Folder tab. Tap Open.
  3. Then, expand the tree hierarchy to preview and tick to import OST files to Thunderbird. Click Next
  4. Further, select Thunderbird from the given list of email services. 
  5. Now, enter the credentials of Thunderbird to log in. Hit Sign In
  6. To start the process, you have to press the Convert button. 

Also Read: Convert OST to Text

Conclusion

Importing OST to Thunderbird can be tricky and complicated, but this blog might help you import OST to Thunderbird. You can select the best technique from the different approaches. However, you can go for the manual ways if you have time and the technical knowledge to deal with its complexity.  Otherwise, you can use the professional technique to complete this task efficiently and securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  How do I import OST to Thunderbird?

Ans: Here are the steps to do this process automatically without risk. 
1. Firstly, save OST to PST with the Import/Export Feature. 
a. Visit File Open & Export in MS Outlook.
b. Pick the Import/Export feature -> Export to a File.
c. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) to convert into PST.
d. Add the OST file and provide the location to save it on the PC. Hit Finish

2. Then, import the PST file to Thunderbird. 
a. Visit Menu (In Thunderbird) -> Tools and then Import. 
b. Select Import from Outlook and select the PST file for importing. 
c. Click Start Import.

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