Which Method Fits Your EML Files?
An EML file holds one email message. Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird and other email clients save mail in this format.
| Method | Format | Cost | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drag and drop | EML | Free | A few files |
| Thunderbird IMAP | EML | Free | Users with an IMAP mailbox |
| EML Converter | EML to PST | Paid after demo | Large folders and folder structure |
Can You Drag the Files Into a Folder?
Method #1: Drag and Drop (Free)
Who it suits. Users who import EML files in small numbers. Extra application. None.
- Start Outlook and select the mail folder that should receive the messages.
- Open the folder with the EML files in File Explorer.
- Select the files and drag them onto the Outlook folder.
- Open the folder and confirm the messages and attachments.
Test with three files first. Large batches take time. The method carries no folder structure when you import EML files this way.
Can Thunderbird Move EML Files Into an Outlook Mailbox?
Method #2: Thunderbird IMAP Route (Free)
Who it suits. Users with a mailbox that accepts IMAP. Extra application. Thunderbird.
- Start Thunderbird and drag the EML files into a local folder.
- Add your mailbox to Thunderbird as an IMAP account.
- Select the messages, open the context menu and select Copy To, then select a folder under the IMAP account.
- Wait for the sync, then open the mailbox.
The Thunderbird route needs two email clients and a working IMAP account. Large folders sync slowly, so import EML files in groups.
How does an EML Converter Import Files Into Outlook?
Method #3: EML Converter (Paid After Demo)
Who it suits. Users who must import EML files from large or nested folders. Extra application. EML Converter.
EML Converter exports EML files as PST, MSG, MBOX, EMLX and EML. The vendor page lists batch conversion, a date range filter and a preview before export. The converter preserves headers, attachments, inline images and folder structure.
- Start the software and add the folder with the EML files.
- Preview the messages in the panel.
- Select PST as the saving format.
- Set the destination and select Export.
The Windows demo converts 10 items per folder. The vendor lists Outlook 2000 through 2021.
How do You Bring the PST File Into Outlook?
- In classic Outlook select File, then Open & Export, then Import/Export.
- Select Import from another program or file and select Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst), then browse to the file.
- Select the folder and select Finish.
Microsoft documents the same wizard for classic Outlook. The new Outlook for Windows lists PST import under Settings and Files in its release notes.
Where Else do EML Files Go?
- Microsoft 365 users can read how to move EML files to Microsoft 365.
- Mac users can see how to import EML files into Apple Mail.
- Users who want a PST without the converter can try the manual EML to PST steps.
- Compare options in the EML converter guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Import EML Files Into Outlook?
Drag the files onto an Outlook folder or convert them to PST and import the PST file.
Can You Import Many EML Files at Once?
Yes. Select a group of files and drag them in. A converter handles batch conversion.
Which Outlook Versions Work With the EML Converter?
The vendor page lists Outlook 2000, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2021.
Does the Converter Preserve Attachments and Headers?
Yes. The vendor page states that it preserves headers, attachments, inline images and folder structure.
How Many Files does the Demo Convert?
The Windows demo converts 10 items per folder.
Can You Import PST Files Into the New Outlook?
Microsoft release notes list PST import under Settings and Files in the new Outlook for Windows.
Do You Need Outlook Installed to Convert EML Files?
No. The vendor states that the Windows version needs no extra software.
Author's Verdict
Drag and drop suits a handful of EML files. Large folders need a converter that saves PST.
Test with a small set of files first and confirm the attachments.
Key Takeaways
- An EML file holds one email message.
- The converter saves PST files with the folder structure.
- Import the PST through the Import and Export wizard.
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