How to Convert EML to PST Manually
EML is a common email file format used by applications such as Windows Mail, Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, and other email programs. Microsoft Outlook, on the other hand, mainly works with PST files for storing emails and other mailbox data.
If you have a collection of EML files and want to use them in Outlook, you may need to convert them into PST format. The process can be confusing because Outlook does not always provide a direct “EML to PST” conversion button.
Fortunately, there are manual methods that can help. In this guide, we explain how to convert EML files to PST using Outlook and other available options.
What Are EML and PST Files?
An EML file normally stores an individual email message. It can contain the sender, recipient, subject, message body, attachments, and other email information.
A PST file is an Outlook Data File. It can store emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, and other Outlook items. Microsoft confirms that PST files are used to store and manage Outlook data locally.
Therefore, converting EML files to PST can be useful when moving email data into Outlook.
Can You Convert EML to PST Manually?
Yes, but the manual process is not always a direct conversion.
In many situations, you first need to bring the EML messages into an Outlook environment. Then, you can export the required Outlook data as a PST file.
This makes the process longer than simply selecting EML files and clicking a conversion button.
Microsoft's current Outlook documentation also shows that newer Outlook versions can open EML files. New Outlook supports opening EML files through drag and drop.
Method 1: Import EML Files into New Outlook
Microsoft now provides a bulk EML import feature in new Outlook for Windows.
Step 1: Prepare Your EML Files
First, place the EML files that you want to import into a single folder.
Organize them before starting. If possible, separate Inbox, Sent, and other categories into different folders.
Also create a backup. Never use your only copy for a migration.
Step 2: Open New Outlook
Launch new Outlook for Windows.
Go to:
Settings → Files → Import
Then select Start import.
Step 3: Select the EML Folder
Choose the folder containing your EML files.
Next, select the destination account and folder where you want the messages to be imported.
Finally, select Import.
Microsoft currently states that this bulk import requires an active internet connection. It also has a 14 MB size limit for individual EML files, and only top-level EML files in the selected folder are imported. Subfolders are ignored.
Method 2: Open Individual EML Files
For a small number of EML files, you can also open them individually.
New Outlook allows users to drag and drop EML files into the reading pane. You can also right-click an EML file and select Outlook as the application for opening it.
This method is practical when you have only a few emails.
However, manually processing hundreds or thousands of files can become very time-consuming.
Export the Imported Data to PST
Once your EML messages are available in an Outlook environment that supports PST export, the next step is to create the PST file.
In supported classic Outlook versions, you can use the export functionality to save Outlook mailbox data as a PST file.
A typical workflow is:
Open Outlook.
Make sure the imported emails are available.
Go to File.
Select Open & Export.
Choose Import/Export.
Select the option to export Outlook data to a file.
Choose Outlook Data File (.pst).
Select the folders you want to export.
Choose a destination for the PST.
Start the export.
The exact options can vary depending on your Outlook version.
Why Is Manual EML to PST Conversion Difficult?
Manual conversion sounds simple, but it has several limitations.
First, processing individual files takes time. Second, folder structures may not transfer exactly as expected. Third, attachments and formatting should be checked carefully.
There are also differences between classic Outlook and new Outlook. Microsoft is continuing to expand PST support in new Outlook, so available features can depend on the version you use.
For a small collection, manual processing may be acceptable. For thousands of emails, it can become inefficient.
Using Dedicated Conversion Software
If the manual process is too complicated, dedicated conversion software can simplify the job.
For example, eSoftTools Software provides an EML conversion tool designed to convert individual or multiple EML files into PST. The vendor states that its software supports batch conversion, email previews, attachments, folder selection, and date-based filtering. Its demo version allows up to 25 EML emails from each selected folder to be exported to PST.
A dedicated tool can be particularly useful when you have a large number of EML files or need to preserve an organized folder structure.
Manual vs Automated Conversion
The right method depends on your requirements.
The important point is to test the process before converting your complete email archive.
Tips Before Converting EML to PST
Create a Backup
Keep an untouched copy of the original EML files.
Check File Size
Large EML files can cause problems with certain import methods. Microsoft's current new Outlook bulk-import documentation specifies a 14 MB limit per EML file.
Test First
Convert or import a small sample before processing your complete collection.
Check Attachments
Open several converted messages and verify that PDF files, images, documents, and other attachments are accessible.
Verify Folder Structure
Make sure important folders and messages are present after migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert EML to PST without third-party software?
Yes, depending on your Outlook version, you can use Outlook's EML import capabilities and then export the resulting Outlook data to PST. However, the process may require multiple steps.
Is manual conversion suitable for thousands of EML files?
It is possible, but it can be slow and difficult to manage. A specialized conversion solution may be more practical for large collections.
Will attachments be preserved during conversion?
Attachments can be preserved when the conversion process correctly handles the complete email structure. Always test several messages and attachment types before completing a large migration.
Does new Outlook support EML files?
Yes. Microsoft currently supports opening EML files in new Outlook and also provides a bulk EML import feature. However, the bulk import has specific limitations, including a 14 MB individual EML size limit.
Conclusion
Converting EML files to PST manually is possible, but it can involve several steps. For a few emails, opening or importing EML files through Outlook may be enough. For larger collections, the process can become time-consuming.
Before starting, create a backup and test a small group of files. Check email content, attachments, dates, and folder organization after migration.
If manual conversion becomes difficult, specialized software can provide a more convenient alternative for batch processing and large EML collections.
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