Top 2 Methods to Convert PST to EML file- 2025

Summary: An IT admin wants to record his Outlook emails in a format that can be easily opened without Microsoft Outlook. To resolve, one of his colleagues suggested that he convert his Outlook PST emails to a widely supported format. Since PST files can be accessed only by Outlook, it’s best to convert them into EML format. In this blog, we will discuss the best methods to convert PST to EML files. The manual method will guide users to deal with personal and limited conversions. A specialized PST converter Tool will be shared for a more efficient and accurate conversion process.

Top Reasons to Export PST to EML

There are several reasons why users choose to convert PST files into the more widely supported EML format. Some of the frequent reasons are mentioned below:

1. Compatibility of EML files with many different email clients, like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Windows Mail.
2. These EML files represent individual emails, which means you can open them directly using basic text editors. No Outlook required.
3. If the user migrates to an email client that does not support PST files, the EML format simplifies the migration process.
4. Converting to EML lets users handle each message separately, making them easier to organize, share, or record.

Efficient Approaches to Convert PST to EML

Users must engage with this section to learn about the methods to convert their PST files into EML format. We will discuss a manual method and a thoroughly tested professional conversion tool further. Let’s jump right in and explore the fastest ways to convert the PST file to EML.

Conventional Approach to Convert PST File to EML File 

Here, we’ll discuss the fastest and simplest manual method to convert our PST file. This method involves exporting your emails from the PST file using Outlook, then importing your desired emails into Thunderbird. The emails will then be exported from Thunderbird as EML files to your local system.

Let’s see these structured steps in detail:

Step 1: Import PST File into Outlook

1. First, open the Outlook application on your system.
2. Next, import your PST files into Outlook by navigating to the File tab > Open & Export.
3. Then, choose the Open Outlook Data File from the given options, and locate your desired PST file.

Step 2: Copy Emails from Outlook to Thunderbird

1. In parallel, start Thunderbird and make a local folder to keep your important messages safe.
2. Now, open the folder containing emails from the PST file and select the email(s) from Outlook you want to convert to EML.
3. Drag the email(s) from Outlook and drop them into the Thunderbird folder.

Step 3: Export Emails from Thunderbird as EML 

1. To export emails, install ImportExportTools NG from Tools > Add-ons and Themes.
2. Now, right-click the folder containing dropped emails and select ImportExportTools NG > Export all messages in the folder > EML format.
3. At Last, select the saving path and click Save.

Challenges to Convert Outlook PST to EML Manually

Manual conversion is slow, tricky, and can cause problems that can affect users due to data loss and errors. Below are some limitations that make it hard to rely on manual conversion:

1. Users might skip some important emails or add some trash emails while moving them manually.
2. Attachment and email metadata, like date, subject, and more, might not be copied as they were.
3. The manual process is somewhat complex for most users, as they find it hard to follow correctly.

Simplified Tool to Convert PST to EML Efficiently

A reliable and easy-to-use tool for converting PST files to EML format is the PST Converter. It can handle multiple files at once, which saves users a lot of time by speeding up the conversion process. Unlike manual methods, this software is straightforward and doesn’t require much technical knowledge, making it perfect for beginners. It also helps manage duplicate emails and attachments smoothly. Additionally, it offers advanced filters to customize the conversion while keeping all your data safe and unchanged.

Easily transform an Outlook PST file into EML format by following these steps:

1. First, install and launch the software.
2. Next, click on the Select File option to upload your PST file, then press Open. After that, click Next.
3. Open tree hierarchies to select your PST file or Folder, check the preview option, and click Next.
4. Now, select EML from the given options as the output file format.
5. You can choose to apply advanced filters if you want, but this is optional.
6. Then, click the Path to Save button to pick where you want the converted files to be saved.
7. Finally, click Convert to start changing your PST file into EML format.

Read More: Convert PST to MSG

Conclusion

PST to EML conversion is a great way to read your emails through other email clients other than Outlook. Doing it manually is exhausting and requires technical knowledge, which many people avoid or find an alternative. So, it is better to use a converter tool to convert PST to EML. Through it, the process is faster and easier, and doesn’t harm your data in any manner. Even the folder structure remains the same as it was originally. All these features make the tool optimal for independent or professional use.

Related Post