How to Convert PST to EML – Step-by-Step Outlook Guide

Written By Rohan Wiese
Updated on November 12th, 2025

User Query: I’ve been using Outlook for years, and all my emails are in PST files. Now I’m switching to Thunderbird and need to access these emails without losing attachments or formatting. What’s the safest way to convert PST to EML?

Summary: PST files are the default files of Microsoft Outlook that store emails, attachments, contacts, and other mailbox data for a user. However, the accessibility of PST files is limited to Outlook users only and can’t be accessed through any other email platform. Therefore, it is essential to convert Outlook PST to EML format. Hence, this write-up helps users with the manual method and the right way to use the Aryson PST Converter. So, whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, read this blog for a quick and effortless conversion.

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Table of Contents

Why Do You Need to Convert PST to EML?

EML files are beneficial in different ways; therefore, users prefer to convert their PST files to EML format for different reasons. Listed below are some of those reasons:

Users can access EML files anywhere, anytime, without Microsoft Outlook.
EML files offer better compatibility with different email platforms like Thunderbird or Apple Mail.
EML files make it simple for users to read or share individual emails quickly.
They are lightweight and portable as compared to the PST files.
This conversion makes the backup and migration simpler.

Proven Methods to Convert PST File to EML

For users who want a free and simple way for PST conversion, there are two main options. They can either use Thunderbird as an intermediate email client to perform the conversion or go for the automated solution discussed below. Based on your expertise and needs, choose either of the two solutions below.

Method 1: Manual Method to Convert PST to EML

Users may manually convert PST files to EML using Mozilla Thunderbird. The program lets users import Outlook mail data and store individual messages in the EML format.This method is free but requires both Outlook and Thunderbird to be installed. In case you don’t have either of the email clients on your system, you can’t proceed with this method.

How to Export PST to EML Using Thunderbird:

To begin, Open Mozilla Thunderbird on your system & create a new email account.
Then, go to the Tools menu >> Import from the dropdown list.
After that, choose the Import from Outlook option and click Continue.
From the available options, select Mail Messages and hit Continue.
Next, click the Start Import button to start the transfer of Outlook emails into Thunderbird.
Once the import process is finished, click Finish.
Now, open the Outlook Import folder under Local Folders in Thunderbird.
Then, right-click on any email you want to convert and select Save As.
Provide the location of the destination folder on your system.
Lastly, click Save to export the email in EML format.

Challenges Faced with the Manual Method

This method requires the installation of both Outlook and Thunderbird.
There is a high chance of data loss and corruption in this method.
It can take users long hours to convert large PST files.
The user has to resolve all the errors taking place during the conversion process.
Users must have some technical expertise to perform the conversion.

Method 2: Most Reliable Software to Convert PST to EML

Aryson PST Converter is a fast tool that converts PST files to EML format without losing any data. It preserves all your information and attachments throughout the conversion process Not just the EML format, it can also convert PST to CSV, MBOX, MSG, and many more file formats. Along with that, it allows users to preview their PST files before performing the actual conversion. Additionally, it provides the user with different advanced features, like data range filter, custom folder name feature, and removing duplicate emails, etc. Even if you are a beginner, you can effortlessly perform the conversion with the help of the user-friendly and intuitive interface of the software.

Quick Guide to Convert PST into EML files

Install and open the Aryson PST Converter on your system.

Then, hit the Select Files/Folders to add your desired PST files to the software.

After that, select the files from the hierarchy to preview them in the right panel before conversion.

Now, choose EML as the desired output format.

Use the provided features as per your requirement.

Provide the path to save the resultant EML file and hit the Convert button.

Conclusion

Users nowadays prefer to convert PST to EML for better accessibility, portability, and compatibility with multiple email clients like Thunderbird and Windows Mail. In case an individual with technical expertise wants to convert fewer PST files to EML format, they can go for the manual approach. Whereas, for large-scale businesses, it is advisable to use the automated software for a quick conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q.1. How can I convert a PST file to EML format manually?

Ans- You can easily convert a PST file to EML format manually by importing the Outlook emails to Thunderbird, then saving them in an EML format.

Q.2. Is there a free tool to convert PST to EML files?

Ans- Yes, the Aryson PST Converter is free software available as it offers an absolutely free trial version for the first 50 conversions.

Q.3. Why do I need to convert PST to EML?

Ans- Users need to convert PST to EML for better accessibility, portability, and compatibility with multiple email clients like Thunderbird and Windows Mail.

Q.4 Can I convert PST to EML on Mac or Windows?

Ans- Yes, using the Aryson PST Converter, you can easily convert PST files to EML on both Mac and Windows.

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About The Author:

Rohan Wiese

As a lead technical writer, I know the technical problems faced by office and professional users. So, I decided to share all my technical knowledge through this blog. I love helping you with tough challenges when dealing with technical issues.