Best Ways to Convert PST to EML: Top Methods & Tools
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Written By Shivam Rathore
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Updated on June 27th, 2025
Summary: Microsoft Outlook uses the PST (Personal Storage Table) file format to store crucial data such as emails, contacts, calendars, and attachments. However, many users prefer using other email clients like Mozilla Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Windows Live Mail, and others. These programs do not support PST files directly. As a result, the PST file becomes useless unless converted into a more compatible format like EML. In this blog, we will show you how to convert PST to EML in simple ways. Additionally, you can use the DRS Softech PST Converter Tool for a quick and reliable result.
Why Convert PST File to EML?
There are several reasons why users need to convert their PST files to EML format. Some of the main reasons are:
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PST File Format |
EML File Format |
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A large file that stores your entire Outlook mailbox (emails, contacts, calendar, etc.) |
A small file that stores just one email message. |
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The PST file type can only be opened and used with Microsoft Outlook. |
Besides that, the EML file format is created by Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and more. |
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Basically, the PST file is harder to share due to its large size. |
In contrast, the EML format is easy to share, read, or view. |
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PST files are not user-friendly without Outlook installed. |
EML files are simple to open and manage, even without Outlook. |
Manual Method to Convert PST to EML: Free
To convert Outlook data to EML format for free, you need to use Mozilla Thunderbird. Also, this method is divided into two steps.
Step 01: Import PST File to Thunderbird
- Primarily, open Thunderbird and choose Tools.
- Next, choose the Import feature from the list.
- Then, select Import From Outlook and click Continue.
- Now, pick the emails (mail messages) that you want to import.
- Further, click Start Import to initiate the import.
- Lastly, click Finish to complete the process.
Step 02: Convert Outlook Messages to EML
- Firstly, open the Thudnerbird and select the specific emails to export.
- Then, choose all the emails by clicking on Ctrl + A.
- After that, right-click and select the Save As option.
- Now, define the destination Path and click Save.
- Lastly, go to the destination saved folder, and you’ll get your EML.
Limitations of the Manual Method
The manual method is free to use, but it has several drawbacks, like:
- To begin with, the manual method is only good if you have a small number of emails to convert.
- Moreover, the process can be very slow and time-consuming when you have multiple folders.
- In addition, it doesn’t support bulk conversion, so you can’t convert all your emails at once.
- As a result, you have to repeat the same steps for each folder one by one, which can be hectic.
- Not only that, this method works properly only with certain versions of Thunderbird, limiting its usability.
Important Note: You can easily avoid these manual limitations with the help of using alternative method, which is mentioned below.
Hassle-Free Way to Convert PST to EML
If you have bulk PST files to export, you can directly use the PST Converter Tool. This tool is specifically designed with smart technology to convert a large PST file without any hassle. Also, it helps to maintain the data’s originality, integrity, and structure with no data loss. Moreover, it is a comprehensive solution for PST email management. With its simple interface, both tech and non-tech users can easily use it. Apart from that, you can convert PST to Zoho Mail, Office 365, Gmail, and other formats (file format & email client).
Why Choose PST Converter Tool?
To extract EML files from Outlook PST, Many experts recommend using this conversion tool as the best choice. It offers several advanced features, such as:
- Support bulk PST file conversion with no data loss or hassle.
- Apply Remove Duplicates to convert only unique data.
- Offers a Date filter for selective email conversions.
- Moreover, you can preview the PST file data before conversion.
- In the end, this tool is highly compatible with all Windows versions.
How to Convert Outlook PST to EML?
- Firstly, launch the DRS Softech PST Converter Tool.
- Choose Select Files or Select Folder and add the PST file.
- Then, you can preview the added PST file to convert.
- After that, choose Save in File Format & pick EML from the list.
- Further, you can use advanced features and filters.
- In the end, click Convert to start the conversion process.
Conclusion
In this technical blog post, we have discussed several methods to convert PST to EML. If you have Mozilla Thunderbird and a small number of PST files to convert, you can use the manual method. Otherwise, for bulk PST files, you can use the professional tool. This tool not only helps you to convert bulk PST files but also gives advanced features for hassle-free conversion. Furthermore, if you have any queries related to this software, our 24/7 technical support is available to resolve your queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: If you have small PST files to convert, the manual method is available. Alternatively, you can use the professional PST Converter Tool for bulk PST file conversion and a hassle-free solution.
Ans: The DRS Softech PST Converter Tool is highly recommended. It preserves attachments, formatting, and folder structure while converting Outlook data to EML.
