Import MBOX File to Windows Live Mail: Keep Folder Structure
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Written By
Aradhya Jain -
Approved By
Shivam Rathore -
Updated on
April 6th, 2026 - Read Time
6 minutes
User Query: I have several MBOX files from my old email account, and I recently started using Windows Live Mail. I am not sure how to open or import MBOX file to Windows Live Mail. Can someone guide me through the process without losing any emails or attachments?
Introduction: MBOX is a common email file format used by email clients like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, and Gmail. Windows Live Mail does not support MBOX files directly. So when you try to import MBOX to Windows Live Mail, it does not work. Many users face this problem when they switch from one email client to Windows Live Mail. They have important emails stored in MBOX files, but cannot access them. This blog explains the manual method and a professional DRS Softech MBOX File Converter for a quick and hassle-free process.
Why Import MBOX Emails to Windows Live Mail?
- Windows Live Mail does not open MBOX files on its own.
- Users importing from Thunderbird or Gmail need their old emails.
- MBOX files store important emails, attachments, and contacts.
- Keeping MBOX files on a local computer is risky because data can be lost.
- Furthermore, businesses want to keep their email history when switching email clients.
Manual Method to Import MBOX File to Windows Live Mail
You can import MBOX files into Windows Live Mail manually using Mozilla Thunderbird as a middle step. Step-By-Step Process:
Step 01: Install Mozilla Thunderbird
- First, download Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
- Install it by following the on-screen steps.
- Open Thunderbird after the installation is complete.
- Set up your email account in Thunderbird or skip this step.
Step 02: Import MBOX File into Thunderbird
- Now, open Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
- Click on the Tools menu at the top.
- Then, select Import from the menu.
- Choose Mail and click Next.
- Select the option to import from an MBOX file.
- Browse and select your MBOX file from your computer.
- Click OK to import the file into Thunderbird.
- Wait for the import to finish. Your emails will now appear in Thunderbird.
Step 03: Export Emails from Thunderbird to EML Format
- Open Thunderbird and go to the folder where your MBOX emails are saved.
- Select the emails you want to export.
- Right-click on them and choose Save As or Export.
- Save the emails in EML format on your computer.
- Make a new folder on your computer to keep all the EML files in one place.
Step 04: Import EML Files into Windows Live Mail
- Open Windows Live Mail on your computer.
- Click on File at the top left corner.
- Select Import Messages from the menu.
- Choose Windows Live Mail as the format.
- Browse and select the folder where your EML files are saved.
- Click Next and wait for the import to finish.
- Your emails will now appear in Windows Live Mail.
Limitations: Manually Import MBOX Messages to Windows Live Mail
- The process involves too many steps and takes a lot of time.
- You need to install Mozilla Thunderbird just to convert the files.
- Attachments can get lost during the conversion.
- Not suitable for large MBOX files with thousands of emails.
- Some emails may not appear correctly in Windows Live Mail.
- It is hard to import multiple MBOX files at once.
- Requires basic technical knowledge to complete all steps.
Professionally Import MBOX File to Windows Live Mail
To avoid all the limitations of the manual method, you can use the reliable DRS Softech MBOX Converter Tool. It allows users to convert multiple or large MBOX files at once with no data loss. This solution maintains the original email formatting and structure during the process. Designed with a simple interface so that every user can easily use it. No technical skill is required. Apart from that, this tool is highly compatible with all Windows and Mac versions. It helps to import MBOX to Google Workspace Account and other formats.
Steps to Import MBOX Emails to Windows Live Mail with Attachments
- Download and install the DRS Softech MBOX File Converter.
- Choose “Select Files” or “Select Folder” to add MBOX files.
- You can preview and select the MBOX files to convert.
- Afterwards, pick Windows Live Mail as the Saving Format.
- Enter your Email Address and Password to Sign In.
- Lastly, apply advanced features as per your needs. Press Convert.
Real-Life Scenario:
James Parker works at a small law firm in Canada. He used Mozilla Thunderbird for years and had all his client emails saved as MBOX files. His firm moved to Windows Live Mail, and he needed to access all his old emails. He tried the manual method but lost some attachments, and the process took too long. He then used the DRS MBOX Converter Tool and imported all his MBOX files into Windows Live Mail in just a few minutes. All emails, attachments, and folder names were the same as before.
Conclusion
This blog covered two methods to import MBOX file to Windows Live Mail. The manual method is useful for importing a small number of MBOX files. Howverm it has several limitations. The professional tool is a better choice. It supports bulk import, keeps all data safe, and you do not need any technical skills to use it. A free demo version is also available, so you can check its features before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: You can import MBOX files into Windows Live Mail in two ways. The first is the manual method using Mozilla Thunderbird as a middle step. The second and easier way is to use the DRS Softech MBOX Converter Tool, which does the job in a few simple steps.
Ans: With the manual method, there is a chance of losing email formatting and attachments. But with the DRS Softech MBOX Converter Tool, all emails, attachments, and folder structures are fully preserved throughout the conversion process.
Ans: The manual method needs some basic technical knowledge as it involves multiple steps. But the DRS Softech MBOX Converter Tool is designed for all users. You do not need any technical skills to use it. The interface is simple and easy to follow.
Ans: Yes, the DRS Softech MBOX Converter Tool lets you preview all your MBOX emails before the conversion starts. This helps you check and select only the emails you want to import into Windows Live Mail.
Ans: Yes, the DRS Softech MBOX Converter Tool is a good fit for large-scale migration. It supports batch conversion, so you can import hundreds or thousands of MBOX files at once without any data loss.
Ans: Yes, a free demo version of the DRS Softech MBOX Converter Tool is available. You can use it to test the tool and check its features and performance before buying the full version.
