How to Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird – Quick Steps

A user was using Windows Live Mail on his old computer to operate his business. Somehow, his old computer started throttling even in idle position, so he decided to buy a new system. Also, he decided to migrate from Windows Live Mail as Microsoft no longer supports it. Therefore, he began to search for quick methods to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird. In this write-up, we’ll discuss the best methods to complete the migration. In the first place, we’ll describe a simple manual transfer method. After that, a professional Cigati EML Converter will handle the bulk migration.

Reasons to Import Mail from Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

There are many reasons associated with users to migrate Windows Live Mail data to other platforms. Here, we have discussed the most common reasons for conversion:

1. Microsoft does not support Windows Live Mail, which makes it unsafe to use without security updates.
2. Thunderbird provides many advanced filters and tags for easier inbox management.
3. Unlike Live Mail, Thunderbird receives continuous software and security updates.
4. Users can access and manage their emails in Thunderbird without internet access.

Efficient Methods to Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

In this section, let’s look at the methods that are best for migrating Live Mail emails to Thunderbird. First, the manual method that uses Mozilla Thunderbird to import a small number of EML files. Secondly, in order to import EML files in bulk, an efficient tool will be introduced.

Manual Method to Migrate Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

This manual method uses a free Thunderbird add-on called ImportExportTools NG to import required EML files easily. 

So follow these given steps:

1. First, open Mozilla Thunderbird on your computer.
2. Then, in Thunderbird, click Menu → Add-ons and Themes.
3. After that, search for ImportExportTools NG and click Add to Thunderbird and install the add-on.
4. Now, restart Thunderbird and right-click on the Thunderbird folder where your emails will be saved.
5. Further, choose ImportExportTools NG → Import all messages from a directory → Also from its subdirectories.
6. Now, browse to the folder where your Windows Live Mail EML files are saved and select it.
7. Finally, Thunderbird will import all the emails into the selected folder.

Limitations

There are drawbacks to export Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird, which are discussed in the section.

So here are the limitations experienced by users:

1. If users migrate email in bulk, it might take too much time or multiple attempts to complete the process. 
2. Users don’t get any option to use advanced features or filters to condition their export.
3. This method won’t transfer or incorrectly transfer some corrupted files.
4. With this approach, email attachments and their formatting may not be like the original emails.

Proficient Tool to Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

The EML Converter is a feature-rich and easy-to-use application built to move a large number of EML files. Besides Thunderbird, the tool can convert EML files across various formats and into email programs. Additionally, the tool makes the transfer of emails easy while also including advanced features. Such advanced features facilitate smooth, accurate, and easy email migration.

Steps to follow the tools are:

1. To start, download, install, and open the converter tool on your system.
2. Now, click on the button Select Files to browse and open your Live Mail EML files. And click Next to proceed
3. Further, open the tree structure, preview emails, select emails or folders, and click Next.
4. Later, choose Thunderbird from the Save/Backup/Migrate As options, and apply advanced filters. (The tool will auto-set the folder destination)
5. At last, click Convert to start the migration process.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the quickest and most secure methods to import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird. Here, users learned about the manual and professional methods for the migration. While users can choose the manual method for migration, it’s time-consuming and unreliable. Therefore, we suggest that users employ the EML converter Tool for their tasks. Additionally, the tool offers some special features that simplify users’ work. Besides, users have options to try its demo version before purchasing the complete version.

You May Also Read: Export Windows Live Mail to Outlook

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