Microsoft Outlook PST (Personal Storage Table) files are created as container-like email boxes. They are efficient for everyday use, but when an organisation requires a smaller or higher level of access to emails, whether for audit, investigations, migrations, or archive, PST is problematic. To overcome this issue, the most effective option is to convert PST to EML. The transformation allows each email to be in an independent and universally-readable format with all critical metadata preserved. This guide outlines the free methods available and a PST Converter to securely, quickly, and efficiently convert PSTs with complete fidelity.
| “I have multiple Outlook PST data files received from a client. However, I don’t have Outlook installed and am currently working on Thunderbird. So, I need to convert them into the EML file format without Outlook installation. The data should be kept intact and preserved, including attachments and folder structure. What is the most reliable way to change PST to EML efficiently and precisely?”-Patricka Thompson |
What is the Necessity to Convert Outlook PST to EML?
PST files store multiple email messages, folders, and attached files organised in a single file. This makes them efficient, but the limitation of selective access greatly increases the risk of PST file corruption. EML files only contain one email message per file (which includes all headers and attachments).
Other significant reasons for PST to EML conversion are specified below:
- Independent access to each email message without the need to open the entire mailbox.
- Compatibility with multiple email systems, forensic tools, and archiving software.
- Faster search, review, and classification of email messages during audits.
- Easier long-term storage of emails with less risk of file corruption.
- Cross-platform data access without any specific restrictions.
- PST is only supported by Outlook, whereas EML by multiple clients like Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Apple Mail, and more.
This shift provides organisations with greater data governance and better accessibility.
How to Convert PST to EML Smartly & Reliably?
You can either choose to use a manual method with full control in your hands, or you can pick a dedicated professional software for the conversion. Both methods have their benefits and limitations, which are discussed in this section. Explore the step-by-step procedure of the methods for a smooth and flawless conversion.
Conventional Way to Convert PST File to EML
There are two manual methods discussed in this part of the conversion guide. It involves using MS Outlook and Mozilla Thunderbird as the mediator for migration. The processes are:
#1: Convert PST Files to EML with Microsoft Outlook
Users can take advantage of drag-and-drop functionality in Microsoft Outlook to convert individual email messages into EML file formats. It doesn’t even require you to install third-party applications. Hence, an easy-to-use built-in feature of Outlook. The steps are:
- Install and configure Microsoft Outlook on your local computer.
- Open Outlook and load the .pst file into Microsoft Outlook.
- To do so, use this path: File >> Open & Export >> Open Outlook Data File.
- After that, create a folder on your local hard drive (e.g., desktop or portable drive).
- Further, locate the email(s) inside the PST file in Microsoft Outlook.
- Drag selected emails from the PST file into the created folder on your PC.
- Finally, Outlook saves each email as an .eml file automatically.
Drawbacks:
Unfortunately, this process has some limitations associated with it:
- Microsoft Outlook must be installed.
- If you have a large PST file, it may slow down performance considerably.
- You cannot run any sort of automated bulk exports.
- There is no means of filtering emails during the conversion.
- The manual process increases the risk for human error.
#2: Convert PST to EML Using Mozilla Thunderbird
While using Thunderbird, import .pst files directly through Outlook configuration. Later, export your emails as .eml files. Steps are as follows:
- Download Mozilla Thunderbird to your computer and go to More.
- Then, select Tools and choose Import >> Import from Outlook.
- Further, select Mail Messages, click Continue, and then Start Import.
- Your .pst emails will be saved in your Thunderbird Folders.
- After that, install the ImportExportTools NG extension in your Thunderbird profile.
- Furthermore, highlight all PST emails and right-click on the selection.
- Select the extension, and save your emails in the .eml format.
Drawbacks:
- You may have inconsistent metadata and formatting.
- When PST files are encrypted or corrupted, you cannot import them.
- This method can have difficulty scaling with large-scale (enterprise) data.
- You should not use this method with critical business email data.
- It is necessary to have an active Outlook profile to configure it into Thunderbird.
Effortless One-Click Way to Export PST to EML
Using a professional SysInfo PST File Converter is the optimal solution for a fast, secure, and quick email conversion. The smart tool will scan your PSTs and extract your email messages as EML in a structured format while maintaining the folder structure and the original email metadata. Additionally, it is trusted and verified by technical experts for bulk conversion. Moreover, the tool facilitates a lot of advanced features that simplify and streamlines the conversion for accurate results.
Simple and Quick Steps to Convert PST to EML
- Launch the PST to EML Converter Tool and click Next.
- Then, select the PST files from your PC and add them. Tap Next.
- Further, choose email folders from the tree structure and click Next.
- After that, pick EML format from the output options and apply filters.
- At last, provide a Path to Save the output EML and click Convert.
Why Convert Outlook PST to EML with PST Converter?
- You don’t need to install Microsoft Outlook for the conversion.
- Convert large volumes of PST files in bulk without size limits.
- Convert PST to PDF, EML, CSV, DOC, JPG, and many other formats at once.
- Export PST data to email clients like Gmail, Hotmail, iCloud, and more.
- You can selectively export by folder, date, or criteria without duplicates.
- Preserve attachments, metadata, and email headers during conversion.
- You can convert both healthy and orphaned ANSI/UNICODE PST files.
- Use the Demo Version to convert PST emails for free and evaluate the software.
- Opt for One-Time Service to avoid software installation and get more customization options.
- Use the software on all versions of Windows, Mac, and Linux OS with ease.
| Real-World Scenario An organization is preparing email records for a regulatory compliance audit for the period of March 2024 to March 2025. Instead of providing a massive PST file, the IT team decided to convert PST file to EML format. It allows auditors to review individual emails and reduces turnaround time, improving transparency. For this task, SysInfo PST Converter was used. It enabled them to quickly convert bulk emails for a particular period with the Date filter. It enhanced their workflow, and the audit experience was so satisfactory. |
Conclusion
Convert PST to EML for swift data accessibility and to manage emails without risks in an organized manner. The manual methods offer conversion only for the short term and fail when demands are large, like those at enterprise levels. The automated Outlook Converter Software in such scenarios meets all the user requirements and provides reliability, efficiency, and control for sustainable outcomes.
FAQ
Q1. Can I convert PST to EML without Outlook installed?
Ans. Yes, the PST Converter Software allows you to change PST file to EML without Outlook installation.
Q2. Can I convert large PST files to EML format?
Ans. Yes, you can convert PST file to EML, whether small or large, easily with the PST Exporter Tool. It imposes no size limits and offers batch processing of emails at once.
Q3. Is it possible to convert selective emails from PST to EML?
Ans. Yes, for selective email conversion, you can use the preview pane in the converter tool to filter folders. Or check the Date Filter to move emails only for a particular period.