Convert PST to EML – Easy Methods to Export PST Files with Attachments

Looking for a solution to convert PST to EML? Read our complete article to easily convert Outlook PST to EML without any data loss.

Amit Chandel Amit Chandel
Jul 22, 2025 - 15:51
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Convert PST to EML – Easy Methods to Export PST Files with Attachments
Convert PST to EML

In summary, two of the most popular email file types are PST and EML. EML is a more versatile format that works with a variety of systems, including Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Windows Live Mail, and others, whereas PST is mostly supported by Microsoft Outlook. A lot of customers search for methods to convert PST to EML format because of its wide compatibility. This blog discusses three efficient methods for completing the conversion, including both automated and manual approaches. The MailConverterTools PST File Converter is the greatest application for bulk PST file conversion to EML that preserves formatting and attachments if you want a hassle-free process.

What are PST and EML Files?

PST:  Microsoft Outlook stores calendars, contacts, emails, and other mailbox contents in PST (Personal Storage Table) files. These files are not readily available in email programs that are not Microsoft, and they are linked to the Outlook environment.

EML:  Individual email messages are stored in the universal file format known as EML (Email Message File). Numerous desktop and web-based email applications, including Outlook Express, Apple Mail, Windows Live Mail (WLM), Mozilla Thunderbird, and even Gmail (with minor adjustments), can open EML files.

Why Convert PST to EML?

There are several reasons why users prefer to export PST to EML:

  • Greater Accessibility: A variety of email clients on various platforms can open EML files.

  • Lightweight Format:  Individual communications are stored as EML files, which facilitates management and transfer.

  • Browser Support: By changing the extension to.mht, you can open EML files in a web browser.

  • Compatibility: Both Mac and Windows-based email programs support EML, in contrast to PST.

  • Data Portability: Without Outlook, EML files facilitate email migrations across many email programs.

3 Best Methods to Convert PST to EML

The top three methods to convert Outlook PST to EML are listed below. One is a professional option that guarantees accuracy and saves time, while others are free and manual.

Method 1: Convert PST File to EML for Free Using Outlook

You can use the drag-and-drop approach to manually save emails to EML if you have Microsoft Outlook installed.

Steps:

  1. Choose the emails you wish to convert after opening Outlook.

  2. In File Explorer, drag the emails to a folder on your desktop.

  3. The messages will be automatically saved in .eml format.

Note: Bulk conversion is not supported by this method, and it performs best for a small number of emails.

Method 2: Export PST to EML Using Mozilla Thunderbird

Users of the free email client Mozilla Thunderbird can import PST files and save emails as EML.

Steps:

  1. Go to Tools > Import after opening Thunderbird.

  2. Select "import from Outlook" and adhere to the prompts displayed on the screen.

  3. To save emails in EML format after they have been imported, select them and click Save As.

Note: This method can be complicated for non-technical users and requires Outlook to be configured in Thunderbird.

Limitations of Manual Methods

  • Require technical knowledge and email client setup.

  • Do not support corrupted or large PST files.

  • Risk of data loss and incomplete conversion.

  • Time-consuming for large-scale migrations.

Method 3: Convert PST to EML Using Outlook PST File Converter

Using a professional program like the Outlook PST File Converter, which allows users to convert PST files to EML in bulk while maintaining attachments, metadata, and folder hierarchy, is the most efficient and dependable way to achieve this. With the help of this software, user can convert PST to PDF, CSV, EML, JPG, DOC, TXT, MBOX, etc.

Key Features:

  • Converts PST files to multiple formats like EML, MBOX, MSG, PDF, HTML, etc.

  • Supports all versions of Outlook PST files.

  • No need to install Microsoft Outlook.

  • Compatible with all Windows OS versions.

  • Allows date-range filtering to convert specific emails.

  • Preserves the structure, formatting, and attachments of emails.

  • Free demo version available for testing.

How to Convert PST to EML Professionally (Step-by-Step)

  1. Download and install the Outlook PST Converter Tool.

  2. Launch the tool and choose Select File or Select Folder to add your PST data.

  3. Choose EML as the output format from the dropdown list.

  4. Apply any additional features such as date filters, naming conventions, etc.

  5. Click Convert to begin the process.

  6. Once completed, download the final report and access your newly converted EML files.

Conclusion

There are a number of options available to you if you want to convert PST to EML. While manual methods like Thunderbird import or Outlook drag-and-drop might be effective for small jobs, they are not the best for handling sensitive or large amounts of data. The PST Converter Tool is the finest choice for a safe, effective, and error-free conversion. It guarantees that your PST files will be fully converted to EML format without sacrificing email structure or data quality.