How to Convert EML Files to PST Without Data Loss?

EML and PST are both different email data storage formats. EML is a general format that is compatible with multiple email clients, whereas PST is native to Microsoft Outlook. Since both are fundamentally different, converting EML files to PST is a little tricky because there is no manual method that allows you to directly convert EML to PST files.

But do not worry, there are workarounds to carry out this conversion. In this guide, we will discuss how you can convert your EML files to a PST file using Outlook.

Convert EML to PST Using Outlook

Outlook supports EML files. You can directly drag and drop the EML files into Outlook and then export EML files to PST file using the Outlook Import/Export feature.

Step 1: Drag and drop EML files into Outlook

Open your Microsoft Outlook application and create a folder in Outlook where you will import the EML files. Now, on your computer, go to the folder where the EML files are stored. Select the files you want to add to Outlook and drag them to the newly created folder in Outlook. Do not drop EML files in large numbers. It may freeze Outlook.

Before heading to the next step, double-check a couple of moved emails to ensure that their data, attachments, senders' details, and other elements are properly imported.

Step 2: Export the emails to a PST file

Once you are done adding all the EML files to Outlook, you need to export them to a PST file with the following steps:

1.  Click File in Outlook.
2. 2.    Go to Open & Export.
3. 3.    Select Import/Export.
4. 4.    Choose Export to a file and click Next.
5. 5.    Select Outlook Data File (.pst).
6. 6.    Select the folder containing your imported EML files.
7. 7.    Choose a location to save the PST file.
8. 8   Click Finish.

You now have a PST file containing all the imported EML emails. This method is free and works in all the major versions of Outlook, including the New Outlook (if you have a Microsoft 365 subscription). However, there are a few limitations to this workaround:

·         You have to manually drag and drop all the EML files into Outlook.

·         Not feasible to convert EML to PST files in bulk.

·         There are chances of data duplication.

·         In some versions of Classic Outlook, email attachments are not visible when importing EML files.

A Better Way to Convert Thousands of EML Files to PST

Manually dragging and dropping hundreds or thousands of EML files into Outlook is impractical and time-consuming. A better way to convert a large number of EML files is to use a professional EML to PST converter tool.

A utility that supports bulk EML file conversion is Kernel EML to PST Converter software. It supports EML/EMLX files of any size and allows you to directly save them to a new or existing PST file. The best thing about this tool is that during the conversion, it preserves metadata and attachments of each email. Moreover, the tool also gives you the option to convert only selective EML files based on From, To, Date, etc., parameters and works on all major versions of Windows and macOS. 

How to Reduce the Risk of Data Loss During EML-to-PST Conversion?

Regardless of which method you use, do not immediately delete your original EML files after conversion. Keep the source files until you have verified the converted PST file.

After converting EML files to PST, do this:

·         In Outlook, open the newly created PST file and check if all the converted emails are accessible.

• ·         Verify that you can open the attachments in the emails correctly.
• ·         Look for missing or duplicated messages.
• ·         Make sure the PST opens without errors.
• ·         Keep a copy of the original EML files.

These simple checks are important to prevent any future issues before the original data is removed.

Convert EML, Verify PST, and Keep a Backup.

For a few standalone EML files, you can drag and drop them into Outlook and later export them as a PST file. However, in case you have a large set of EML files, the process of converting EML files manually can prove to be time-consuming and tedious.

To convert EML to PST files in bulk, a smarter solution is to use an automated tool. It will save you time and convert all EML files with original data preserved. Lastly, consider the job done only after verifying that the content of the converted PST file and backing up the source EML files.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert EML to PST file for free?

Using Outlook, you can convert your EML file to PST for free. You can add the EML files to Outlook and export them to PST. 

What is the best method to convert EML to PST in bulk?

For large-scale EML to PST conversion, the best approach is to use a professional EML to PST converter tool. Manually converting EML files in large quantities may result in loss of attachments or metadata.

Will the PST file retain the original email formatting after conversion?

Yes. The major versions of classic Outlook preserve the original formatting of emails, along with attachments, when exporting EML files to PST.