How to convert Outlook mail to Thunderbird or Yahoo

by Teodor Nechita
Teodor Nechita
Teodor Nechita
Software Managing Editor
Eager to help those in need, Teodor writes articles daily on subjects regarding Windows, Xbox, and all things tech-related. When not working, you may usually find him either... read more
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Not everyone is a big fan of Microsoft Outlook, as it lacks some of the visual perks of other mail clients.

While it is indeed the go-to client for work environments, it isn’t all that popular when it comes to personal use.

As such, it should come as no surprise that users are wondering how they can convert their Outlook mail into some other format, such as Thunderbird or Yahoo.

This article will guide you in a step-by-step manner on how to successfully accomplish this task.

How do I connect my Outlook mail to Thunderbird?

1. Export your Outlook to Thunderbird on a single PC

  1. Press Windows
  2. Go to Default Programs
  3. Set Outlook as your default mail program
  4. Open Thunderbird
  5. Click on Tools
  6. Select Import/Export Menu
  7. Select the radio button and then click Next
  8. Choose Outlook from the list
  9. Select Next
  10. Click Finish
  11. Press Windows
  12. Go to Default Programs
  13. Set Thunderbird as your default mail program

convert outlook thunderbird import export

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Tired of the same old Outlook? Why not try one of the alternatives from our top picks?


2. Manually convert the OST and PST files to MBOX

  1. Find the locally stored Outlook files
  2. Use a third-party tool to convert the OST and PST file to MBOX
    • Note that the Internet is filled with such programs, and some of them are actually free too
    • Copy the MBOX files
  3. Find Mozilla Thunderbird’s Local Folders directory
    1. To do this Launch Mozilla Thunderbird
    2. Right-click Local Folders
    3. Click Settings
    4. You can now see the local folder for your account
  4. Paste the MBOX files in the local folder
  5. Restart Mozilla Thunderbird

You will now be able to see the mailbox in the Local Folders list

How do I connect my Outlook mail to Yahoo?

The first thing you need to do is enable POP or IMAP on Yahoo

  1. Login to your Yahoo Mail account via a web browser
  2. Go to Account Security Settings 
  3. Turn on the Allow apps that use the less secure sign-in setting

YAHOO Allow apps that use less secure sign in

If Yahoo has 2-step verification enabled, you will need to create a third-party password to register Outlook

  1. Visit the Yahoo Account Security page
  2. Select Account Security
  3. Select Manage app passwords
  4. Choose Outlook Desktop in the Select your app field
  5. Select Generate
  6. Copy the password
  7. Select Done

Having multiple accounts on Outlook seems too complicated? Why not try another email client.


Now that you enabled POP and IMAP on Yahoo, you can proceed to the next steps:

  1. Open Outlook
  2. Select File
  3. Click Info
  4. Select Add Account
  5. Log in using your Yahoo email credentials
  6. Select Connect
  7. Click on Done

Outlook Add Account

How to Import an Outlook PST to Yahoo

After you’ve connected your Yahoo and Outlook account, you are now ready to migrate your PST content from one to the other.

Unfortunately, the next steps usually involve the use of a third-party migration utility.

This is because migrating emails between Outlook and Yahoo is impossible otherwise.

The Internet is filled with such migration utilities, and plenty of them are free as well.

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