To Convert OST Files to EML for Outlook Compatibility | 2025

Are you looking towards converting OST to EML to extract emails from the OST file into the EML file format? If that's the case, then you've found the perfect answer for your needs. This guide offers detailed instructions for converting OST files to PST format. To ensure a swift and efficient conversion process, we will also offer an automated method utilizing the Microsoft OST to PST Converter Tool.

Switching from one platform to another can be quite challenging, especially for those who aren't tech-savvy. OST files in Outlook store various mailbox items such as emails, calendars, and contacts, while EML files are designed to save email messages in a dynamic format. As a result, individuals transition from OST to EML file formats.

Overview of OST and EML

OST files are generated by Outlook and are known as the Offline Storage Table, which holds emails, contacts, calendar information, tasks, and more. When internet connectivity is lacking, it enables users to continue their work. Once the Exchange connection is restored, any modifications made by users while offline will subsequently be uploaded to the server.

A digital message format that includes one email along with an attached file. A variety of email clients support EML files for email storage, including Thunderbird, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, DreamMail, eM Server, SeaMonkey, and more.

What are the Reasons Users Choose to Convert OST Files to EML for Outlook?

There are numerous ways for users to retrieve data from various email clients. This is the reason many individuals seek to move their data from one email client to a different one. There are multiple reasons for migrating an Outlook OST file into EML format. Here are a few additional reasons:

• When a virus targets an MS Exchange server, it can result in an unusable state, unexpected crashes, system failures, and a host of other issues. At that point, nobody could establish a connection to the MS Exchange server. Such crashes can be challenging to manage, leading to various errors within Outlook profiles.
• If data is mistakenly removed from the Exchange server, converting OST to EML can help retrieve the lost information from the database.
• When an organization decides to relocate, users can achieve more convenient access by converting OST to EML to transfer their data from one system to another.

Here are all the reasons for converting OST to the EML file format. Next, we will discuss the process for exporting OST files.

Manual Approach to Converting OST Files to EML for Outlook

Here are the three steps outlined below:

01: Transfer OST File Data to Your Set-Up Gmail Account with Ease

Transfer the OST data file you wish to convert to the designated Gmail account, or simply drag and drop it.

02: Import your Gmail information into Thunderbird.

After completing the previous steps, users should proceed to incorporate the same Gmail data into Thunderbird. Following the conversion process, all the Gmail data is now visible in Thunderbird.

03: Retrieve the EML files from Thunderbird

Once you have completed the previous steps, proceed to extract the EML files from Thunderbird. So, what exactly happens during this conversion process? Let's take a look:

1. Select the emails that you recently moved from Gmail to Thunderbird. To select everything, simply press the CTRL+A keys on your keyboard simultaneously.
2. Right-click on the chosen emails and select the save option.
3. Subsequently, those emails are automatically stored in EML file format within Thunderbird.
4. Choose the folder where you want to save the EML files, and then proceed to convert the OST files into EML format.

OR

1. Select the emails that you recently moved from Gmail to Thunderbird. To select everything, simply use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+A.
2. To save your emails, simply right-click on the message and select “Save Selected Message.” Next, choose the EML format.
3. Choose the folder where you want to save the EML files, and then proceed to convert the OST files into EML format.

Here are the various manual methods for converting OST to EML. When dealing with a substantial volume of data in the OST file, the manual process can extend significantly. As a result, individuals must explore alternative solutions to address the limitations of a manual method. Consider utilizing the TurstVare OST to EML Converter, recognized as a top-notch tool for seamlessly exporting OST files to EML format. It effortlessly moves your contacts, calendar, tasks, and other folder data to IMAP accounts. The software seamlessly transfers PST file data to various platforms such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, and others. It effortlessly manages every kind of OST file, including Unicode, ANSI, Encrypted, and Locked. The credential for the live exchange server is not needed.  The tool seamlessly migrates OST data to Office 365. The software works effortlessly with orphaned OST files. It enables the transformation of OST files into IMAP format. Round-the-clock technical assistance. A free demo version is accessible.

Concluding Thoughts

We have implemented all the necessary steps to manually and directly convert OST to EML. Feel free to explore any of the solutions that align with your level of understanding. If you're not technically inclined, it's advisable to choose the OST to EML Converter tool.