Bulk Import EML Files into Outlook All Versions Efficiently

Summary: To import EML files into Outlook (versions 2024, 2021, 2019, 2016 and older), you can use manual techniques like drag-and-drop or specialized software for batch migrations. While manual methods work for a few files, professional EML to PST Converter tools are recommended for large datasets to ensure data integrity and attachment preservation. In this blog, we will explain some popular techniques for simplifying the task of moving the EML files to Outlook all versions.

Understanding EML vs. PST Architecture

Before starting the migration, it is important to understand why these two formats require a specific conversion process. The challenge lies in how they store data:

• EML (The “Flat File”) – An EML file is a single-use format. Each file represents exactly one email message, including its header, body, and attachments. If you have 1,000 emails, you have 1,000 separate EML files. This makes them easy to preview but difficult to manage in large volumes.
• PST (The “Database”) – Unlike EML, a PST (Personal Storage Table) is a complex database file. It acts as a container that stores thousands of emails, contacts, and calendar events in a structured hierarchy within a single file.

Comparison Table

The Verdict: Because Outlook is designed to read from a structured database (PST) rather than indexing thousands of individual flat files (EML), a formal “import” or “conversion” is necessary to ensure your data remains searchable and stable within the Outlook environment.

Ways to Import EML to Outlook 

• By Using Windows Live Mail Application
• Using Microsoft Outlook Email Client
• Importing EML using Outlook Express utility
• By using a Professional EML Converter tool

Importing EML files to Outlook Through Live Mail

1. Run Windows Live Mail in a local system.
2. Select file tab>>highlight export option>>email messages.

3. Select MS exchange as an export option and click “Next.”

4. A dialog box appears; click “OK.”
5. Select all email folders or necessary folders; Click “Next.”
6. An ‘export complete wizard’ appears to click on Finish.

Import EML files Through Drag and Drop Into Outlook

This technique is straightforward and can be used in the following scenarios.

• When EML files are saved in separate locations on your local drives.
• If you’ve got a specific EML file folder, it is on your system
• Outlook will be the only choice if no other email client alternative is installed.

Now that you are aware of all situations where you can test this method, Let us be aware of the procedure to use it.

1. Open your Microsoft Outlook application on your system.
2. Find the folder where EML files are kept and open it.
3. Drag EML files and drop them into the Microsoft Outlook application mailbox folder.
4. Repeat this procedure for the other EML file folders if you want one file after the other.
5. In the future, you will be capable of opening and viewing EML Emails files in Outlook.

Notice: Email attachments cannot be transferred into Outlook using this drag-and-drop method for EML files.

Import EML files in Outlook using Outlook Express Application:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and go to the File menu.
2. Click on Open & Export and choose Import/Export.
3. Select the necessary internal mail and addresses.
4. Click on Outlook Express and then, on Next.
5. Hit Finish to start importing EML files in MS Outlook.

Drawbacks When Manually Import EML to Outlook

Now, we can open and view EML files in Outlook. Besides that, these manual methods are not suitable in case of multiple EML files. Besides that, there are many more drawbacks of manual methods are:-

• These methods come with less possibility of accurate results.
• Users can also lose their data while importing EML to Outlook.
• It has lengthy steps; therefore, it can take a long to complete the task.
• Users can face issues when moving a large number of EML files using manual methods.
• Microsoft discontinued support for Outlook Express & Windows Live mail years ago.

Professional Solution to Bulk Import EML to Outlook

To Import EML to Outlook, here is also a professional method known as “Shoviv EML to PST converter”. This professional method provides an instant and error-free solution to its users. It can effortlessly Import EML to Outlook. This EML converter comes with multiple numbers of prominent features and works perfectly:-

• There is no file size restriction to Import EML to PST.
• The EML converter contains an easy and fast procedure to complete the task.
• Maintains the integrity of email data.
• It supports the easy migration of large EML file and split it into small PST. Along with it provides the facility to save the PST file by setting the password.
• This EML converter can easily support all the versions of Microsoft Outlook.

Here Are the Detailed Steps to Transfer EML to Outlook

1. To Import EML to Outlook, Install the Shoviv EML to PST converter in your local system.
2. Click on the add button at the ribbon bar.

3. Locate the drive, then click on search or add a button for the EML file. Click “OK“.

4. Here, the user can easily view the content present inside the EML file. Then click on the Outlook PST option in the taskbar.

5. Now, select the export type, browse for the target location, select the filter criteria, and also have an option for split PST. Then, Click on “Export“.

Note:- With the help of the PST split option, one can split the resultant PST into small sizes by giving the size limit. We can also set passwords for security.

6. Here, the process gets completed successfully.

At the end of the process, we are now aware of the best EML to PST converter and how one can convert EML to Outlook easily, swiftly, and accurately by using Shoviv EML to PST Converter.

Final Take

importing EML files into Outlook doesn’t have to be a technical hurdle. While manual methods like drag-and-drop provide a quick fix for a handful of messages, they often fall short during large-scale migrations by risking data loss or stripping away important attachments.

For users prioritizing data integrity and efficiency—especially when moving years of archives—a professional solution is the most reliable path. The Shoviv EML to PST Converter eliminates the limitations of manual processes, ensuring your folder hierarchy remains intact and your metadata stays accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions