You can use different methods to convert OLM file to PST for Outlook. But, most of them involve a lengthy process and often require technical proficiency. In this article, we have explained both manual and software-based methods which can be applied to convert OLM to PST.
Outlook supports both Windows and Mac operating systems [OS]. But, the Outlook application has two distinct file formats, OLM [macOS] and PST [Windows OS] to save and manage important mailbox data like emails, journals, calendars, contacts, events, tasks, etc. This difference between the two OS creates a hurdle in the seamless moving of Mac mailbox data to a Windows Outlook application.
Microsoft does not provide any native solution to users to transfer OLM files to Windows Outlook. Therefore, a user needs to convert OLM file to Outlook importable PST file to access the Mac Outlook mailbox data in Outlook on a Windows system.
A few techniques can be applied to convert OLM file to PST for Outlook. In this article, we will explain in detail, the manual method and automated process with which a user can easily convert OLM file to PST to migrate/transfer their Mac Outlook mailbox data to Windows Outlook.
Method 1: Using Gmail IMAP protocol
This process requires you to have a Gmail account, Outlook application on your Mac system, and a Windows system with a working Outlook application. Follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Enable IMAP protocol in Gmail
- Sign in to your Gmail account.
- Click on the Settings gear. Click on ‘See all settings’ under ‘Quick settings’.
- Under the ‘Settings’, from the list of tabs, choose Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
- Scroll down to IMAP access, and check on Enable IMAP.
- Now, click on ‘Save Changes’ button.
Step 2: Generate App Password
- In your Gmail account, in the extreme right, click on icon next to settings gear.
- Click on ‘Manage your Google account’ or enter the URL: https://myaccount.google.com/
- Click on the ‘Security’ at the left-hand bar in the new window. Scroll down to ‘How you sign in to Google’ and then enable two-step verification from the options.
- Now, select the App Password and sign in Gmail account.
- Choose the Other (customized name) as an app option.
After that, enter ‘Outlook Desktop Mac,’ and click on Generate.
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Step 3: Configure the Gmail account in Outlook for Mac
- Open Outlook for Mac, and go to the ‘File.’
- Click on ‘Add Account.’
- Enter your name and Gmail address used above.
- Now, enter the App password, and then re-enter [the password generated in the previous step]
- Click on ‘Next’ to verify.
Step 4: Transfer OLM file to Gmail
- In your Outlook for Mac, right-click on the Gmail mailbox, and choose the ‘New Folder’ option.
- Enter a name for the Folder and create.
- Right-click on the Mac Outlook folder and select ‘Copy Folder’ option.
- Now, select the folder you recently created and click OK.
- The copied folder will be imported into your Gmail account.
Step 5: Sync your Gmail account to Windows Outlook
- Go to your Gmail and generate app password for Windows Outlook.
- You can follow the instructions given in ‘Step 2’ to generate app password.
- Open the Windows Outlook application and go to ‘File’.
- Now, click on ‘Add Account.’
- Type your name, and enter your Gmail email address.
- Enter the ‘App password,’ you generated for Windows Outlook, and then click ‘Next’ to begin the verification.
- When the validation is complete, click on ‘Finish.’
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Step 6: Import OLM in PST using Windows Outlook
- In your Windows Outlook app, click on ‘File.’
- Now, select ‘Open & Export,’ and click on ‘Import/Export’ option.
- Select ‘Export to a file’ and click ‘Next.’
- In the Export to a File window, find Outlook Data File (.pst), select it, and then click on Next.
- Now, locate the Gmail Folder that you want to import.
- Check on ‘Include the Subfolders’, and click on Next.
- Click on Browse and choose the desired location to save the PST file, and click OK.
- Select ‘Do not export duplicate items’ and click ‘Finish’.
Considering the manual method’s easy availability, a lot of users may like to perform the process to convert OLM to PST for Outlook. But, there are some limitations to the procedure, which may cause users to have second thoughts about employing the manual approach.
Limitations of Manual Method
The method is lengthy and time-consuming. It involves another email client, Gmail, to get the process started. Moreover, there is also a risk of data loss if the user accidentally makes any mistake during the process. You need to be technically proficient and skilled. It is not a good choice for basic users. Therefore, to be at ease and comfortably convert the OLM to Outlook PST, a user may consider employing a third-party tool like Stellar Converter for OLM for seamless conversion process.
Stellar Converter for OLM: A Professional Approach to Convert OLM to PST for Outlook
Stellar Converter for OLM is especially designed to meet the demands of Mac Outlook users who want to convert their OLM file to Outlook importable PST file. The tool offers incredible features like Selective conversion, Batch Conversion, Preview, Log Report, Other formats, etc., to benefit users. They can choose a format, other than PST if they need to. In addition, the software provides data safety and security, maintaining the original folder hierarchy in the resultant file folder after conversion.
Conclusion: The two approaches – manual and professional, are appropriate for users to convert OLM to PST for Outlook. However, the manual method involves Gmail email account assistance for conversion, which makes the process lengthy and time-consuming. Moreover, working on two devices – Mac and Windows, to access Outlook app for both operating systems increases the risk of data loss during transfer – by accident or confusion. Also, you must be skillful in using the manual approach. Therefore, to convert OLM file to Outlook importable PST, you may consider employing third-party tool like Stellar Converter for OLM for seamless conversion.
