How to Convert EML Emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook
28 May, 2026
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Learn how to convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook using manual and automated methods. Step-by-step guide with tips, issues, and solutions
Quick Summary
Are you looking for the right solution to convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook? If yes, your search ends here. This blog explains how to convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook using both manual and automated methods, helping you achieve a fast and error-free email migration process.
Introduction
If you are still using Windows Live Mail, you might already know that Microsoft has discontinued it. After this, many users face a common problem: how to access old emails stored in EML format and move them into Microsoft Outlook, which uses PST files.
In this situation, you need to convert your emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook. This task may look difficult, but don’t worry, it becomes easier if you choose the correct method. In this guide, you will learn multiple methods to complete this migration safely, including manual steps and automated solutions.
Why You Need to Migrate Windows Live Mail to Outlook
Before learning how to convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook, it is important to understand why migration is necessary:
• Windows Live Mail is no longer supported by Microsoft, which is the main reason for migration.
• EML files are not directly supported in Outlook and to access them easily, you need to convert them.
• Outlook offers better security and cloud integration.
• PST format allows better email management and keeps your emails safe.
• Better performance and advanced features are available in Outlook
If you want a modern email experience, moving your data is important. Now we will further learn about some manual methods that help you convert emails to Outlook.
Method 1: Manual Method to Convert EML to Outlook
You can manually import EML files into Outlook, but it is time-consuming and involves repetitive steps.
Step-by-step process:
1. Open Windows Live Mail to convert the files.
2. Locate the folder containing EML emails.
3. Drag and drop EML files to your desktop.
4. Open Microsoft Outlook.
5. Create a new folder in Outlook and then drag EML files into the Outlook folder.
After this process, your emails will convert into Outlook.
Method 2: Using an Automated Software for Migration
Because manual methods are not safe, many users use automated software like Softaken Windows Live Mail to Outlook Converter for faster and safer migration. This tool can easily handle large email files and can convert multiple files in one go. It has multiple advanced features to make the conversion process easier and smoother for users. This software can migrate your data with better accuracy and complete data safety. Read the key features of the tool that are listed below to learn more about this tool.
Key Features of Conversion Tools:
• Convert bulk EML files without any delay or data loss.
• Maintains folder structure and can provide you with better and more reliable results.
• Securely preserves attachments and metadata.
• Preview features for users so they can check the files before conversion.
• Highly compatible with all Outlook versions.
• The Selective Export feature converts only important files.
• Supports all EML email clients, so that you can work effortlessly.
• Allows you to save the exported files at any desired location on your system.
How this tool works:
1. Install and launch the converter tool on your Windows system or PC.

2. Select Files and Folder mode to add email files.
3. After choosing any one mode, use the Browse button and add Windows Live Mail EML files.

4. Review your files thoroughly using the tool’s preview feature and configure the export options before starting the conversion.

5. Choose the desired format option and set the destination folder to save the files after migration.

6. Click on the Convert Now button and the migration process will start.
Within minutes, your entire mailbox is migrated.
Why is the Automated Method Better than Manual Methods?
When you compare both methods, software tools clearly win because of these reasons and capabilities:
|
Feature |
Manual Method |
Automated Method |
|
Migration Speed |
Manual methods are slow in migration and also convert files one by one. |
Migration speed is high as you can convert bulk emails in one go, which makes the process faster. |
|
Bulk Conversion |
The Bulk Conversion feature is not available in manual methods. |
Bulk Conversion features are available in automated methods. |
|
Data Safety |
Manual methods do not provide data safety during the migration process. |
Automated methods provide complete data safety during the migration process. |
|
Folder Structure |
Folder Structure is not maintained properly in these methods. |
Folder structure and formation are fully preserved to provide accurate and secure results. |
|
Advanced Features |
Advanced features like selective export, preview feature and technical support are not offered by these methods. |
Automated methods offered advanced features that make the process easier for users. |
So if your goal is to efficiently convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook, an automated method is the best choice.
Common Issues during Conversion
While migrating emails, users can face some problems:
• EML files can get damaged if not handled properly.
• The manual drag-and-drop method can lose the attachments.
• Outlook cannot recognize bulk EML files properly.
• Emails can appear disorganized after transfer.
If you don’t want these issues during file migration, then use secure conversion software, as it reduces all these risks and helps you safely migrate your files.
Tips for Smooth Migration
To successfully convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook, follow these tips:
• Always back up your data before conversion
• Use the updated version of Outlook
• Close all email applications during migration
• Organize EML files before importing
• Prefer automated tools for large mailboxes
Who Should Use This Conversion Method?
This guide is helpful for:
• Windows Live Mail users switching to Outlook
• Businesses migrating old email archives
• IT administrators handling email data migration
• Users upgrading to Microsoft 365
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can Outlook open EML files directly?
Ans. Outlook can open single EML files, but it does not support bulk import without conversion.
Q2. Is it safe to convert EML to PST?
Ans. Yes, it is safe to convert EML files to PST format and it becomes more secure when you use a trusted conversion tool.
Q3. Do I lose emails during conversion?
Ans. No, if you use a proper method, then all emails and attachments remain intact.
Q4. What is the best way to convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook?
Ans. Using an automated EML to PST converter is the best and most secure way to convert emails.
Conclusion
Migrating from Windows Live Mail to Outlook is important because of better security, performance and support. Since EML files are not directly compatible with Outlook, users need a smart way to convert EML emails from Windows Live Mail to Outlook.
While manual methods exist, they are limited and risky. They can lose the attachments and corrupt the files, or even the folder structure can be affected by these methods. However, if you do not want these kinds of risks, then choose a safer approach, which is using an advanced and automated method. This method not only securely migrates your data but also provides you with complete accuracy, high speed and data integrity.
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