Moving data from Outlook for Mac to Windows Outlook is a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible to carry out. Since OLM files aren’t supported in the Windows environment, there’s no direct way to import OLM file to Windows Outlook. However, there’s an alternative method to perform this migration by configuring an IMAP account in Mac’s Outlook. Here in this blog, we’ll talk about the common reasons and the best methods to transfer OLM to Outlook for Windows.
What are the reasons to import OLM file to Windows Outlook?
Primarily, users import their OLM file data to access all of it easily in the Windows environment. Apart from this, we’ve given common reasons for this transfer below:
- Switching operating systems: Users transfer all their personal Mac mailbox data like emails, contacts, attachments, calendars, etc. to Windows environment when they shift operating systems.
- Backup purposes: Users also create a local copy of their Mac mailbox data in PST format for long-term storage and for instant recovery in case of data loss.
- Shifting organizational data: Users might have to migrate their professional data if their company is shifting from Mac-based devices to a Windows environment.
- Cross platform accessibility: Users shift some of their Outlook for Mac data to Windows Outlook for better cross-platform accessibility, and so that Windows users can easily collaborate with Mac users.
How to import OLM files to Windows Outlook?
There isn’t any direct way to import OLM file to Windows Outlook because OLM format is only supported by Mac Outlook. Although, there are two workarounds for this that we are going to talk about below.
Method 1: Use an IMAP account to import OLM file into Windows Outlook
Users can copy their OLM file data to a configured IMAP account in Mac Outlook and then transfer OLM to Outlook by configuring the same IMAP account in Microsoft Outlook. Follow the below steps for this process:
Step 1: Add your IMAP (Gmail) account in Mac Outlook
- Open the Outlook for Mac application and go to Tools > Accounts.
- Click on the plus (+) button to add a new account in Mac’s Outlook.
- Enter details like email address, Password, and the Gmail account username in the given section.
- Add the following details in the required fields:
- Input imap.gmail.com as the Incoming Server.
- Enter smtp.gmail.com as the Outgoing Server.
- Tick the Use SSL Connect checkbox.
- Enter 465 in the Outgoing Port option and then click on Add account.
Step 2: Copy OLM files to the Gmail account
- Create a new folder under the newly configured Gmail account in Mac Outlook.
- Copy all the OLM files that you’re planning to shift to Microsoft Outlook.
- Paste all the files in this new folder. Once done, check if all the files are shifted in the folder or not.
Step 3. Configure Gmail account in Microsoft Outlook
Now, we’ll configure the same Gmail account in Microsoft Outlook that was configured in Mac Outlook. Here are the steps for this:
- Open Outlook application and go to File > Add Account.
- Enter the email address of the same Gmail account that you configured in Mac Outlook. Click on Connect.
- In the new browser window, first enter your email address again and then your password in the next step.
- Click Allow to let Microsoft services access your Gmail data.
- Once you’ve set up everything, click on Done and restart Outlook if needed.
Note: If you’re using New Outlook, then just click on the Gear icon in the top right corner. Go to Accounts and select Your Account > Add Account.
Method 2: Converting OLM files to Outlook PST
PST is the native format of Microsoft Outlook and hence, can be imported into this email client. In this method, first we’ll convert the OLM files to PST format using a reliable OLM to PST Converter such as Kernel OLM to PST Converter tool. Then, we’ll import the converted PST files to Microsoft Outlook with the help of the built-in Import/Export wizard. Follow the steps to import the converted PST file into Outlook:
- Open the Outlook application and click on File.
- Now go to Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select the Import from another program or file option and click on Next.
- Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) as the file type to import.
- Browse the location of the PST file to import and choose the setting for duplicate files.
- Select all the folders that you want to export from and verify that the Include subfolders checkbox is ticked. Click Finish to start the import process.
Ending Notes
The best method to import OLM file to Windows Outlook depends on whether you still have access to your Outlook for Mac account or not. If you do have access to your Mac Outlook account, then you can configure an IMAP account to transfer OLM files. But if your Mac mailbox is unavailable, then you must first convert the OLM files to PST format and then import the files in Outlook via Import/Export wizard.
