OLM file is created in Outlook for Mac and is not supported by Windows Outlook. If you try to import the OLM file into Outlook for Windows, then you may encounter an error message similar to the below:
The file <path>.olm is not an Outlook data file (.pst).
However, there are ways to import OLM file into Windows Outlook. In this post, you will learn how to directly import OLM file data into Outlook for Windows using a powerful OLM to PST converter tool. You will also know about a workaround to transfer emails from OLM file to Windows Outlook.
Reasons to Import OLM File into Windows Outlook
Here are some reasons why users need to import OLM into Windows Outlook:
- To access OLM file data in Outlook for Windows
- Switching from Mac to Windows PC
- To share OLM file data with a Windows user
- To access data from old/archived OLM files in Windows Outlook
A Simple Way to Import OLM Files into Windows Outlook
As the OLM file is not supported by Windows Outlook desktop client, you need to use Stellar Converter for OLM. It is a DIY OLM to PST converter software designed specifically to convert the OLM files into PST and other formats (MSG and EML). It can also import the OLM file data into Windows Outlook directly. You can also append the OLM file data to an existing PST file on your Windows PC. The software retains the original mailbox structure and folder hierarchy after the conversion process.
Here is how to use Stellar Converter for OLM:
Note – As this software works on Windows, you first need to transfer the OLM file to a Windows PC.
- Download and install Stellar Converter for OLM on your Windows PC.
- Launch it.
- On the Home screen, click on the Select OLM Mailbox option.
- Click on Browse to choose the OLM file.
- Once you have selected the OLM file, click on Convert.
- The software will scan the selected OLM file.
- Once the scan is complete, it will show all the OLM file data. Preview and verify the mailbox items.
- Select the mailbox items you want to import into Windows Outlook and click on Save Converted Mailbox.
- You will see the Save File window. Choose the Export to Existing Outlook Profile option.
- The Select Outlook Profile and PST window will appear on the screen.
- Select the Profile from the given list and click Save.
Note: If you want to add OLM file data to an existing PST file, you can do so by selecting the Append to existing PST option.
- The software will begin importing the OLM file data into the selected Outlook profile. Once completed, the Conversion Completed dialog box will appear. Click OK to end the process.
Additionally, you can select the Save As PST option on the Save File window to save the OLM file data in a new PST file.
Alternative Way to Import OLM File into Windows Outlook
There is also a workaround that can help you to import OLM file data into Outlook for Windows. For this, you need to configure an IMAP account (e.g. Gmail account) in Outlook for Mac and then add the same account in Windows Outlook to transfer the data. Here is the stepwise process:
Note: The new Outlook for Mac doesn’t have the import/export functionality and the import/export option will appear grayed-out. You will need to revert to the Legacy Outlook.
Part 1 – Import OLM File into Mac
Once you have switched to Legacy Outlook, follow the below steps:
- The Import window will open.
- Select the Outlook for Mac archive file (.olm) option and click Continue.
- Navigate to the OLM file location and select it. Click Import.
- It will begin importing the OLM file into Outlook.
- Click Finish to complete the process.
Suggested Read: How to view OLM files?
Part 2 – Add Gmail Account in Mac Outlook
Once you have imported the OLM file into Outlook for Mac, configure an IMAP email account (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.) in it. Here, we will be using a Gmail account.
Follow the steps below to add Gmail account in Mac Outlook:
- Launch Outlook for Mac.
- Click on Outlook > Settings.
- Click on Accounts under Personal Settings.
- Click on the + icon in the lower left corner.
- It will show the Set Up Your Email wizard.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to add your Gmail account in your Mac Outlook account.
Part 3 – Move the OLM File Data to the Gmail Account
Next, you need to transfer the OLM file data to the Gmail account added in Mac Outlook. Here are the steps:
- Relaunch Outlook for Mac. Press the Control key and click on the newly-added Gmail account. Select the New Folder option and rename the folder.
- Now, select the newly created folder and click on File > Import.
- Select the mailbox folder that you want to export from Outlook for Mac to Windows Outlook. Press the Control key and click on it. Then, select Move > Choose Folder.
- Next, select the items that you want to move from the selected folder. Then, press the Control key and click on them. Select Move > Choose Folder.
- Go to the Gmail folder and click Copy. This will move the selected data to the Gmail account.
Part 4 – Configure the Gmail Account in Outlook for Windows
Now, you can configure the same Gmail account in Outlook for Windows to access the OLM data. Here are the steps:
- Launch Microsoft Outlook on your Windows PC.
- Configure the same Gmail account that you’ve configured in the Outlook for Mac application.
- You will see the Outlook for Mac mailbox data in your Windows Outlook.
Drawbacks of the Above Workaround
Though the above method is free to use, it has the following limitations:
- It requires users to perform long multiple steps.
- Additional email account is required to be configured in Outlook for Mac.
- Gmail has a free 15 GB mailbox limit. For moving data from OLM files larger than 15 GB, you need to purchase additional Gmail storage.
Conclusion
There is no direct way to import OLM files into Outlook for Windows. Above, we have explained a workaround to transfer OLM file data to Outlook for Windows. However, the process is complicated, time-consuming, and requires technical know-how for successful execution.
The safest and quickest way to import OLM files into Outlook is by using Stellar Converter for OLM. This is an easy-to use software that helps you convert OLM files into Outlook importable PST file format. You can also use the software to directly export the data from OLM file to an Outlook or Office 365 account.
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