The 5 easiest ways to convert a PST file to EML format include using the drag-and-drop method within Outlook, saving individual emails manually, migrating via Windows Live Mail, utilizing a professional converter tool, and running automated command-line scripts. Because PST files hold entire Outlook mailboxes while EML files store single messages, your choice depends entirely on how many emails you need to export. 1. The Drag-and-Drop Method (Best for a Few Emails)
If you have Microsoft Outlook installed and only need to convert a few select messages, this is the quickest manual option. Step 1: Launch Microsoft Outlook and open the PST file. Step 2: Create a new folder on your computer desktop.
Step 3: Highlight the specific emails you want to export inside Outlook.
Step 4: Drag and drop the selected emails directly out of Outlook and into your desktop folder. They will automatically save as individual EML files. 2. The “Save As” Method (Best for Single Messages)
The native “Save As” function within Outlook is another excellent way to handle individual messages without external software.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook and double-click the desired email to open it in its own window.
Step 2: Click on the File menu in the top left corner and select Save As.
Step 3: In the dialog box, change the “Save as type” dropdown menu to Outlook Message Format – Unicode or EML (depending on your Outlook version). Step 4: Choose your destination path and click Save. 3. Windows Live Mail Sync (Best Free Legacy Method)
If you do not want to buy third-party software but need to export folders in bulk, you can use Windows Live Mail to bridge the data.
Step 1: Open both Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail on your PC.
Step 2: Inside Windows Live Mail, go to File, select Import Messages, and choose Microsoft Outlook.
Step 3: Select the specific mailbox folders you wish to import and click Next.
Step 4: Once completed, locate the Windows Live Mail storage directory on your hard drive (usually found under AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail), where all imported emails will already be formatted as .eml files.
4. Professional Converter Utilities (Best for Bulk and Speed) Convert PST to EML – PST Walker Software
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