“Hello, I am using the Mac operating system and switching my OS to windows. I can’t import the olm files in windows outlook. How can I open OLM files in Windows Outlook?”
“Recently, I got some OLM files that I have to open. But I use Windows operating system and Outlook is not installed either. It would be really helpful if I could open my mac olm files windows outlook. To do this, I need to convert olm files to PST. I don’t know how to do this. Can anyone help me by telling me how to open OLM files in windows?”
Microsoft Outlook is an email client used by both Windows and Mac operating systems, but both platforms save mail data with file formats. In the case of Mac OS, Outlook data is saved in OLM files whereas in Windows OS Outlook data is saved in PST format.
If you want to open OLM files in Windows then the big problem is how to migrate Mac Outlook data to Windows Outlook. Since Mac Outlook uses the OLM file format while Windows Outlook does not support the OLM file format, it supports the PST file format. In this article we will learn how to open OLM files in Windows Outlook.
Before going further, let’s discuss a few things about OLM and PST file formats.
What is OLM and PST
OLM (Outlook For Mac) is a file format developed by Microsoft for Outlook For Mac. OLM files contain all messages, contacts, calendars, journals, attachments and all other information.
PST file stands for Personal Storage Table. PST file is a file format developed by Microsoft for Windows Outlook. This file contains messages, contacts, calendars, journals, attachments, and all other information.
Why do we need to save OLM file as PST?
- PST file is used to store all the items like Contacts, Calendar, Email etc. for each mailbox.
- Internet connectivity is not required to access the downloaded email, allowing users to access offline.
- Outlook PST files have better database management than OLM file formats.
- If the user is switching from Mac system to Windows system. Therefore, they have to transfer from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows. So, OLM to PST conversion is needed.
- If a user is sometimes using a Windows computer in the office or home. To access his email on Outlook for Mac, he needs to convert OLM to PST.
Manual Approach: OLM to PST converter
In this solution, I have explained how a user can transfer data from Outlook for Mac to MS Outlook using IMAP account settings as a medium. In Outlook for Mac, data is configured from Outlook for Mac to an IMAP account.
So, first, we have to configure the IMAP account in Outlook for Mac and then in Outlook. In Outlook for Mac, data is transferred from Outlook for Mac to the IMAP account. In MS Outlook, data is transferred from the IMAP account to MS Outlook.
This manual method has four main steps, which you have to perform for conversion of OLM to PST.
Step 1. Setup an IMAP account
- Open your Gmail account, click on Settings.
- In Settings, select the POP/IMAP tab.
- Now check if IMAP is enabled or not and if it is not enabled, enable IMAP and save changes.
Step 2. Configure Outlook (for Mac)
- Open Outlook for Mac and then Go to the Tool tab and select Accounts.
- Now, choose Email and login your id with login credentials.
- Select and enter the IMAP server, Select the SSL connection with the SMTP server, and enter 465 as the port number and choose Add Account.
Step 3. Export Mac Outlook Mails to IMAP Account
- Run outlook in your Mac System.
- Select the folder that you want to move.
- Right click on that selected folder then move> Copy to folder.
- Search your IMAP folder and select a copy.
- Then, change the IMAP folder with Send/Receive button, and all your OLM emails are now transferred in the IMAP account.
Step 4. Configure Outlook (for Windows) With the IMAP account
- Go to the Control Panel, select Mail > Email Accounts > New.
- Go to the manually configured server settings and click on the Next.
- Select IMAP settings then, click Next.
- Enter your login credentials and outgoing and incoming server details and proceed to More settings.
- Go to the Advanced tab, enter the 993 port number in the IMAP server and choose SSL connection.
- Enter the port number of the SMTP server as 465 and select SSL connection, then click OK to proceed.
- Click on “Next” and it will take some time to finish.
Therefore, all your email data is in MS outlook.
Step 5. Export Email data in PST format
- Run MS outlook in your system.
- Go to the file > Open & Import > Import and Export.
- Select Export a File > Outlook Data File (.PST).
- Select the folder you want to convert, select the location, and click the Finish button.
Drawback of Manual Method
- Long and time consuming to perform. If you use a manual approach to save emails from OLM to PST then you will go through a long and hectic process. It will take a long time.
- Risk of Data Loss: Data may get lost in this long process. So avoid choosing a long process.
- Required technical knowledge. It requires proficient technical skills, who should have a lot of knowledge of Microsoft Outlook only that user can use.
An easy way (Professional Approach) for OLM to PST conversion
Advik OLM converter is a powerful tool which is capable enough to convert OLM files to PST. It not only converts OLM to PST but also converts files into multiple formats with no loss of data. This software is compatible with all previous and current versions of Windows. It does not require any technical skills for installation and is very easy to use. This software provides a bulk file conversion feature.
Characteristics of this feature.
- This software is designed in a way that it converts OLM to PST without losing any information in the conversion process.
- It allows you to choose the folder where you want to save your folder.
- 100% safe, secure, ad-free and authentic tool.
- Export converted file in all formats.
- Simple and user-friendly interface.
- Technical support is available 24/7.
Conclusion
Here was a long and lengthy manual method and description to open OLM files in Window Outlook using the software. We have found that manual methods take a long time to convert. And it also requires good knowledge of Microsoft Outlook to execute it. Transferring data is always a dangerous task, as a lot is at risk. One cannot imagine losing important data during the transfer process. Maybe someone can use the manual method but one wrong step and you have to start it again without knowing it.
Frequently asked questions
Question 1. Is it possible to access emails from an OLM file in Microsoft Outlook for windows?
Answer. Yes, it is possible to open emails from an OLM file using the above mentioned solutions.
Question 2. Is there any instant solution to export Mac Outlook emails into windows outlook?
Answer. Yes, you can use a third-party software for this process. One such tool is mentioned in the above section.
Question 3. Can I save some selected emails from the OLM file into Windows Outlook?
Answer. With manual methods there is no option to copy selected emails but with above mentioned software it is possible.
You can also read – Top 5 Best Mac OLM Converter Tools