Easy Ways to Convert MBOX to MSG File Format: Best Solution

Written By Shivam Rathore
Updated on March 26th, 2025

Summary: MBOX and MSG, both are widely preferred file formats to store email data. The former stores data altogether in a single file, whereas, the latter stores each email separately. Also, the MBOX file isn’t compatible with Outlook like the MSG file. Thus, users convert MBOX to MSG for these particular reasons and more. If you want to do the same, browse the two major solutions in this blog. It includes a freeway and an EasyTechTools MBOX File Converter to effortlessly convert MBOX files to MSG.

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Before proceeding, let’s explore the significant reasons to convert MBOX files to MSG files.

Benefits of MBOX to MSG Conversion

View and access emails of other clients on a single platform like Outlook.
Beneficial to backup and archive emails for a longer period than usual.
To use the advanced Windows Microsoft tools to browse and search emails.
MSG files retain the metadata and email content, unlike the MBOX files.
Message files are easy to share and store in comparison to MBOX files.

After finding the specific reasons to change the file format from MBOX to MSG, browse through the best methods.

Convert MBOX to MSG File: Know How?

There are two approaches for this MBOX file to MSG conversion, including a manual and a professional tool. The manual method is indirect and may pose some limitations too. Whereas, the professional tool will instantly transfer the files with accuracy. Let’s get started with the methods.

Method 1: DIY to Export MBOX to MSG Format

The manual method requires you to install the Thunderbird and Outlook applications on your desktop. Since it is an indirect solution, first convert MBOX to EML and then save EML to MSG. Follow these steps:

Start Thunderbird and ensure the ImportExportTools NG add-on is installed.
If not installed, add it to your profile and restart the application.
Further, select the MBOX emails to convert, right-click, and tap ImportExportTools NG.
Then, choose Export Messages As > EML Message Format > Messages.
Afterward, in the open dialog, choose a folder and press Select Folder.
All your MBOX emails will be saved as EML files at the specified location.
Now, drag and drop EML files in your Outlook profile to save as MSG.
After that, select those EML files and click File -> Save As.
Set the file type to Outlook Message Format – Unicode (*.msg).
In the end, select a destination and hit the Save button.

Following these steps, convert MBOX to MSG successfully for free. However, these methods come along with some drawbacks, such as:

Cannot bulk convert MBOX emails to Outlook MSG format.
It requires multiple applications to perform the conversion process.
Repetition of steps makes the process lengthy, tiring, and time-consuming.
Users must have the basic technical knowledge to avoid losses or alterations.

This is why experts suggest using a professional tool as the best alternative to overcome manual limitations.

Method 2: Recommended Tool to Convert MBOX to MSG

Users can go with the EasyTechTools MBOX Exporter to save MBOX files as MSG in minimum time. It supports MBOX files for all email clients, like Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Netscape, Opera, and others. Using this tool, easily convert MBOX files in bulk into MSG or other formats without size restrictions. Additionally, customize them using the advanced filters and save them at a location of your choice. Moreover, its user-friendly GUI is operable by all users on any Windows OS.

Steps to Change MBOX to MSG File

Run the Best MBOX File Converter Tool on your PC and click Next.
Select the MBOX files to add, click Open to upload, and hit Next.
Further, preview and select specific folders to change. Tap Next.
Choose the file format MSG from the saving menu and other filters.
At last, specify the Path to Save new MSG file and hit Convert.

Conclusion

To summarize, MBOX files are not easily portable like MSG files. Therefore, we learned two different ways to convert MBOX to MSG in this blog. Besides that, we also studied the reasons for conversion. The manual way is long and takes time, and there are chances of data manipulation too. So, using a professional tool is the ultimate solution for secure conversion without worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I convert MBOX files to MSG?

Ans: Export MBOX to MSG format by following these steps:
1. Start MBOX File Converter and add single or multiple MBOX files. Tap Next.
2. Preview and select the folders to save from the tree format. Click Next.
3. Opt for the MSG file format from the list and apply filters.
4. Specify a destination to save the file and click Convert.

Q2. Can only specific emails from MBOX to MSG files be converted?

Ans. Yes, use the MSG File Converter Tool’s Date Range feature to convert specific emails. You can provide a start and end date to convert the emails from MBOX to MSG for that particular period.

About The Author:

Shivam Rathore

Meet Shivam, an experienced SEO executive and content strategist. He combines creativity with strategy to craft engaging content that connects with audiences and supports brand goals. With strong expertise in digital marketing and content planning, Shivam helps businesses thrive online.