Import Windows Live Mail (EML) to Thunderbird – Free Guide

Updated On - June 24, 2025 by Henry Bray | Reading Time: 6 minutes

Nowadays, email communication is a vital need for both individuals and organizations. For this purpose, there is no insufficiency of email clients. Various email platforms have different benefits. Users frequently switch from one platform to another until they find one that matches their specific needs. Here in this blog, we explain How to Import Windows Live Mail (EML) files to Thunderbird. Now Let’s Start.

Windows Live Mail (WLM) and Mozilla Thunderbird are two of the most effective email clients. However, as of January 10, 2017, Microsoft has discontinued the service for WLM. However, countless users are still using it and continuously encounter difficulties since Microsoft does not provide updates or technical assistance for it.

On the other hand, Thunderbird just received an update and is advancing, and many Windows Live Mail users are now looking for a means to integrate Windows Live Mail into Thunderbird and switch to it as their email program.

However, if you have backup files or those exported from Windows Live Mail in EML format, you may be asking how to import EML files into Thunderbird. In this article, we will talk about the most effective methods for performing the importing process.

Related Post: How to Backup or Save Thunderbird Emails

3 Simple Methods to Import Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

There are both manual and third-party solutions. As usual, the manual solutions are totally free of charge, but not the third-party software. Read the import method as follows and decide what suits you.

1st Method: Use ImportExportTools NG Add-on in Thunderbird

For this method, you need to add an add-in named “ImportExport” to Thunderbird. Besides, if you are using Thunderbird 78 or the oldest versions, then this process is not for you. Try to use the latest version of Thunderbird to go through this process.

• Install Thunderbird, if not already installed.
• Install the ImportExportTools NG add-on:
  • Go to Thunderbird > Add-ons > Search for “ImportExportTools NG” > Install it.
  • Or get it from addons.thunderbird.net

  

• Create a folder inside Thunderbird where you want to import emails.
• Right-click on that folder > Select ImportExportTools NG > Import all Messages from a directory (you can also include subdirectories).
• Browse to the folder containing your .eml files and import.
• To view all the imported EML files in Thunderbird, go to the folder.

Related Post: Import Eudora Mail to Mozilla Thunderbird

2nd Method: Drag and Drop EML Files into Thunderbird

This technique is a lot simpler than the above one. Here is the steps:-

1. Open Thunderbird.
2. Create a new folder in Thunderbird to hold the imported emails.
3. Open the folder on your system that contains .eml files exported from Windows Live Mail.
4. Select all .eml files (use Ctrl + A), and drag and drop them into the new folder in Thunderbird.

These 4 steps will easily move your EML files into Thunderbird.  However, there is no mechanism to detect and exclude junk emails.

Aside from that, the drag and drop technique is restricted, and users may only import a certain number of EML files using it. If you have a large number of EML files to import, do so in tiny batches or utilize a professional Regain EML Converter tool.

Method3: Use Professional Tool to Switch from Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird

Manual methods to migrate Windows Live Mail (EML) to Thunderbird can be slow, risky, and technically complex. They often result in data loss, broken formatting, or missing attachments. In contrast, the Regain EML Converter Tool offers a reliable, error-free solution that supports bulk conversion, preserves folder structure, and requires no technical skills. It’s the ideal choice for users who want a fast, accurate, and fully automated migration experience.

Free Download100% Secure Buy NowPrice: $29

Are you wondering how it works? Let’s see the steps.

Before starting, you must appropriately download and install the software on your device. The installation procedure is much like the previous ones. After running the software,

1. Press the “Browse” option to choose the EML files you wish to convert.
2. Then you will get a preview of all the scanned EML files, and then just hit the “Save” option to proceed to the next stage.
3. Choose the file type you want, which includes PST, PDF, MSG, Zimbra Mail, HTML, Gmail, Hotmail etc. and afterwards hit the “Save” option.
4. Your files will then be stored on your system after the conversion process is completed.

Conclusion

In this blog, we explain two manual methods to import Windows Live Mail into Thunderbird and another one is a professional Automated tool. Both manual methods have some limitations and also a risk of data loss. Minor mistakes can lead to data loss. Now it is up to you which you prefer. Manual steps require some technical skills while the professional tool will do the same thing in just a few clicks without losing any data. I suggest, If your data is important then do not take any chances. Use the professional tool at a genuine price. It is worth saving your important data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the easiest way to migrate Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird?

Ans- The simplest method is using a professional solution like the Regain EML to PST Converter Tool, which allows direct and error-free conversion of EML files to Thunderbird-compatible format (MBOX) with just a few clicks.

Q2. Can I import EML files from Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird manually?
Ans- Yes, you can manually drag and drop EML files into Thunderbird or use the ImportExportTools NG add-on. However, this method is time-consuming and may not retain folder structure or attachments.

Q3. Does Regain EML Converter Tool support batch migration of EML to Thunderbird?
Ans- Absolutely. The Regain EML Converter Tool supports bulk conversion of multiple EML files to MBOX format, which can then be easily imported into Thunderbird without any data loss.

Q4. Will attachments and formatting be preserved during migration?
Ans- Yes. Whether you choose manual methods or the Regain EML File Converter Tool, formatting and attachments can be retained. However, the professional tool ensures 100% accuracy without errors or missing elements.

Q5. How do I use Regain EML Converter Tool for Thunderbird migration?
Ans- Just launch the tool, add your EML files, select the output format as MBOX, and convert. You can then import the MBOX file into Thunderbird using its built-in import option or ImportExportTools NG.

Q6. Is Thunderbird required during the EML to MBOX conversion process?
Ans- No, if you’re using a tool like the Regain EML Converter Tool, Thunderbird is not needed during the conversion. You only need it afterward to import the final MBOX file.

Q7. Can I import the entire folder structure from Windows Live Mail to Thunderbird?
Ans- Manual methods often miss folder hierarchy. With the Regain EML Converter Tool, your entire folder structure and subfolders are preserved during the migration process.

Q8. Is there a free method to move EML files to Thunderbird?
Ans- Yes, you can use the drag-and-drop method or Thunderbird add-ons like ImportExportTools NG. These are free but can be time-consuming and error-prone for large-scale migration.

Q9. Is a free demo available for Regain EML Converter Tool?
Ans- Yes, a free trial version is available. It allows users to preview EML files and convert a limited number of emails to test the software before purchase.