Microsoft Outlook is accessible on both Windows and Mac operating systems, and the core application experience remains consistent across platforms. However, a noteworthy distinction lies in the way these systems store their data files. To delve into the manual conversion of OLM to PST, read on.

The user interface and functionalities of Outlook are nearly identical whether you're using it on Windows or Mac. Nevertheless, the key divergence lies in how Outlook handles data storage. On Mac, Outlook employs the OLM file format, while on Windows, it utilizes the PST and OST file formats. Therefore, when transitioning from Mac to Windows, the need arises to convert OLM files into the PST file format.

In the upcoming sections, we will explore various techniques to transfer emails from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook. However, before delving into these methods, it's crucial to understand why individuals often find themselves in the position of needing to convert OLM files into PST format.

Professional Approach to Convert OLM to PST Instantly

To address the limitations associated with manual methods for converting OLM files into PST format, consider opting for a professional solution. The Advik OLM to PST Converter stands as a top-tier software tool. Additionally, if you're seeking a no-cost approach for converting OLM to PST, you can explore its free trial version. Notably, this tool supports batch conversion and adeptly manages corrupted files, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient conversion process.

Why the Necessity to Convert OLM to PST File Format?

When comparing Mac users to their Windows counterparts, the user base of Outlook on Windows is notably larger. Consequently, Outlook offers more extensive support for Windows users. This is why a substantial number of individuals seek out methods for manually converting OLM to PST. Here are some notable features that are absent in Outlook for Mac compared to its Windows counterpart:

  1. Incompatibility with OLM Files on Windows: MS Outlook for Windows does not support OLM files, making it essential to export Mac Outlook to PST file when transitioning to Windows.

  2. Temporary Windows Use: If a Mac user temporarily switches to Windows for work from home or office, they need to convert their Outlook mail data from OLM to PST.

  3. Gmail Folder Synchronization: Gmail does not seamlessly synchronize folders in MS Outlook for Mac.

  4. Missing Account Sync Slider and Advanced Options: Outlook for Mac lacks the account sync slider and advanced Send/Receive options found in its Windows counterpart.

  5. Message Recall and Table Creation: In MS Outlook for Mac, you cannot recall messages or create tables.

  6. Related Email Search and Folder Retention Policy: Finding related emails and setting folder retention policies are unavailable features in Outlook for Mac.

  7. Distribution List Mail Sending: Sending mail as a distribution list is not supported.

These limitations underscore the importance of employing the best OLM to PST converter to efficiently export all OLM files into PST format. Now, let's explore manual methods for the conversion of OLM to PST.

Manual Approaches for OLM to PST Conversion

In this section, we will explore several manual methods to convert OLM files into PST file format on a Mac system. You can proceed by following the steps outlined below:

Method 1: Synchronize Mac and Windows Outlook Emails

  1. Begin by logging into Windows Outlook using the same account that you use for Outlook on your Mac.

  2. Once you've signed in, the emails from the mailbox server will automatically synchronize to Outlook on Windows.

  3. After the synchronization is complete, open Outlook on Windows and utilize the Outlook Import/Export Wizard to export the emails into PST format.

  4. Import the PST file format into Outlook as needed.

These steps will guide you through the process of manually converting OLM files to PST format by synchronizing your Mac and Windows Outlook accounts.

Method 2: Transferring Messages from Outlook Mac to Windows

For a manual OLM to PST conversion, you can follow these steps to transfer emails from Outlook Mac to Windows:

  1. In Outlook Mac, export your emails to EML file format as the first step in converting OLM to PST manually.

  2. Create a new folder on your Desktop for storing these emails.

  3. Select the specific messages you wish to convert to PST format within Outlook on Mac.

  4. Drag and drop these selected messages from Mac's MS Outlook into the newly created folder on your Desktop.

  5. The messages are now stored in EML file format within this folder. Copy these EML-formatted emails to an external hard drive and connect the drive to your Windows computer.

  6. In Outlook for Windows, create a new folder within your Outlook mailbox.

  7. Drag and drop the EML-formatted messages from the external hard drive into this new Outlook folder for Windows.

  8. Subsequently, open Outlook for Windows' Import/Export Wizard and use it to export all folders containing the copied EML emails into PST format.

By following these steps, you can manually convert OLM files to PST format by transferring your Outlook Mac messages to a Windows-based system.

Method 3: Utilizing a Gmail IMAP Account for Manual OLM to PST Conversion

The process of manually converting OLM to PST using a Gmail IMAP account can be broken down into four primary steps:

Step 1: Setting Up an IMAP Account

  1. Access your email service settings, whether it's Gmail or another email provider.

  2. Navigate to the "Forwarding and POP/IMAP" section within the settings menu.

  3. Verify the status of the IMAP option; if it's not already enabled, activate it and save the changes.

Step 2: Configuring Outlook Mac with the IMAP Account

  1. Launch Outlook for Mac and go to the "Tools" tab.

  2. Select "Accounts" from the dropdown menu.

  3. Choose "Email" and provide your email address, password, and other required information.

  4. Input the IMAP server details, SSL connection, SMTP server, and use port 465; then, click "Add Account."

Step 3: Exporting Outlook Mac Emails to the IMAP Account

  1. Identify the specific items you wish to transfer within Outlook for Mac.

  2. Right-click on the selected folders and opt for "Move and Copy to Folder."

  3. Locate your IMAP folder's name and select "Copy."

  4. Utilize the "Send/Receive" button to update the IMAP folder, ensuring that all your OLM emails are now within your IMAP account.

Step 4: Configuring Windows Outlook with the Same IMAP Account

  1. Access your Control Panel and choose "Mail," then click on "Email Accounts" and "New."

  2. Proceed to the next step after selecting "Manually configure server settings."

  3. Select "IMAP/POP Settings" and click "Next."

  4. Enter your IMAP account credentials and the details of the Incoming and Outgoing servers.

  5. Head to the "Advanced" tab, enter 993 as the IMAP server port number and select SSL as the connection type.

  6. Opt for SSL encryption and specify 465 as the SMTP server port number, then click "OK."

  7. Afterward, click "Next," and allow a few moments for the configuration to complete before clicking "Finish."

By following these four steps meticulously, you can manually perform the conversion of OLM to PST using a Gmail IMAP account as an intermediary.

Limitations of Manual Approaches

Manual methods, despite their utility, come with inherent drawbacks that can render them time-consuming and demanding. They may prove ineffective when dealing with corrupted OLM files, and their execution often requires a certain level of technical proficiency. For those seeking a more efficient solution for converting OLM to PST manually, a third-party alternative is also available.

In Conclusion

Throughout this discussion, we've explored several manual techniques and a proficient solution for the conversion of OLM files into PST format. We've also delved into the reasons prompting such conversions. Recognizing that limitations can occasionally pose challenges during the OLM to PST conversion process, you always have the option to choose the professional approach to learn how to perform this conversion manually.