Mozilla does not list PST among the file types Thunderbird imports. Its switching guide names mbox, EML and vCard files plus LDIF and CSV contacts. Thunderbird 38 and newer disable the Outlook import wizard. Convert PST data to mbox format first and import it with an add-on.
You have a PST file and want its emails in Thunderbird. Mozilla documents which formats the import tool accepts.
Facts follow the Mozilla Support guide on switching to Thunderbird. Mozilla last updated that guide in January 2018.
Can Thunderbird Open PST Files?
Mozilla names no PST import in its guide. Mozilla never mentions PST files in that guide. Normal import needs Eudora or Outlook installed on the computer. Mozilla also states the wizard is disabled for Outlook and Eudora in Thunderbird version 38 and newer.
What are the Import Formats in Thunderbird?
| Data | Format Mozilla names |
|---|---|
| Messages | EML files from Windows Mail or Windows Live Mail |
| Messages | mbox files copied from Evolution |
| Messages | mbox (.mbx) files through the Import Export Tools add-on |
| Contacts | vCard (.vcf) files |
| Contacts | Text file (LDIF, .tab, .csv, .txt) |
| Apple Mail | Apple Mail 5.0 or earlier only |
What Route is Suggested for Outlook Data?
- Outlook installed. Mozilla recommends Thunderbird 31.8 for the import and an upgrade afterward.
- Outlook not installed. Use a tool to transform your data to mbox format (.mbx) and import the mbox files with the same add-on.
Mozilla does not name a PST to mbox tool. Test any converter on a copy of your PST file first. Related reading: how to fix Outlook not importing a PST file and how to repair a PST file with Scanpst.exe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Thunderbird Read PST Files?
Not directly. Mozilla lists no PST import. It names mbox, EML and vCard files.
Does the Outlook Import Wizard Still Work?
No. Mozilla states the wizard is disabled for Outlook in Thunderbird 38 and newer.
How do I Move Outlook Emails to Thunderbird?
Convert the data to mbox format and import it with the add-on Mozilla names.
What are the Contact Import Formats?
vCard (.vcf) files and text files in LDIF, tab, CSV or TXT format.
Key Takeaways
- Mozilla lists no PST import for Thunderbird.
- Thunderbird 38 and newer have no Outlook import wizard.
- mbox files import through an add-on.
- vCard and LDIF files import contacts.
- Test any conversion on a copy of your data.
Sources and References
Facts follow Mozilla Support.
- Switching to Thunderbird (Mozilla Support) support.mozilla.org