Top 03 Techniques to Convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST Format

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  • Updated on
    October 17th, 2025
  • Read Time
    8 minutes
Introduction: Mac Outlook supports OLM file format. It cannot be accessed directly on the Windows Operating System. In that situation, you must convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST because Windows Outlook’s default file format is PST. It might be difficult for non-tech users to convert OLM files to PST. Hence, we will assist you in doing this process securely using an OLM Converter Tool and a free method.
Mac Windows

The OLM file format contains all the Mac Outlook data including emails, calendars, and other items. Similarly, Outlook PST can also manage the entire Outlook application data on Windows OS. However, the PST file format is more widely used than OLM. Besides, you can find several other reasons that will lead you to convert OLM to PST file format.

Why do Users Convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST?

This section will help you to understand the different reasons for conversion.

  • Users transfer OLM to PST as OLM doesn’t support Windows OS.
  • OLM file has lower compatibility than the PST file format.
  • PST is known for sharing and accessing files from Outlook on Windows.
  • PST backup data can be accessed on various Windows platforms.

 Therefore, the requirement to convert OLM files arises. Now, let’s begin with the different ways to perform it.

How to Convert OLM to PST on Windows? 

You might know ‘How to Open OLM File on Mac?’ However, to open OLM files on Windows, you need to first convert Mac OLM files to PST. Therefore, you can follow the mentioned ways.

Technique 1. Convert OLM to PST File Using IMAP Protocol

For this procedure, you need to follow the major three steps carefully.

Note: You need to Enable IMAP in Gmail Settings, before proceeding with the steps. Additionally, generate a third-party app password for Mac Outlook.

Step 1. Connect your Gmail Account to Mac Outlook

  1. Run Mac Outlook and press on the File>> Tools tab.
  2. From the Tools section, click on the Accounts>> Emails option.
  3. Enter the Gmail account credentials. Tap Add.

After this, you can use the drag-and-drop method to transfer the Mac Outlook data to the Gmail account. After that, you have to log in to the same Gmail account for Windows OS.

Step 2. Link your Gmail Account to Windows Outlook

Note: Again create a new app password for Windows Outlook.

  1. Launch the MS Outlook on your Windows PC.
  2. After this, click on the File from the menu bar.
  3. From the File tab, tap the Account Settings option.
  4. Again, choose the Account option and click on Email.
  5. Then, click on the New option to add the Gmail account.
  6. Click on the Manual setup or additional server types. Tap Next.
  7. Now, choose either POP or IMAP to add an account. Click Next.
  8. Enter the login credentials like username and third-party password.

Once you are done, drag and drop the Mac Outlook data from Gmail to Windows Outlook.

Step 3. Convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST

Here, we will guide you in converting the data into PST file format (.pst).

  1. Open the Outlook application.
  2. Press the File option>>Open & Export tab and then click on the ImportExport tab.
  3. Select the Import from another program or file. Hit Next.
  4. From the several options in the list, choose the Outlook Data File(.pst) option.
  5. Specify the path for your resultant PST file on your device.
  6. Finally, select the data you want to change into PST.

After finishing all the steps correctly, the process of converting the OLM file to PST will be complete.

Technique 2. Move Mac Outlook Data into Windows

To use this method, you need to copy Mac Outlook data. After you copy the data, when you save the Mac Outlook data, it will be in EML file format. Afterward, you can convert multiple EML files to Outlook PST and import them to Windows Outlook. Here are the steps you need to follow: 

  1. Run Mac Outlook and select the messages for conversion.
  2. Next, generate a new folder on your Desktop.
  3. Drag and drop the messages from Outlook to a new folder.
  4. Copy these messages and transfer them into an external drive. Connect it to Windows.
  5. After this, run the Windows Outlook and generate a new folder on Windows Outlook.
  6. Transfer all the copied data from the external drive to a new folder in Windows Outlook. 

With the Import/Export option of Windows, you can export copied EML files into PST. On the other hand, you can directly transfer EML files to PST, using a proficient EML to PST Converter tool.

Why is the Free Approach not the Right Choice for you?

 The Free Approach has lots of restrictions that might affect your data anyhow. Therefore, we are here to familiarize you with the limitations of this approach:

  • This is going to be time-consuming as it is a lengthy procedure.
  • You might lose the data while transferring data across devices.
  • Skipping a step while converting OLM to PST, and you need to begin all steps again.

So, if you do not find the above methods suitable, go for the professional approach. The process will be instant and safe.

Technique 3. Professional Approach to Convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST

As you know, the manual approach is tricky and complicated to perform. Also, there is no guarantee that your data will be safely converted. Alternatively, you can choose the most reliable MacSonik OLM Converter to convert Outlook OLM to PST. This software offers several remarkable features to ease your work. Also, its simple and friendly interface will assist novices in performing the process. You can also convert OLM to HTML, PDF, MBOX, and other file formats easily. The tool, in addition, helps users migrate their OLM files into Thunderbird, Office 365, Gmail, etc. During the conversion, you can remove duplicate data and constrain the attachments from being converted. Moreover, you can use other advanced features to achieve a satisfactory outcome. 

Easy Steps to Convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST

 For the professional approach, follow the steps to convert OLM file to PST securely:

  1. Launch the MacSonik OLM Converter on your system.
  2. Press on Select Files and choose desired OLM files for conversion. Press Open.
  3. Preview the mailbox data and tick for further proceeding. Hit Next.
  4. Choose PST as your designated file format from the given options
  5. You can apply the filters and features if it is required.
  6. Once you tap Convert, the tool will convert the OLM file to PST. 

Thus, it will be convenient for you to convert OLM to PST or other saving options. 

Comparison & Recommendation

Method Cost Complexity Data Integrity Bulk Support Suitable For
IMAP Bridge (Gmail) Free Moderate to High Medium Partial Users with moderate mailbox size
EML Drag & Drop + Import Free High Low Low Small sets of emails only
MacSonik OLM Converter Tool Paid Low High Yes Professionals, large conversions
Recommendation: For small migrations, IMAP or EML import can work, though limited. For large or business-level migrations, the MacSonik OLM Converter Tool offers the best balance of speed, accuracy, and data integrity.

Conclusion

At last, we will conclude the entire blog. This blog provides different ways to convert Mac Outlook OLM to PST. Many users recommend that the professional approach is highly appreciated to convert a bunch of OLM files simultaneously. Also, it protects the data until the process ends successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the easiest way to convert OLM files to PST without losing data?

The simplest and most secure way is to use a professional tool like MacSonik OLM Converter. It directly converts OLM to PST while preserving folder hierarchy, attachments, and metadata. Unlike manual methods, it doesn’t require any technical setup or IMAP configuration.

Q2. Can I import an OLM file directly into Windows Outlook?

No, Windows Outlook does not support importing OLM files directly because it only works with PST format. You need to first convert OLM to PST, either manually or using a converter tool, to access your Mac Outlook data on Windows Outlook.

Q3. Is there a free manual way to convert OLM to PST on Windows?

Yes, you can use the IMAP bridge method by syncing Mac Outlook data to Gmail and then exporting it from Windows Outlook as PST. However, this method is time-consuming, prone to errors, and may lose attachments or formatting. Tools like MacSonik OLM Converter are faster and safer alternatives.

Q4. Will my attachments and folder structure remain the same after conversion?

When using a trusted tool like MacSonik OLM Converter, all attachments, metadata, and folder hierarchy remain intact. The software ensures 100% data integrity, so your converted PST file mirrors the original OLM mailbox perfectly.

Q5. Can I convert multiple OLM files to PST at once?

Yes, the MacSonik OLM Converter supports batch conversion. You can add multiple OLM files or entire folders and export them into PST in one go. This feature saves time and effort, especially for users migrating large mailboxes.

About The Author

Abhishek Singh is a Technical Content Writer at Aryson Technologies, where he specializes in creating clear and insightful content on data migration, email management, and file recovery solutions. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for simplifying complex technical concepts, he helps users understand and navigate advanced software tools with ease.

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