Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Mac OLM Files into PST Format

Mar 31, 2026 - crawly

Summary: A user who goes from Mac to Windows needs to convertĀ OLM files to PST files. Outlook for Mac stores emails in OLM format, which MS Outlook for Windows can't read directly. This blog will show us a few ways to convert OLM files to PST format by hand. Some customers who simply have a few emails choose to move using free techniques, even though the manual method is a little hard.


We know that Microsoft Outlook works on both Windows and Mac computers, but the data in the mailbox is saved in two different ways. Outlook for Windows uses the PST format, while Outlook for Mac uses the OLM format. When a person goes from Mac OS to Windows, they have trouble getting to their emails because the two systems are different. In this case, it is best to convert OLM to PST so that you may read emails made using Mac Outlook on Windows. In this article, we'll talk about many ways to manually convert OLM files to PST files.


What Do You Need to convert OLM to PST?


There are several reasons why someone might need to convert OLM to PST. Here are the main reasons:


  1. When a user moves from a Mac to a Windows computer, they need to convert their OLM files to PST files.
  2. Backup and Archiving: PST files are safe and great for backing up and archiving data.
  3. Compatibility: You may effortlessly exchange and use PST files in more than one Outlook profile.


How to Manually Convert a Mac OLM File to a PST File


There isn't a straightforward way to convert OLM emails to PST; we can do it with various workarounds. We have figured out two ways to manually convert an OLM file into a PST file based on research.


Step 1: Set up your Mac Outlook account in Windows Outlook


To sync Outlook for Mac emails in Windows Outlook, the user must set up Mac Outlook on Windows by following the steps below:


  1. Start Outlook and go to File.
  2. Click on Add Account and then enter the information for your Mac Outlook account. This will sync your Mac emails with Windows Outlook.
  3. Now, click on File, then double-click on Account Settings, and then choose Manage Profiles.
  4. In the Email section, set the new account as the default. Now, restart Outlook.
  5. Click File in Outlook again to open it.
  6. Choose Import/Export from the Open & Export menu.
  7. Choose the option to "Export to a file" and then click "Next."
  8. Choose the Outlook Data file (.pst) from the list of choices.
  9. Choose the Folder you want to export.
  10. Save it where you want it to go.


Method 2: Use Gmail to convert an OLM file to a PST file


The user can easily convert OLM to PST by setting up a Gmail account in Outlook for Mac and moving emails to the Gmail folder. After moving emails to the Gmail folder, you may set up Outlook for Windows to work with the same Gmail account. The steps that need to be taken are:


Step 1: Set up a Gmail account in MS Outlook for Mac


  1. Open Outlook for Mac,
  2. Choose Emails from the Accounts menu under Tools.
  3. In the Account Window, click on New Account.
  4. Type in your Gmail account and password.
  5. You may now drag and drop folders from Outlook for Mac to Gmail.


Step 2: Set up the same Gmail account in MS Outlook for Windows


  1. Start MS Outlook.
  2. Click Add Account in File > Account Info.
  3. Type in your Gmail address and click Connect.
  4. Select IMAP to sync your Gmail emails with Outlook right away.
  5. Type in your Gmail password and click "Connect."
  6. You may now drag & drop emails from your Gmail inbox into your Outlook folders.


Step 3: Save as a PST file


  1. Open MS Outlook and click on "File."
  2. Click on Import/Export after choosing Open & Export.
  3. Click Next after choosing the Export to a file option.
  4. Pick the Outlook Data file (.pst).
  5. Choose the folders you want to save as a PST file.
  6. You can save the file wherever you want.


This is how the OLM emails are now saved in PST format.


Method 3: Convert OLM to PST with Expert Solution


If you want an easy way to convert OLM to PST, use the Softaken OLM to PST Converter software. The tool lets you safely and securely convert all of your data from Mac OLM files to PST format, including emails, contacts, calendars, and more. During the conversion process, this OLM to PST converter program will keep all of the email's properties and the folder structure. You can learn more about how the software works by using the demo version.


In conclusion


The manual procedures described above can be used by users to convert OLM to PST. To get the results you want, follow the procedures carefully. There are a number of stages that must be followed exactly while using manual methods.

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