How to Transfer Emails from PC to Mac

Summary: You can transfer emails from a PC to a Mac in four ways. First, sync both computers to the same IMAP account so messages appear on each device (the same IMAP setup lets you later export OLM to Gmail from the Mac). Second, export from Outlook on Windows as a PST or EML and import into Apple Mail or Outlook for Mac. Third, copy your Thunderbird profile folder across and reopen it on the Mac. Fourth, use a dedicated PC to Mac email transfer tool when files are corrupt or the source client is missing. The IMAP route is the easiest. The dedicated tool is the safest for damaged or legacy mailboxes.

Why Transferring Emails from PC to Mac Is Tricky

Web mail like Gmail or Outlook.com loads from any device. You just sign in and your inbox appears.

Desktop mail is different. Outlook, Thunderbird, and Windows Mail store messages in local files on your PC. As a result, those files do not follow you to a new Mac on their own.

Also, Windows and macOS use different mail apps and file formats. Therefore, a straight copy of the Windows mailbox usually will not open on the Mac. However, the four methods below solve this in different ways.

What You Need Before You Start

First, gather the basics on both computers. Then pick the method that matches your setup.

• Your PC with the existing mail client (Outlook, Thunderbird, Windows Mail).
• Your Mac with Apple Mail, Outlook for Mac, or Thunderbird installed.
• Your email account password and IMAP or POP settings.
• A USB drive, network share, or cloud folder to move files if needed.
• Enough free space on the Mac for the copied mailbox.

Method 1: Sync Both Computers Using IMAP (Easiest)

IMAP keeps a single copy of your mail on the server. As a result, both computers see the same inbox.

This method works best when your account is hosted on Gmail, Outlook.com, Yahoo, or any provider that supports IMAP.

Set up IMAP on the PC client

First, open your mail client on the PC. Next, switch the account type from POP to IMAP if needed. Then wait for the client to upload local folders to the server.

In short, every message you want on the Mac must reach the server first.

Add the same account on Mac Mail or Outlook for Mac

Next, open Mail or Outlook on the Mac. Add the same account using IMAP settings. Finally, let the client download folders and messages.

For example, a 5 GB mailbox may take an hour to sync. After that, the Mac shows the same inbox as your PC.

Method 2: Export from Outlook on PC and Import on Mac

This method suits Outlook users with a POP account or a large PST file. You move the mailbox as a file, then import it on the Mac. If your destination is Apple Mail rather than Outlook for Mac, you can also convert OLM to EML files for direct import.

Export PST or EML on Windows

First, open Outlook on the PC. Then go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file. Next, choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and pick the folders you need.

Finally, save the PST to a USB drive or cloud folder. For Windows Mail or Live Mail, export each folder as EML files instead.

Import into Apple Mail or Outlook for Mac

For Apple Mail, drag the EML files into a folder in Mail. The app imports them automatically.

For Outlook for Mac, open the file and choose File > Import. Then point it at the PST. As a result, your folder structure rebuilds on the Mac.

Method 3: Move Thunderbird Profile from PC to Mac (Free)

Thunderbird stores every account, folder, and setting inside a profile folder. You can copy that folder to the Mac and keep working.

Locate and copy the profile folder

On the PC, press Windows + R, then type %APPDATA%\Thunderbird\Profiles and press Enter. Next, copy the profile folder (it ends in .default) to a USB drive.

Point Thunderbird on Mac to the copied profile

Install Thunderbird on the Mac if needed. Then open Finder and go to ~/Library/Thunderbird/Profiles. Paste the copied profile folder there.

Finally, edit profiles.ini to point at the new folder, or launch Thunderbird with the Profile Manager and pick it. As a result, all your folders, filters, and saved mail appear on the Mac.

Method 4: Use a Dedicated PC to Mac Email Transfer Tool

Sometimes the PC client will not open, the PST is corrupt, or you want to move many accounts at once. In that case, a dedicated converter is the safest option.

When to choose this method

Choose this route when the PC mailbox is damaged, the source client is missing, or you must transfer EML, MBOX, PST, OST, or MSG together. Additionally, it helps when you want to push the mail straight into a cloud account like Gmail or Microsoft 365.

Steps

First, download the application on your PC. Then install the setup and launch the tool.

Next, click the Open tab on the application screen.

Then go to Desktop Email Clients and select the email client you use on the PC.

Next, load the mailbox files into the tool. The preview pane shows every folder and message.

Then click the Export tab once all files are loaded.

Next, select the email service or file format that opens on the Mac. For example, pick Gmail or Microsoft 365 for cloud access, or MBOX for Apple Mail and Thunderbird.

Finally, enter your destination account or folder and click Save. The tool transfers every message with attachments and folder structure intact.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Use Method 1 (IMAP) when both clients support the same account and you want a live sync.

Use Method 2 (Outlook export) when you need a one-time move from Outlook on Windows. Use Method 3 (Thunderbird profile) when Thunderbird is your client on both machines.

Use Method 4 (dedicated tool) when the source mailbox is corrupt, the PC client will not open, or you want to push mail straight into the cloud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Outlook emails from PC to Mac without Outlook for Mac?

Yes. Export the mailbox as EML from Windows, then drag the EML files into Apple Mail. Alternatively, push the mailbox to a Gmail or Microsoft 365 account over IMAP and add that account on the Mac.

Will attachments and folders survive the transfer?

Yes, when you use IMAP, a Thunderbird profile copy, or a dedicated converter. However, drag-and-drop of raw PST into Apple Mail strips folder structure and is not recommended.

Do I need internet for the transfer?

For IMAP and cloud uploads, yes. For Thunderbird profile copy and local file import on the Mac, no.

Is it safe to move mail over a USB drive?

Yes, as long as the drive is healthy and you keep the source mailbox until the Mac side is verified.

What if my PST file is corrupt?

Try Outlook’s built-in scanpst.exe repair tool first. If it still fails, use a dedicated PC to Mac email transfer tool that reads damaged PST.

Related Guides