OLM is the Outlook data file created by Outlook for Mac to export and save a copy of mailbox data on local storage. These OLM files are not supported by Outlook for Windows. Therefore, you cannot directly import it into your Windows Outlook account.
If you want to import OLM files into Windows Outlook, then read this article to learn about a workaround to transfer Mac Outlook’s OLM file data to Windows Outlook. You’ll also know about a specialized OLM to PST converter software that can simplify this process by converting the OLM file to Outlook-importable PST format.
Why you need to Import OLM File into Outlook for Windows?
Listed below are some reasons why users need to import OLM files into Windows Outlook:
- To switch from a Mac to a Windows PC
- To share OLM file/s or its contents with a non-Mac user
- To access OLM file data in Outlook for Windows
- To access data from old/archived OLM files in Windows Outlook
Workaround to Import OLM files into Outlook for Windows
Below, we will be explaining a workaround that can help you to import OLM files into your Outlook for Windows account. For this, you will need to configure an IMAP-enabled email account in both Outlook for Mac and Windows Outlook to sync OLM file mailbox data into Windows Outlook. Here is the step-by-step process:
Part 1 – Add an IMAP-enabled Email Account in Outlook
The first step is to add an IMAP-enabled email account (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, etc.) in Outlook for Mac. For demonstration purpose, we will configure a Gmail account. Here are the steps to add a Gmail account in Mac Outlook:
- Launch Outlook for Mac.
- Click on Outlook > Settings.
- In the Outlook Settings window, click on Accounts under the Personal Settings section.
- Click on the + icon in the lower left corner and click on Add an Account.
- It will open the Set Up Your Email wizard.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to add the Gmail account in your Outlook for Mac.
Part 2 – Move the OLM File Data to the Configured Email Account
After configuring the Gmail account in Outlook for Mac, transfer the OLM file data to this account. Here is what to do:
- In Outlook for Mac, press the Control key and click on the newly added Gmail account. Select the New Folder option and give a name to it.
- Now, go to a mailbox folder and select the mailbox items that you want to move to Outlook for Windows. Press the shift + downwards arrow keys to select multiple emails.
- Use two-finger tap gesture to open the context menu and go to Move > Copy to Folder.
- Select the new folder created above and click Copy.
- Your selected mailbox items will be copied to the new folder.
Part 3 – Configure the Gmail Account in Outlook for Windows
After copying the mailbox data from your Outlook for Mac account to the configured Gmail account, configure the same Gmail account in Outlook for Windows. Here are the steps to do this:
- Launch Microsoft Outlook on your Windows PC.
- Configure the same Gmail account in Windows Outlook that you’ve configured in the Outlook for Mac application.
- Restart the application.
- You will see the OLM file data in your Windows Outlook account.
Drawbacks of the Above Workaround
The above workaround is free but it has some limitations, such as:
- The process is lengthy and time-consuming.
- It requires you to create additional email accounts.
- It is suitable for importing only emails.
- Gmail has only 15 GB free mailbox storage. For moving data from OLM file of more than 15 GB, you need to purchase additional Gmail storage.
Easily Import OLM Files into Windows Outlook
To overcome the limitations of the above workaround, you can use Stellar Converter for OLM. It is an easy-to-use OLM to PST converter software that allows you to effortlessly convert OLM files into Outlook-compatible PST file format, without any issues or data inconsistencies. You can use this software to convert complete OLM file data or selective items, such as emails, contacts, etc., into Outlook PST file and other formats.
To use Stellar Converter for OLM, follow the below steps:
Note: Copy/move the OLM file from your Mac to a Windows PC.
- Download and install Stellar Converter for OLM on your Windows PC. Launch it.
- Click on the Select OLM Mailbox option on the Home screen.
- Select the OLM file and click on Convert. The software will start scanning the selected OLM file.
- Once the scan is complete, it will show all the OLM file items. Preview and verify the mailbox items.
- Select the items you want to save and click on the Save Converted Mailbox option.
- You can save the converted mailbox items in a PST file or in other file formats, like MSG and EML. You can also export the OLM file items to an existing Outlook profile.
- After selecting the file format (PST) option, select a destination and then click Save.
Conclusion
The OLM file cannot be opened in Outlook for Windows as it is not supported by the Windows email client. So, there is no direct way to import OLM file data into Outlook for Windows. If you are looking for a way to transfer emails from OLM file to your Windows Outlook account, you can follow the workaround given above.
However, the process is complex, lengthy, and time-consuming. The best way to quickly import OLM files into Outlook is by using Stellar Converter for OLM. It is a DIY software that helps you convert OLM files into Outlook-compatible PST file format. You can also use the software to directly export the data from OLM file to an Outlook or Office 365 account.
