How to Import OLM File to Outlook
In short: To import OLM file to Outlook for Windows, know that Windows Outlook has no OLM import, because OLM is Outlook for Mac’s format. The free route is to move the mail through an IMAP account: in Outlook for Mac, drag the OLM folders into an IMAP mailbox so they upload, then add that account in Outlook for Windows to pull them down. The direct route is to convert the OLM to PST with a Windows tool, then import that PST.
Why Outlook for Windows cannot import an OLM
This is the fact that sends people in circles. An OLM is the archive Outlook for Mac makes, while Outlook for Windows works in a completely different format, the PST. There is no Import OLM option in Windows Outlook. Its File, Open and Export menu will not read the file either, so the obvious path leads nowhere. To get Mac mail into Windows Outlook you have to change the container. You either move the mail through a mailbox both versions can reach, an IMAP account or convert the OLM into a PST that Windows Outlook imports natively. Both are covered below.
Technical Executive and Staff Writer, Corbett Software
“Everyone looks for an Import OLM button in Windows Outlook, but it is not there, because OLM is a Mac format. If you still have the Mac, the free trick is to push the mail up through an IMAP account and pull it down on Windows. If you only have the OLM file, convert it to PST and import that.”
Free: move the mail through an IMAP account
If you still have access to the Mac and Outlook for Mac, this moves everything across for free, using any IMAP account such as Gmail.
- In Outlook for Mac, add an IMAP account, for example a Gmail address with an app password.
- Open the OLM in Outlook for Mac or first import it there. Then drag the folders you want into the IMAP account.
- Wait for the mail to upload to the IMAP server. Larger folders take longer.
- On the Windows PC, add the same IMAP account to Outlook for Windows, then let it sync the mail down.
- To keep a local copy, export those folders to a PST in Windows Outlook with File, then Open & Export.
On Windows: convert the OLM to PST, then import
If you only have the OLM file and no Mac, convert it to PST on Windows, then import the PST.
The Corbett OLM to PST Converter reads an OLM on Windows, with no Mac and no Outlook for Mac, then writes a PST with folders, attachments and contacts kept. It can also send the mail straight to a Microsoft 365 or IMAP account, so a filter lets you convert only a date range or folder. A free demo edition lets you preview first and runs on every edition of Windows.
- Install and open the tool, click Open, choose Email Data Files, then OLM, then select your file.
- Preview the folders, then click Export and choose PST.
- Save the PST, then in Outlook for Windows go to File, then Open & Export, then Open Outlook Data File to load it.
Which route to pick
Pick by what you have and how much mail there is.
- You still have the Mac: the IMAP route is free and moves everything, though it is slower for a big archive.
- You only have the OLM file: convert it to PST on Windows, which is the one option that needs no Mac.
- You want it in Microsoft 365: a tool can send the OLM straight to the cloud account instead of a PST.
Frequently asked questions
How do I import an OLM file to Outlook for Windows?
Windows Outlook has no OLM import. Move the mail through an IMAP account from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows. Or convert the OLM to PST on Windows and import that PST.
Why is there no Import OLM option in Outlook?
Because OLM is Outlook for Mac’s format, while Outlook for Windows uses PST. The two do not read each other’s files, so you move the mail through IMAP or convert the OLM to PST.
Can I import an OLM without a Mac?
Yes. If you have no Mac, convert the OLM to PST with a Windows tool, then import the PST into Outlook for Windows. The IMAP route needs Outlook for Mac.
Is the IMAP method free?
Yes. Using an IMAP account like Gmail, you drag the mail up from Outlook for Mac and pull it down on Windows at no cost, though it is slower for a large archive.
Will folders and attachments be kept?
Yes. Both routes keep the folder structure and attachments. A converter preserves them in the PST, while IMAP carries them as the mail syncs.
Does this change my OLM file?
No. Both routes only read the OLM. The original file stays as it is, so the mail arrives in Outlook as a copy.