Corbett

PST to MBOX Converter

Corbett PST to MBOX Converter opens Outlook PST files on Windows and saves their mail as MBOX, in bulk or for chosen folders only. Folders, attachments and dates stay intact, and Outlook does not need to be installed. Try free demo first.

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4.6 out of 5 from 683 reviews

Works offline on your PC. Corbett never sees your PST files or messages.

Free demo, scanned clean on VirusTotal and a 30-day money-back window.

Lifetime licence from $99 Demo converts 10 emails per folder

Quick answer

What Is a PST to MBOX Converter?

A PST to MBOX converter opens an Outlook PST file and saves its folders as MBOX files. Corbett PST to MBOX Converter does that offline on Windows, so Outlook mail opens in Thunderbird, Apple Mail and any client that imports MBOX.

What it opens

Single PST files, folders of PST files and chosen folders

What it saves

MBOX first, plus EML, PDF, HTML, TXT and CSV

Who uses it

Outlook users moving to Thunderbird or Apple Mail and admins archiving mail

Conversion scope

PST to MBOX Converter for Outlook Mail on Windows

PST to MBOX Converter Moves Outlook Mail Into Thunderbird and Apple Mail

Teams leave Outlook for Thunderbird or Apple Mail, or archive mail in an open format. MBOX is the format those clients import and PST is not. PST to MBOX converter reads the PST on Windows and saves it as MBOX, with your PST left as it was.

Kept in MBOX

5

PST input types

4

Outputs

9

Not carried into MBOX

4

MBOX packs many emails into one file

RFC 4155 defines MBOX as many messages in one file, and Thunderbird still calls it the traditional format, as the Mozilla Thunderbird Maildir page says. A PST stays locked in Outlook, while Thunderbird and Apple Mail import MBOX. PST to MBOX converter saves every PST folder as MBOX and leaves the PST as it was.

Related pages: PST Converter, MBOX Converter, PST to EML Converter and OST to MBOX Converter. Other mail files sit on email converter tool page.

Core features

PST to MBOX Converter Features by Screen

Five screens of Corbett PST to MBOX converter software, in conversion order.

PST to MBOX converter email data files list

Source files

Add Your PST Files

Select Open, then Email Data Files, and add your PST files. PST to MBOX converter loads your mail into its panel, and no Outlook is needed.

A spare PC with no Outlook still works. PST to MBOX converter reads your files and leaves them as they were.

PST to MBOX converter choose files or choose folders option

Batch loading

Choose Files or Choose Folders

Select Choose Files for one PST file or a few. Select Choose Folders to load an entire directory of PST files in one step.

Loaded mail appears in one tree with a checkbox beside every item, so PST to MBOX converter handles many PST files in a single session. No file size limit applies.

PST to MBOX converter email preview with content, header, properties, hex and raw views

Message preview

Preview PST Mail Before Converting

Click any message and a reading pane opens beside five analysis views. Use them to confirm correct mail before PST to MBOX conversion starts.

Content shows the email body. Message header lists From, To, Subject and Date. Properties reports item data, while hex and raw message views show the stored mail.

PST to MBOX converter export menu with email file and document formats

Output formats

Select MBOX as Your Output Format

Select MBOX under Email Files in the Export menu. The same load also exports to PST or EML for email files, and PDF, HTML, TXT or CSV for documents. Gmail, Office 365, IMAP and Thunderbird sit in the same menu for sending mail into an account.

Search by keyword first, then save only matched items. Quick search highlights hits in yellow, and Advance search checks every field or only name, subject, To, Cc and content.

PST to MBOX converter export options panel

Export options

Set MBOX Export Options Before You Save

Switch on open folder after export, skip greyed out folders, create empty folders and include email headers. Every PST folder converts to its own MBOX file, so your tree stays in order.

Select Browse to choose a destination, then Save. Live progress shows every folder as it converts. Need one file per message? Open PST to EML Converter.

Working process

How to Convert PST to MBOX in Four Steps

Four steps take your PST files to MBOX. Try them on a few files in free demo first.

1

Add your PST files

Start PST to MBOX converter, select Open, then Email Data Files and add your PST files. Select Choose Files for one file or Choose Folders for many.

2

Preview and select mail

Your PST folders load as one tree. Click any email to preview it, tick what you need and search by keyword to trim your PST to MBOX conversion.

3

Choose MBOX output

Select Export, then MBOX under Email Files. EML, PDF, HTML, TXT and CSV sit in the same menu for other jobs.

4

Save your MBOX files

Set options, select Browse for a folder and press Save. Live progress shows every folder, and Open Folder takes you to your MBOX files.

Moving the result into a client is covered in Import MBOX to Thunderbird account and Import MBOX to Apple Mail account.

Working process

PST to MBOX Converter Video Walkthrough

Prefer text? Open Import MBOX to Thunderbird account for the next move with your finished MBOX files.

PST to MBOX Converter video walkthrough

Advanced options

More PST to MBOX Converter Features for Big Jobs

Small options that save hours when you convert PST files in bulk with PST to MBOX converter.

Bulk PST input

Many PST files convert in one session

Folder hierarchy

MBOX files follow your PST tree

No file size limit

Any PST size and mail count converts

Five preview views

Content, header, properties, hex and raw message

Advance search

Name, subject, To, From and content fields

Quick search

Yellow hit highlights in the preview

Chosen items

Convert contacts, addresses or attachments only

Attachment extraction

Save attachments alone, any size

Email address extraction

Save addresses to their own file

Phone number extraction

Save numbers to their own file

Empty folders option

Keep the full tree, even with no mail

Cloud upload

Send mail to Gmail, Office 365 or IMAP

Output formats

PST to MBOX Converter Output Formats

PST to MBOX converter saves Outlook mail as MBOX, and the same load exports more targets. Match your format to where your mail will open.

MBOX

One file per folder for Thunderbird and Apple Mail

EML

One file for every message

PST

A fresh Outlook file

PDF

Readable pages for filing and records

HTML

Messages that open in any browser

TXT and CSV

Plain text and sheets of mail details

Gmail, Office 365 and IMAP

Mail lands in the target mailbox

Any drive

Local, USB and network folders

Free demo

Test PST to MBOX Converter on a Real PST File

Install free demo, load a PST file and choose MBOX. Free demo converts 10 emails per folder, so your output is quick to check.

Download free demo

Try before you buy

Free Demo vs Full PST to MBOX Converter

Free demo of PST to MBOX converter opens, previews and searches your full PST file. Only conversion is capped.

Feature Free demo Full version
Open PST files and folders Yes Yes
Preview and search All available All available
Emails converted per folder 10 Unlimited
PST size and mail count Conversion stops at 10 per folder No limit
Price Free From $99 one time

Use cases

Who Needs a PST to MBOX Converter?

Anyone who holds Outlook mail that Thunderbird or Apple Mail cannot open.

Outlook users switching clients

PST to MBOX converter saves your mail as MBOX files that Thunderbird and Apple Mail import.

IT admins

Convert a folder of PST files to MBOX in one batch and hand every user a ready tree.

Archive keepers

MBOX is an open format, so PST to MBOX converter saves locked Outlook archives as files other tools read.

Cloud movers

Convert PST to MBOX first, then move mail to Gmail or Office 365.

Anyone with old PST files

Open mail from a retired PC without Outlook and save it as MBOX.

Selective exporters

Search by sender or subject and save only the matching emails.

Why Corbett

Why Choose Corbett PST to MBOX Converter?

No subscription

Lifetime price from $99

Works offline

No sign-in and no upload

Originals stay safe

PST files open read only

envelope-fill

No Outlook needed

No size limit

Any PST size and mail count

Folders kept

Folders and subfolders stay in order

Smart search

Name, subject, To, From and content

30-day refund

Money-back window after purchase

Before conversion

PST to MBOX Converter Scope and Limits

PST to MBOX converter converts PST files into MBOX. Here is what that covers and where it stops.

Capability Supported What it means
File to file conversion Yes PST to MBOX, EML, PDF, HTML, TXT and CSV
Folder tree Kept MBOX files follow your PST folders
Outlook installed Not needed Files open on a PC with no Outlook
Source PST files Read only Output goes to a new folder and your originals stay as they were
Internet and passwords Not needed Conversion works offline on local files
Client settings and rules Not carried over Account passwords, rules and saved searches stay behind
Password protected PST Other tool Remove the PST password in Outlook first
Mac and Linux No PST to MBOX converter installs on Windows only

Outlook or tool

PST to MBOX Converter vs Manual Save in Outlook

Outlook has no PST to MBOX export, and moving mail one email at a time is slow. Here is where the manual route stops.

Job Manual save PST to MBOX Converter
Cost Free From $99 one time
One email Save in a mail client Works too
MBOX file output Not offered in Outlook Folder mail in one file
Many PST files Slow and error prone Folders of PST files in one session
Folder tree Often reshuffled Same as the source
Search before export Basic Outlook search Name, subject, To, From and content
Cloud upload Not offered Gmail, Office 365 and IMAP
Outlook installed Required Not needed

Attachments alone come out through Extract attachments from PST file.

Global recognition

PST to MBOX Converter Software Users Trust

Users rate Corbett PST to MBOX converter 4.6 out of 5 from 683 reviews, and these software directories list it.

  • CNETCNET
  • Download.ioDownload.io
  • UpdateStarUpdateStar
  • TopSoftware AdvisorTopSoftware Advisor
  • SaaSHubSaaSHub
  • UptodownUptodown
  • GoodFirms partner
  • Software Informer award
  • SaaSHub approved
  • Softpedia award
  • SoftwareSuggest award

Specifications

PST to MBOX Converter Specifications

Download details

Download size
87.4 MB
Demo limit
10 items per folder
Delivery
After payment, mail arrives with a download link and a licence key.
Licence
Personal: 5 machines. Business: 25 machines. Enterprise: 100 machines. Lifetime validity.
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System

Hard disk
150 MB of free space
RAM
4 GB of memory minimum
Processor
1 GHz Intel Pentium minimum and 2.4 GHz advised
Interface
English
Input
PST files

Supported editions

Windows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8 and 7 in 32-bit or 64-bit, plus Windows Server 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008.

Start PST to MBOX converter with administrator rights.

Corbett has built Windows email utilities since 2020. Setup trouble and first-use questions go to our support desk.

User testimonials

PST to MBOX Converter Reviews

PST to MBOX converter shares 683 reviews on software index sites and customer feedback.

4.6 out of 5

Collected across 683 reviews from software indexes and customer feedback. Three reviews below are unedited.

Everything solved

I had been looking for a switch from PST to Outlook. I had been looking for ways to convert them to MBOX and keep it ready for export. Then, I came across the CorbettSoftware. It resolved all my problems and I was happy to make the right choice.

George Stephen

A wonderful tool

The Corbett Convert PST to MBOX is a useful tool for converting PST files without any hassles. I had tried converting multiple PST files into MBOX format. It was easy to do with just a few simple steps. In a nutshell, I would say that it is a wonderful tool.

Grace Anthony

Easy for non-technical users

It is an amazing tool with a fast conversion rate and easy to use interface platform. I didn't face any problem at all. I am from a non-technical background and my experience was satisfactory. Will suggest this software to all of my friends for future use.

George Peter

Before conversion

Prepare Your PST Files for MBOX Conversion

Three short checks keep your PST to MBOX conversion clean.

Keep a PST backup

Close Outlook and back up your PST file on a safe drive before you start. PST to MBOX converter opens files read only, and a spare copy keeps the original safe.

Choose files or entire folders

Convert all PST files in bulk, or select folders only, which keeps your MBOX output small and focused.

Set the export options

Options cover opening the folder after export, skipping greyed out folders, creating empty folders and including email headers.

Source PST handling inside Outlook is covered in Open PST file and Import PST to Outlook.

Best practice

How to Keep Your PST to MBOX Conversion Safe

A conversion only helps if your mail arrives complete. Four habits keep your data safe through it.

Back up first

Copy your original PST files before you start. Keep 3 copies on 2 types of media with 1 copy off site.

Start with one file

Convert one small PST file with PST to MBOX converter and open a few emails in MBOX. Catch a wrong setting before a large job.

Check the count

Compare the message count in the folder tree with the mail in your output before you close the job.

Keep originals until checked

Store your source PST files until counts match. Delete them only after you open converted mail.

Common questions

PST to MBOX Converter FAQs

PST to MBOX converter steps, formats, limits and licence answers.

What is a PST to MBOX converter?

A PST to MBOX converter opens Outlook PST files and saves their folders as MBOX files. Corbett PST to MBOX Converter does that offline on Windows, so PST file converter needs no Outlook.

How do I convert PST to MBOX?

Open PST to MBOX converter, select Open, then Email Data Files and add your PST file. Tick your folders, select Export, then MBOX under Email Files and press Save.

What is an MBOX file?

RFC 4155 defines MBOX as many messages in one file, and Thunderbird and Apple Mail import it. Open MBOX file shows how to read one.

Does Outlook export PST to MBOX?

No. Outlook has no PST to MBOX export, and moving mail one email at a time is slow. PST to MBOX converter converts entire folders in a batch.

Can PST to MBOX converter convert many PST files at once?

Yes. Select Choose Folders and load a directory of PST files, then PST to MBOX converter converts every file in one session.

Does PST to MBOX converter keep my folder tree?

Yes. MBOX output follows the order of your source folders, and the Create empty folders option keeps folders that hold no mail.

Does PST to MBOX converter keep attachments?

Yes. Attachments stay inside every message, and a separate option saves attachments alone with a file extension filter for specific types.

Can PST to MBOX converter convert only some emails?

Yes. Advance search filters by name, subject, To, From and content, and PST to MBOX converter converts only matching mail.

Can I extract only chosen items?

Yes. Email addresses, phone numbers, contacts and attachments save on their own.

Can PST to MBOX converter preview mail first?

Yes. Click any message and five views open: content, message header, properties, hex and raw message.

How do I open PST to MBOX converter output in Thunderbird?

Import MBOX to Thunderbird account shows the steps.

Can I import PST to MBOX converter output into Apple Mail?

Yes. Import MBOX to Apple Mail account shows the steps.

Can I move the MBOX mail to Gmail?

Yes. Import MBOX to Gmail shows the steps, and Gmail also sits in the Export menu for direct upload.

Can I move the MBOX mail to Office 365 or Outlook?

Yes. Import MBOX to Office 365 mail and Import MBOX to Outlook account show the steps.

Does PST to MBOX converter have a size limit?

No. PST to MBOX converter sets no size cap, and batch mode takes many files at once. Keep free disk space for your MBOX output.

Does PST to MBOX converter need Outlook?

No. PST to MBOX converter reads PST files on its own, so it works on a PC without Outlook.

Will PST to MBOX converter change my PST file?

No. PST to MBOX converter opens your files read only, and output goes to a new folder.

Does my PST data pass through Corbett?

No. Conversion happens on your PC with no upload. Corbett never sees your PST files or messages.

Does PST to MBOX converter work on a Mac?

No. PST to MBOX converter installs on Windows only. Copy your PST files to a Windows PC and convert them there.

Can PST to MBOX converter convert a password protected PST?

Remove the PST password in Outlook first, then load the file.

How many emails can free demo convert?

Free demo of PST to MBOX converter opens your files, shows every folder and gives you every search and preview. Conversion stops at 10 emails per folder, enough to test your output before you buy.

Which Windows versions work?

Windows 11 (64 bit), 10, 8 and 7, plus Windows Server 2016, 2012 R2 and 2008. There is no macOS or Linux build.

How many PCs does one licence cover?

Personal licence covers 5 machines for $99, Business covers 25 for $299 and Enterprise covers 100 for $499. All three are one time payments with lifetime validity, 24/7 support and a 30 day refund.

PST guides

PST to MBOX Converter Guides for Common Jobs

Every page below covers one PST job and answers questions it raises.

Other mail files sit on email converter tool page. Account moves use Email Migration Tool or IMAP Migration Tool, broken archives belong with email recovery software and email viewer software opens mail files free. Save a live account with Office 365 Backup Tool, Outlook.com Backup Tool or Gmail Backup Tool.

Get started

Convert PST to MBOX Today

Test PST to MBOX Converter on a spare PST copy first. Full access is from $99 in a single payment, and refunds are open for 30 days.

Download free demo Purchase now

87.4 MB · Windows 11 to 7 and Windows Server 2025 to 2008 · 30 day money back