Windows Live Mail FAQ – Your Questions Answered

Find solutions to common issues with Windows Live Mail, including backup, migration, and troubleshooting tips.

General Questions about Windows Live Mail

Question 1:
What is Windows Live Mail?

➔ Windows Live Mail is a free desktop email application from Microsoft, part of the Windows Essentials suite, now discontinued.

Question 2:
Is Windows Live Mail still supported?

➔ No. Microsoft ended support for Windows Live Mail in 2017, meaning no more security updates or technical assistance.

Question 3:
Can I still use Windows Live Mail in 2025?

➔ Yes, but it is not recommended for security reasons. Consider migrating to a modern alternative.

Question 1:
How do I back up my Windows Live Mail emails?

➔ Go to File ➔ Export ➔ Email Messages ➔ Select Microsoft Windows Live Mail format ➔ Choose backup location ➔ Complete export.

Question 2:
How do I restore my emails from a backup?

➔ Go to File ➔ Import ➔ Email Messages ➔ Locate your backup folder ➔ Complete the import process.

Question 3:
What should I do if my backup file is missing?

➔ Check your external drive or backup directory. If not found, try to re-export emails from the original machine if available.

Question 1:
How can I migrate Windows Live Mail emails to Gmail?

➔ Enable IMAP in Gmail ➔ Add Gmail account in Windows Live Mail ➔ Drag and drop emails into Gmail folders.

Question 2:
How do I import emails into Thunderbird?

➔ Install Thunderbird ➔ Install ImportExportTools NG extension ➔ Import .eml files from backup.

Question 3:
Why are some emails missing after migration?

➔ Check if all folders were selected during export. Also verify IMAP sync settings if using Gmail.

Question 1:
Why does Windows Live Mail crash when opening?

➔ Corrupted database files can cause crashes. Try repairing your Windows Live Essentials installation or recreating the account.

Question 2:
How to fix “Server Error” messages?

➔ Verify your incoming (IMAP/POP) and outgoing (SMTP) server settings. Update to the latest SSL/TLS configurations if needed.

Question 3:
What to do if sent emails are not being delivered?

➔ Check your SMTP settings, authentication method, and outgoing server port. Also, ensure your email provider allows SMTP relay.

Visit our Help Center for step-by-step troubleshooting, backup and migration guides, and personalized support for Windows Live Mail users.