How to Migrate Emails from Windows Live Mail(2025 Complete Guide)
Moving your emails to a new platform? Follow our easy 2025 guide to export and migrate your Windows Live Mail emails safely and quickly.
Why You Should Migrate Your Windows Live Mail Emails
Microsoft officially discontinued support for Windows Live Mail. Migrating your emails ensures better security, easier access on modern devices, and seamless integration with new platforms like Gmail or Thunderbird.
How to Export Emails from Windows Live Mail
Step 1: Open Windows Live Mail
Launch Windows Live Mail on your computer to begin the export process.
Step 2: Go to File ➔ Export ➔ Email Messages
From the menu bar, select File, then choose Export, and click on Email Messages.
Step 3: Choose Microsoft Windows Live Mail Format
When prompted, select the Microsoft Windows Live Mail format for maximum compatibility.
Step 4: Select Folders to Export
Choose all email folders you wish to back up. You can select specific folders or all at once.
Step 5: Select Backup Location and Complete Export
Specify an external drive or safe directory to store your backup, then complete the export process.
How to Import Exported Emails into Other Email Clients
Step 1: Open Your New Email Client
Launch the email client you want to transfer your emails to, such as Thunderbird, Outlook, or another supported platform.
Step 2: Locate the Import Feature
Navigate to the Import Wizard or Import menu. In most clients, you’ll find this under File ➔ Import.
Step 3: Select Windows Live Mail Format
Choose to import from the Windows Live Mail format or manually select .eml files, depending on your email client’s options.
Step 4: Browse and Select Your Backup Folder
Locate the folder where you saved your exported emails. Confirm that the selected folder contains the necessary .eml files.
Step 5: Complete the Import Process
Start the import process and verify that all your emails are correctly restored into the new email client.
How to Migrate Windows Live Mail Emails to Gmail
Step 1: Enable IMAP in Gmail Settings
Log into your Gmail account ➔ Settings ➔ See all settings ➔ Forwarding and POP/IMAP ➔ Enable IMAP.
Step 2: Add Your Gmail Account to Windows Live Mail
In Windows Live Mail, go to Accounts ➔ Add Email Account ➔ Enter your Gmail address and password ➔ Select IMAP as the server type.
Step 3: Drag and Drop Emails to Gmail Folders
In Windows Live Mail, manually drag the emails you want to migrate into the Gmail folders listed under your account.
Step 4: Verify Emails in Gmail Webmail
Log into Gmail via web browser and check that all migrated emails are properly synced and accessible.
How to Transfer Windows Live Mail Emails to Thunderbird
Step 1: Install Mozilla Thunderbird
Download and install the latest version of Thunderbird from thunderbird.net. Launch the application once installation is complete.
Step 2: Install the ImportExportTools NG Extension
Open Thunderbird ➔ Tools ➔ Add-ons ➔ Extensions ➔ Search for “ImportExportTools NG” ➔ Click Install and restart Thunderbird.
Step 3: Prepare Your Exported .eml Files
Ensure your emails from Windows Live Mail are exported in .eml format and stored in an organized folder on your PC.
Step 4: Import Emails Using the Extension
In Thunderbird, right-click the folder you want to import into ➔ ImportExportTools NG ➔ Import all messages from a directory ➔ Select the folder with your .eml files.
Step 5: Verify Folder Structure and Messages
Confirm that all folders and emails appear correctly. If not, repeat the import process and ensure all .eml files are valid.
Common Problems During Windows Live Mail Email Migration
Export Process Freezes or Crashes
If your export gets stuck, try restarting your PC and running Windows Live Mail as administrator. Also check that you have enough storage space available.
Some Emails Are Missing After Import
This usually means folders were skipped or .eml files were corrupted. Re-import using the correct folder and verify that all files are intact.
Gmail Folders Not Syncing Properly
Make sure IMAP is enabled in Gmail. Also, refresh folders in Windows Live Mail or Thunderbird to force sync.
Need Help with Your Email Migration?
Visit our Help Center for detailed migration guides, troubleshooting help, and personalized support.