How to Convert OLM to PST Format | Trusted Method By Google

“I have been using Mac Microsoft Outlook for many years and it helps me manage emails, contacts, and calendars with ease. Recently, my company is moving towards standardizing the IT infrastructure, thus switching to a Windows-based system. However, I am facing a problem in transferring my important data from OLM to Windows Outlook, as it does not support OLM. Is there any solution to convert OLM to PST directly? Please suggest.”

Many users often face such problems when migrating from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook. OLM is only support by Mac Outlook, and it is important to convert OLM to PST to backup data in Windows. Look no further, if you want a free procedure. This blog explains both manual methods and a practical FRT Freeware OLM Converter Tool for simple conversion. Read the blog till the end and pick one that is suitable as per your preferences. 

What is the Difference Between OLM and PST Files?

Both OLM and PST are Outlook-supported formats for backup and archiving purposes, however, both are supported by different operating systems. Here are the key differences:

• Where OLM is proprietary to Mac, PST is limited to Windows-based Outlook. 
• PST files are comparatively more versatile format, however, OLM is limited to Mac Outlook.
• OLM files manage email and other mailbox data on MacOS, and PST is for archive and backup purposes on Outlook Windows.
• Both are saved with different extensions. OLM is saved with extension *.olm and PST is saved as *.pst file. 
• Migration from Mac requires OLM to PST conversion, while migration from Windows does not always require PST conversion.

Hence, it’s obvious why users need to convert Mac OLM to Windows PST. Other significant reasons might be as follows:

• When users need to share Outlook for Mac mailbox data to Windows users.
• A non-Mac user might need to access OLM file emails without a Mac system.
• To create a backup of the Mac Outlook mailbox in a more compatible format.
• Disruption in workflow and losing important emails is not an option.

Furthermore, let us explore a variety of ways to carry out Mac Outlook to Windows-based Outlook conversion. 

Best Methods to Convert OLM to PST Effectively

This section describes some prominent methods for OLM conversion. It includes manual methods and professional software. The manual method is free of cost, however, needs to follow prerequisites. On the other hand, professional software is a direct way involving easy and simple steps. Start with the manual method.

Method 1: Convert Outlook OLM to PST Manually Using Gmail and Outlook

This method involves using a Gmail account and requires Outlook installed on both Mac and Windows systems. Follow the steps below for the conversion process:

Step1: Enable IMAP in Gmail

1. Log in to your Gmail account.
2. Go to the Settings menu and select See all settings.
3. Navigate to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
4. Enable the IMAP Access option.
5. Scroll down to save the changes.

Step2: Generate a Gmail App Password

1. Visit Google My Account.
2. Click on Security and enable 2-Step Verification.
3. Select App Passwords and log in to your Gmail account.
4. Choose Other (Custom Name) as the app type and name it, e.g., “Outlook Mac”.
5. Generate the app password and copy it.

Step3: Configure Gmail in Mac Outlook

1. Open Outlook on your Mac and go to File > Add Account.
2. Enter your name and Gmail address.
3. Use the app password generated in the previous step for authentication.
4. Complete the verification and connect Gmail to Mac Outlook.

Step4: Move OLM Data to Gmail

1. Right-click on your Gmail mailbox in Mac Outlook and create a New Folder.
2. Next, name the folder and press Enter.
3. Right-click on the folder in Mac Outlook containing the OLM data, then choose Copy Folder.
4. Select the newly created Gmail folder and confirm by clicking OK.
5. The data will sync with Gmail.

Step5: Sync Gmail with Windows Outlook

1. Generate another app password for Windows Outlook by repeating Step 2.
2. Open Outlook on your Windows PC and go to File > Add Account.
3. Enter your full name, Gmail ID, and the app password.
4. Verify and connect Gmail to Windows Outlook.

Step6: Export Data as a PST File in Outlook Windows

1. Open Windows Outlook and navigate to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
2. Select Export to a File and click Next.
3. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
4. Select the Gmail folder to export, ensuring that Include Subfolders is checked.
5. Click Next, choose a location to save the PST file, and provide a name.
6. Confirm with Finish to complete the export.

Things to Remember Before You Convert OLM to PST Manually

The manual procedure has some limitations, as follows:

• Users must have basic knowledge of account configuration, generating app passwords, and more.
• This method requires both Mac Outlook and Windows Outlook to complete the procedure.
• If any step is not perform correctly, there is a huge risk of data loss and corruption.
• It is entirely dependent on an internet connection for syncing emails through a Gmail account.
• The manual method is an impractical and slow solution for migrating large OLM mailboxes.

There are many such drawbacks to this procedure of converting OLM to PST via Gmail (IMAP). Therefore, you can prefer the professional software mentioned below.

Method 2: Professional Solution to Convert OLM to PST Securely

To convert OLM file to Outlook PST directly and without any complex steps, using a professional software solution is highly recommended. FRT Freeware OLM Converter is the key to secure and effective OLM file conversion. All the limitations of the manual approach can be overcome with this software. It allows the conversion of multiple Mac OLM files, without imposing any file size limit. The software is supported on all Windows OS and is a risk-free procedure. 

Why Choose a Professional OLM Converter?

Know the following features of the software that make it a top choice:

• Convert multiple Mac Outlook OLM files simultaneously. 
• Supports OLM files of all sizes including larger ones.
• Neither needs Outlook for Mac nor Outlook for Windows.
• Compatible across all Windows OS including the latest version Windows 11.
• It is a secure and reliable utility with a user-friendly interface. 

Step-by-Step Procedure to Convert OLM Files to PST

Follow these steps to export OLM files using the software: 

1. Install the FRT Freeware OLM Converter on your PC.
2. Browse and add OLM files that you want to convert.
3. See emails of OLM files in the preview section. Select folders.
4. Choose PST as the saving file format and define a path to save.
5. Finally, to start conversion, click on the Convert Now button.

After that, locate where output PST is saved on your system and check if data is converted properly. 

Conclusion

What do you think, which method is the most appropriate one to convert OLM to PST? Well, it entirely depends on what are your conversion requirements. While the manual method is suitable for small-scale migration, automated software is the best choice for large mailbox data. In various scenarios, the manual method has some limitations which restrict its use. Therefore, if you are looking for a more reliable and effective approach, go for the expert-recommended FRT Freeware OLM Converter Tool. You can also run the trial software for evaluation purposes before purchasing a license. 

Frequently Asked Questions-

Q. What is the best OLM to PST converter tool?

Ans- Undoubtedly, FRT Freeware OLM to PST Converter is the best utility to convert Mac OLM files to Outlook PST. This software is highly demanded by professionals for safe conversion. Moreover, what makes it the best software is its functionality of batch conversion and bulky OLM file support capability. 

Q. What is the best tool to repair PST files?
Ans- FRT Freeware PST Repair Tool is the safest and most reliable software to repair corrupt and damaged Outlook PST files. It is competent enough to recover and restore the maximum possible data from inaccessible PST files with ease. Before restoring data, it allows a preview of the recovered mailbox emails.