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How to Migrate from Windows Live Mail to Outlook in 5 Steps

Migrating from Windows Live Mail (WLM) to Outlook can seem daunting, but with a clear plan you can move your emails, contacts, and calendar quickly and safely. Below are five practical steps to complete the migration. These instructions assume you’re moving to a modern Outlook for Windows (desktop) and have both applications available on the same PC. If they’re on different machines, copy WLM data files to the target PC first.

Step 1 — Prepare and back up your Windows Live Mail data

1. Close both apps. Exit Windows Live Mail and Outlook.
2. Locate WLM storage. WLM stores messages in folders under:
   • C:\Users\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail
3. Export a backup copy. Copy that Windows Live Mail folder to an external drive or a safe location.
4. Export contacts. In WLM, go to Contacts → Export → CSV and save a copy (choose the CSV format).
5. Export calendar (if used). If WLM calendar entries exist, export them as .ics files from the Calendar view.

Step 2 — Ensure Outlook is ready

1. Install and update Outlook. Make sure Outlook is installed and updated to the latest build.
2. Create or add your email account(s). In Outlook, add the same email accounts you used in WLM (IMAP is preferred; use account settings from your provider). Let Outlook finish initial synchronization.
3. Create local PST (if needed). If you prefer to import locally rather than sync via IMAP, create a new Outlook Data File (PST): File → Account Settings → Data Files → Add.

Step 3 — Import emails from WLM to Outlook

Option A — If accounts are IMAP (recommended)

1. Add the same IMAP account in Outlook. Outlook will sync server-side folders and messages automatically.
2. Copy local WLM folders (if any) into Outlook. From WLM’s storage copy any local folders (the backed-up mailbox folders) into the Outlook PST’s local folders by dragging .eml files or using import steps below.

Option B — If you need to import .eml files

1. Open the folder with WLM .eml files. In Windows Explorer, navigate to the backed-up WLM message folders.
2. Drag and drop into Outlook. Select messages (.eml) and drag them into an Outlook folder (e.g., Local Folders or a PST). Outlook will convert and import them.

Option C — Using the Windows Live Mail export wizard (if available)

1. WLM → File → Export → Messages → Microsoft Exchange. Exporting to Microsoft Exchange will make messages available in Outlook. (Note: newer WLM builds may not include Microsoft Exchange export; if absent, use .eml drag-and-drop or IMAP sync.)

Step 4 — Import contacts and calendar into Outlook

1. Import contacts (CSV). In Outlook: File → Open & Export → Import/Export → Import from another program or file → Comma Separated Values → choose the CSV exported from WLM → map fields if needed → Finish.
2. Import calendar (.ics). Double-click the .ics file or use File → Open & Export → Import/Export → Import an iCalendar (.ics) or vCalendar file.

Step 5 — Verify, clean up, and finalize

1. Verify imported data. Check that emails, attachments, contacts, and calendar entries are present and readable. Spot-check important folders/messages.
2. Recreate rules and signatures. WLM rules won’t transfer automatically—recreate rules and signatures in Outlook.
3. Remove duplicates (if any). Use Outlook’s built-in cleanup tools or a trusted duplicate remover if you see duplicates.
4. Archive or delete old WLM files. After confirming everything migrated successfully, you can archive the WLM backup folder or remove it to free space.
5. Set Outlook as default mail client. In Windows Settings → Apps →