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How to export Outlook.com email to an .mbox file

5 min read · Updated 2026-05-30

Outlook is the one big provider with no native .mbox export. Microsoft's tools produce .pst or .csv files, which sub-hunt.com can't read. The dependable fix is to route the account through Thunderbird, which connects to Outlook.com over IMAP and writes a clean .mbox.

Whether you use Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, or an Outlook desktop app, the mail itself sits on Microsoft's IMAP servers. Any standards-compliant mail client can connect and read it — and Thunderbird, which is free, can then export any folder to .mbox. This one extra step turns an awkward provider into a five-minute job.

Route Outlook through Thunderbird, then export

  1. Install Thunderbird and the export add-on. Download Thunderbird (free, from thunderbird.net), then add the ImportExportTools NG extension via the menu → Add-ons and Themes.
  2. Add your Outlook account over IMAP. In Thunderbird, choose Add Mail Account and enter your Outlook.com / Hotmail / Live address and password. Thunderbird auto-detects Outlook's IMAP settings; approve any Microsoft sign-in prompt.
  3. Let the Inbox finish downloading. Click the Inbox and wait for the message count to stop climbing. A large mailbox can take several minutes to sync the first time.
  4. Right-click the folder and export it. Right-click the Inbox (or any folder), choose ImportExportTools NG → Export folder, and pick a destination such as your Desktop.
  5. Scan the resulting .mbox. Thunderbird writes a single .mbox file. Drop it onto sub-hunt to find the subscriptions hiding in your Outlook mail.

Good to know

  • If you have two-factor authentication on your Microsoft account, you may be asked to approve the Thunderbird sign-in in your authenticator app — this is normal.
  • Microsoft's own “Export mailbox” produces a .pst file, which is an Outlook-only format sub-hunt can't read. The Thunderbird route avoids it.
  • Connecting Thunderbird reads your mail; it doesn't move or delete anything on Microsoft's side.
  • Want to scan more than the Inbox? Export the Archive and any “Receipts” folders too, then scan each.

Frequently asked questions

  • Why can't I export Outlook to .mbox directly?
    Microsoft's tools export to .pst (a proprietary Outlook format) or .csv, neither of which is a standard mailbox archive. .mbox is the open format mail clients share, so the simplest path is a client that speaks both — Thunderbird.
  • Can I convert a .pst file to .mbox instead?
    You can, with dedicated conversion tools, but connecting the live account in Thunderbird is usually faster and avoids extra software. If you only have an old .pst and no account access, a converter is the fallback.
  • Does this work for a work or school Outlook account?
    Often, if IMAP access is allowed by your administrator. Some organizations disable IMAP; in that case, ask your IT team or export from the Outlook desktop app on a managed machine.
  • Is my Outlook mail uploaded when I scan?
    No. Once exported, the .mbox is parsed inside your browser. sub-hunt sends nothing to any server.

Ready to scan your inbox?

Once you have your .mbox file, drop it into sub-hunt.com. Everything is parsed in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Open the scanner

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