How to Convert OLM to PST: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

How to Convert OLM to PST: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

This blog will teach you how to manually convert OLM to PST. It is one of the most often asked questions by users switching from Mac OS to Windows OS.


Users needs vary over time. They are currently utilizing Mac OS, but plan to switch to Windows OS tomorrow. While doing so, they must move all data from one platform to another. They formerly used Mac Outlook, but now prefer Windows Outlook.


In such cases, a user must move all Mac mailbox data to Microsoft Outlook. Outlook's data file format now varies based on the operating system used. Mac Outlook stores mailbox data in the OLM file format, whereas Windows Outlook utilizes the PST file format. When moving platforms, a user must complete an OLM to PST file conversion.


Know How to Convert OLM to PST Manually


When a user needs to execute a file conversion, he searches for a free or manual option. A user can convert OLM to PST files by either creating an IMAP account or using an existing Gmail IMAP account. To complete the process successfully, follow the steps outlined below:


Step 1: Create an IMAP Account with Gmail


  1. Open Gmail and select the Gear icon on the right side of the main window.
  2. Navigate to Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
  3. Check the IMAP access status. If disabled, enable it.
  4. After successfully creating an IMAP account, set it up in Mac Outlook.

Step 2: Configure the IMAP Account on Mac Outlook


  1. Open Mac Outlook and select Menu >> Tools >> Accounts.
  2. Select the Email tab and enter the necessary information, such as email address and password. Then click the Add Account button.
  3. Check the IMAP email account option.

Step 3: Add a New Label in Your Gmail Account


  1. To begin, open your Gmail account and click the Gear symbol.
  2. Navigate to the Settings menu, then Labels. Click on the Create New Label option and select the Show in IMAP box option.
  3. Open Mac Outlook and click the Send/Receive option.
  4. Just move data from the OLM file to the Gmail inbox folder. Proceed to Step 4 for the same.

Read: How to Convert Large DXL Files to PST Without Errors?


Step 4: Create a Gmail Label to Control Synchronization


Between Mac Outlook and Gmail Accounts


Step 5: Move Data from Mac Outlook to Gmail Mailbox


  1. Open Mac Outlook and choose the files you wish to export.
  2. Right-click on the mailbox you wish to switch to Windows.
  3. Select Move >> Copy to Folder option.
  4. Enter a name for your Gmail folder and click the Copy button.
  5. Click the Send/Receive button to refresh the folder and update Gmail data.
  6. All copied mailbox data is synchronized to the Gmail mailbox folder.

Once all of the preceding steps have been accomplished successfully, you must transfer all data from your Gmail IMAP account to your Mac Outlook. To do this, configure the IMAP account in Windows Outlook. After that, drag and drop Mac Outlook data from the IMAP folder into the Windows Outlook folder.


Bonus Tip


Manually converting OLM to PST requires both Mac and Windows Outlook, as well as extensive settings. To ensure a consistent approach in all situations, it is recommended that all users utilize a professional solution, such as a Softaken OLM to PST Converter.


Conclusion


Moving from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook is not as simple as switching between two distinct platforms. As a result, this blog will walk you through the entire process of manually converting OLM to PST. Users can easily follow the guidelines to transition from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook.