Import MSG to Thunderbird Safely Without Data Loss

Written By Kiran Sharma
Updated on September 16th, 2025

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Mark’s Question:-
“I have a collection of MSG files from MS Outlook, and now I want to access them in Thunderbird. However, I’m worried about losing data or attachments during the process. Can you suggest the safest way to import MSG files to Thunderbird with attachments?”

Introduction: Many users switch from MS Outlook to Thunderbird but face compatibility issues with MSG files. Therefore, Thunderbird cannot open MSG files directly, which makes email migration challenging. While manual methods are also available, they can be time-consuming, especially with large numbers of emails. However, using a professional MSG Converter tool is the most efficient and secure method. This tool ensures safe migration, keeps attachments, and avoids data loss. In this guide, we’ll explore both manual and automated ways to import MSG to Thunderbird..

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Table of Contents

Comparing MSG Files & Thunderbird: A Simple Guide

MSG File	HTML File
MS Outlook email message file	Thunderbird-compatible mailbox format
Stores email messages with metadata and attachments	Stores all emails in Thunderbird with attachments intact
Requires MS Outlook to open	Opens directly in Thunderbird
Difficult to share	Easy to share

Top Reasons to Import MSG files to Thunderbird

Mozilla Thunderbird can store and manage emails efficiently without MS Outlook.
Thus, importing MSG ensures the complete email content, attachments, and formatting intact.
Therefore, migrated emails can be restored, archived, or shared easily.
Additionally, it includes an advanced feature that allows conversion to other email clients such as Import MSG to Yahoo Mail.
Also, it removes the dependency on MS Outlook.

A Guide to Manually Import MSG to Thunderbird

If you don’t want to download & install the third party tool or software. You can also go for manual methods that are possible and easy to use. But they are limited and time-consuming. Also, they are not suitable for multiple MSG files.

The following are the steps to follow:

Method 1. Drag & Drop

Firstly, open the MSG file in Microsoft Outlook.
After that, go to File → Save As → Select EML format → Save.
Further, open Thunderbird → Drag & drop the EML files into Thunderbird

Limitations to migrate MSG Files into Thunderbird

First, the manual methods can convert only one file at a time.
Therefore, there are high chances of losing attachments or formatting.
Thus, requires installing MS Outlook.

Simplified Solution to Import MSG to Thunderbird

The safest and fastest way to migrate MSG files to Thunderbird is by using the MigrateEmails MSG Converter Tool. This professional tool is designed to simplify the process of migrating multiple MSG files from MS Outlook into Thunderbird without any loss. It keeps all the necessary details, including attachments, metadata, formatting, and folder structure. Hence, ensure that your emails remain intact and well-organized. Additionally, the tool supports both Windows and Mac platforms, making it a recommended solution for all types of users.

Here is the step-by-step guide to Open MSG Files in Thunderbird:

Firstly, download & install the MSG Converter Tool → Next.
Further, click to Select file(s)/folder → Next.
After that, expand the tree structure → Select the MSG file → Next.
Subsequently, save the MSG file in Thunderbird format.
Subsequently, save the MSG file in HTML format.

Advantages of Using A Reliable Tool

It converts multiple MSG files to Thunderbird (MBOX) simultaneously.
Thus, it maintains the folder structure, formatting, and attachments intact.
The advanced converter tool has a built-in preview option before conversion.
Hence, it has a simple, user-friendly interface for all tech & non-tech users.
Moreover, it can also export MSG to other formats, like Import MSG Files to Gmail.

Conclusion

In short, importing MSG files to Thunderbird makes email management easier, faster, and independent of MS Outlook. While manual methods work for a few files, they are not suitable for multiple migrations and chances of data loss. The MSG Converter Tool is the best choice to import MSG to Thunderbird. Also, it ensures safe, efficient, and professional migration of emails with attachments intact, saving time and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1 How to Import MSG Files into Thunderbird Easily?

Ans. You can import MSG files into Thunderbird by following the step-by-step process:
1. Download & install the MSG Converter Tool.
2. Add the MSG file that you want to convert.
3. Expand the tree structure & verify the content
4. Save the MSG file in Thunderbird format.
5. Apply the filters & convert.

Q.2 Which is the best tool to Open MSG Files in Thunderbird?

Ans. The MigrateEmails MSG Converter tool is the best choice to open MSG files in Thunderbird. It supports multiple conversions, preserves email formatting, attachments, and folder structure, and allows direct export into Thunderbird-compatible format.

Q.3 Do I migrate MSG Files into Thunderbird without data loss?

Ans. Yes. By using a reliable tool like the automated MSG Converter, you can safely migrate MSG files into Thunderbird without any data loss. It ensures that all email metadata, formatting, and attachments remain intact.

Q.4 Is it possible to import MSG files to Thunderbird with no technical knowledge?

Ans. Absolutely. The professional Converter Tool has a simple and user-friendly interface that allows even non-technical users to import MSG files into Thunderbird with just a few clicks.

About The Author:

Kiran Sharma

I am Kiran Sharma, a Technical Expert in Content writing. I have technical expertise in the field of Email Backup, Data Recovery, and Email Migration, and resolve technical queries related to Cloud Backup or Email Migration for individuals and businesses.