How to Open OLM File in Outlook on Windows?

Microsoft has made Outlook for both Mac and Windows operating systems. They use proprietary file format to create a copy of the mailbox data (OLM and PST), which are not compatible with each other. Therefore, users face challenges when they need to migrate their Mac Outlook data (OLM file) to Windows Outlook. The incompatibility issue is faced by many users who have posted their concern on forums. Here is one such query.

I have my old Outlook emails stored as an OLM file. I want to open it on my Windows PC but i can't. Is there a way to open it on Outlook in Windows?

If you are one such user, then read this post to know how to open the OLM file in Windows Outlook.

Workaround to Open OLM File in Windows Outlook

Natively, Outlook for Windows can't open OLM files as it is only compatible with PST files format. In order to open OLM file Windows Outlook application, conversion of OLM to PST is required. To do this, you can use a specialized OLM to PST converter software. Once the file is converted, import it into Outlook for Windows to access your mailbox items. Let’s see the detailed step wise process to open the OLM file in Outlook for Windows.

Step 1: Use a Specialized OLM to PST Converter Software

You can use a specialized OLM to PST converter software, like Stellar Converter for OLM.This software lets you effortlessly convert OLM file into PST with the complete mailbox folder structure intact.This OLM to PST converter software also allows you to convert and save OLM file items in other commonly used file formats,like MSG, EML, PDF, RTF, etc. Moreover, you can use it to directly export OLM file data into Windows Outlook or Office 365 account.

Here are some advantages of using this software:

• It is a fast, secure, and 100% accurate OLM to PST converter software.
• Transfer user data from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook with zero challenges
• Export separate user mailbox items like emails, contacts, notes, etc.
• Convert OLM files of Outlook 2011, 2016, 2019, and 2021
• Migrate your data from OLM file to an Outlook profile with ease
• Append OLM data to an existing PST file

Follow the below steps to use Stellar Converter for OLM to convert OLM file to Outlook importable PST file format:

Note – Move your OLM file from Mac to Windows PC.

• Download and install Stellar Converter for OLM from the official website on your Windows PC. Launch the software.
• The Select OLM File window will appear.
• Click on Browse to locate and select the OLM file stored on your Windows PC.
• Click on Convert to start scanning the selected OLM file.
• After completing the scan, the tool will list all the mailbox items in a structured way. Select any mailbox item to see its enhanced preview.
• After verifying the mailbox items, click on Save Converted Mailbox.
• Choose the Save as PST option from the Save As window and select the location to save the converted OLM file.
• Click Save to proceed.

The software will save the converted PST file at the selected destination on your computer.

Step 2: Import the Converted PST File into Windows Outlook

Follow the given stepwise instructions to do this:

• Launch Outlook for Windows on your PC.
• Click on File > Open & Export option > Import/Export.
• On the Import and Export Wizard that opens, select the Import from another program or file option and proceed to Next.
• The Import a File window will appear. Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option and click Next.
• Click on Browse and go to the location where the PST file containing Outlook for Mac mailbox data is stored. Then, select it.
• After selecting the PST file, choose an appropriate option for the duplicate items and click on Next.
• Select any required option/s and click on Finish.

The wizard will import the PST file into Outlook for Windows.

Conclusion

As discussed above, the Mac Outlook OLM file does not work with Windows Outlook. Thus, it is not probable that you can directly open in latter program. The only solution is to first transform the OLM file into PST file, which is the compatible format for Outlook for Windows. For this, you can seek assistance of a powerful third-party OLM to PST converter software, such as StellarConverter for OLM that is capable of converting the OLM file into PST easily. Following this, you can easily open/import the PST file within Windows Outlook.