Switching from Mac to Windows is exciting, but when it comes to moving your emails, contacts, and calendar data, things can quickly become complicated. You need to change your Mac Outlook Mailbox (OLM) file into a PST file that works on Windows in order to finish moving from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows.
The free 2026 guide gives a full explanation that makes it easy for beginners to convert OLM files to PST format. The last part of the blog shows another way for people to change OLM files into PST files.
Why do you need to change the mailbox on your Mac's Outlook?
Outlook for Windows and Outlook for Mac save files in different ways:
Mac Outlook uses OLM files.
Windows Outlook uses PST files.
Unfortunately, Windows Outlook can't open OLM files by itself. This is why you need to convert OLM files to PST files.
If you don't change it the right way:
It's possible that emails don't work.
Attachments can get messed up.
You could lose people and events on your calendar.
You need to use the right method to keep your data safe.
What Is an OLM File?
Outlook for Mac makes an OLM file, which is a data file. It keeps:
Files that come with emails
People you know
Calendars
Notes
Things to do
Outlook for Mac makes a file with the .olm extension when you export data.
You can't open this file directly in Outlook for Windows, though.
A PST file is a type of file.
Outlook for Windows uses a PST (Personal Storage Table) file. It holds:
Messages in emails
People to Talk To and Calendar Entries
Attachments
Notes
You need to change OLM files to PST files if you want to use your Mac Outlook mailbox in Outlook 2024.
How to Move Your Mac Outlook Mail to Windows Outlook for Free
There are two main ways:
Free, but hard to use by hand
Recommended: Professional Tool
Let's be clear about both sides.
Step 1: The free way to change OLM to PST manually
This method doesn't cost anything, but it takes a lot of steps and technical know-how.
Select "File" and then "Export."
Pick things like Mail, Calendar, and Contacts.
Keep the file you exported as .olm.
You now have the OLM file.
Step 2: Figure out how to use IMAP
You can't open OLM files directly in Windows Outlook, so you'll need to use an IMAP email account, like Gmail, to get to them.
You can either make a new Gmail account or use one you already have.
Put this Gmail account in Outlook for Mac.
You can move emails from the OLM mailbox to Gmail folders by dragging and dropping them.
Let it sync all the way through.
Step 3: Put the same Gmail account into Windows Outlook
Start Windows and then open Outlook 2024.
Put the same account in Gmail.
Allow emails to sync on their own.
Send data that has been synced to PST.
Issues with the Manual Method
This way is free, but it has some big problems:
It takes a long time
Chance of losing data
The folders might be set up in a different way.
Attachments might not sync correctly.
Not good for mailboxes that are full.
You can see the free method has a lot of problems and issues, like losing data, a long process, damage to the folder hierarchy, and many more. Don't worry, I give a bonce tip for OLM to PST for this problem. You can use third-party tools, like DataVare OLM to PST Converter, and many more. They can give a smooth conversion process, save you a lot of time, and convert without losing data.
How to Import PST File into Outlook 2024 (Windows)
After converting OLM to PST, follow these steps:
Open Outlook 2024.
Go to File → Open & Export → Import/Export.
Choose Import from another program or file.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst).
Browse and select the converted PST file.
Click Finish.
Your Mac Outlook mailbox will now appear in Windows Outlook
Common Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Windows Outlook open OLM files directly?
No. Windows Outlook does not support OLM files.
2. Is there any free direct OLM to PST converter?
Most professional tools offer a free trial version that converts limited items.
3. Will my attachments be safe?
Yes, if you use a professional tool. Manual methods may cause attachment issues.
4. Is this process safe for business data?
Yes, but using a reliable conversion tool is recommended for business users.
Final Words
Converting a Mac Outlook mailbox to Outlook 2024 may seem difficult at first, but with the right method, it becomes simple.
If you want a completely free solution and have time, you can try the manual IMAP method. However, it requires patience and technical steps.
For a quick, safe, and hassle-free migration, using a professional OLM to PST converter tool is the smartest choice.
Before starting the conversion, always create a backup of your OLM file to avoid accidental data loss.
Now you are fully ready to move from Mac Outlook to Windows Outlook smoothly!.
