Switch from Outlook to Thunderbird - how it works

If you want to switch from Outlook to Thunderbird, Thunderbird does most of the work for you. We'll show you how to master the switch.

Import mails and contacts into Thunderbird

1. At the top of Thunderbird, click on the "Tools" menu item and select the "Import" item.
2. Activate the "Import all" option here or select only one of the desired areas. For example, if you only want to import emails and contacts, you have to do this individually.
3. Then click the "Next" button and select "Outlook" from the list of programs.
4. With the "Next" button, Outlook starts the import. You can then close the window and check the success.

Change from Outlook to Thunderbird

• If the import does not work properly, you must first set Outlook as the default program. You can then choose Thunderbird as the default.
• If you have also transferred your emails from Outlook to Thunderbird, you will not find them in your inbox, but in the "Outlook import" folder.
• If you switch from Outlook to Thunderbird, you will be greeted with an unusually empty surface. Thunderbird offers a similar range of functions, but these are hidden at the top of the menu bar or at the top right behind the menu button.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to activate SSL encryption in Thunderbird.