How to Migrate OLM File to Hotmail?

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  • Updated on February 17th, 2025

Summary: Most businesses usually adopt cloud-based email platforms to enhance workflow, cost-effectiveness, and cybersecurity. For this reason, users favoured Outlook for Mac. However, OLM files, created by Mac Outlook, are only accessible on MacOS. Those who need to access them on Windows have to import OLM files into a compatible email client, like Hotmail. Hotmail (or Outlook.com) is a widely used platform to save, view, and exchange data. This migration allows improved communication across various operating systems. This blog shows distinct manual methods along with a specialized OLM Converter tool to migrate OLM to Hotmail.

Reasons to Migrate OLM File to Hotmail

Outlook for Mac uses an OLM file format while Hotmail uses a PST file. Here are some of the reasons why importing OLM files to Hotmail might be necessary:

  1. Hotmail provides robust security features enabling secure and encrypted email communication.
  2. Hotmail offers cross-platform synchronization, giving consistent access to mail across all platforms.
  3. OLM is specific to the macOS platform, but conversion to Hotmail gives access to the Windows platform.

Can I Import an OLM File into Outlook?

No, Outlook for Windows does not natively support importing OLM files directly. OLM files are specific to Outlook for Mac and cannot be directly imported into Outlook for Windows. However, you can still transfer your OLM file to Outlook for Windows by using some tested and verified solutions. In the following section, we elaborate on all of the methods to migrate OLM into Hotmail.

How to Move OLM File to Hotmail?

There are numerous ways to migrate an OLM file into Hotmail. We have explored various solutions to ease your task. Read this section to learn different methods including free manual methods as well as using a professional tool. However, it is suggested to perform manual steps carefully to avoid any data loss.

Manual Method: Migrate OLM to Hotmail via IMAP

Hotmail doesn’t support OLM files, to transfer OLM files into Outlook for Windows, you need to first use an IMAP-enabled email client to sync the data. And then import it into Outlook for Windows. More significantly, below are instructions for importing OLM files by manual methods:

Step 1: Allow IMAP in Your Email Account

For this, we use Gmail as an IMAP-enabled client. You can choose according to your needs. 

  1. Firstly, download and open Gmail on your system. 
  2. Next, log in to your Gmail account using your valid credentials.
  3. Now, navigate to Settings > See all Settings > Forwarding and POP/IMAP options.
  4. After that, enable IMAP and tap on the save button.

Step 2: Configure the IMAP Account (Gmail) in Outlook for Mac

  1. Here, download and open Outlook for Mac on your default Mac OS.
  2. After that, go to the File section. 
  3. Next, choose the account option to add the IMAP-enabled clients.
  4. Here, you can add your account through valid credentials.

Step 3: Move the OLM Folder to the IMAP Account

  1. Next, choose the folder that contains the OLM data of Outlook.
  2. After that, drag and drop the folder into the IMAP-enabled email account.

Step 4: Set up the IMAP Account in Hotmail

  1. Then, install and launch the Outlook software on your Windows.
  2. After that, go to the file section and choose the Add Account option.
  3. Here, you enter your credentials to add your account.
  4. Now, sync the IMAP account with your Outlook application.

Step 5: Transfer OLM Files to Hotmail (Windows Outlook)

  1. Here, select the data or folder from the IMAP-enabled account.
  2. Next, drag and drop the data to the corresponding folder.
  3. Finally, wait for the sync of the data and verify it to avoid any errors.

Hence, this is how you can migrate OLM to Hotmail for free. However, if you do not have access to Gmail and Mac Outlook accounts, better switch to a professional tool.

Limitations of Manual Method

The manual method to import OLM to Hotmail has several limitations. Here are some of the key challenges:

  • Manual migration of large amounts of data can be time-consuming.
  • During manual migration, there might be a risk of data loss.
  • Some data has a chance of not being transferred properly using this process.
  • If the IMAP server is malfunctioning, migration will not work.
  • There are compatibility issues with various versions of Outlook.

Manual migration can be used for small-scale migration or users who are familiar with using Outlook. If you don’t deal with these problems, you may prefer to use a specialized tool to simplify the migration.

Secure and Best Method to Migrate OLM to Hotmail

Users often use the OLM Converter tool to seamlessly import OLM data into a Hotmail account. This application is typically more efficient. It takes the migration process more accurately and provides more characteristics, such as batch processing and detailed reporting. Also, it furnishes a trustworthy and quick import of OLM files without any data modification. Moreover, users can operate this tool to import OLM to iCloud accounts, Office 365, G Suite, etc.

Simple Steps to Import OLM Emails to Hotmail

  1. Download and install the OLM Converter on your system.
  2. Next, choose the desired OLM files from your local system. 
  3. Now, extend the tree-like structure to preview your file to avoid errors.
  4. Then, choose the Hotmail option as your output email client.
  5. Here, authenticate yourself by providing valid credentials.
  6. Now, you can also opt for the additional built-in features.
  7. In the end, tap on the Convert button.

This method is more convenient and mostly demanded for the migration of OLM files into Hotmail. To try the software functionalities, download a free version!

Conclusion

In this write-up, we have described both manual and automated techniques to migrate OLM to Hotmail. However, manual methods are free of cost but time-consuming and tedious for non-tech users. That’s why experts recommend you opt for the specialized tool, which imports your OLM file directly and effortlessly. You will save time and effort and get 100% accurate results.

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About The Author:

As a lead technical writer, I know the technical problems faced by office and professional users. So, I decided to share all my technical knowledge through this blog. I love helping you with tough challenges when dealing with technical issues.

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