How to Import Windows Live Mail to Gmail Easily and Fast

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  • Updated on September 15th, 2025

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A small business is concerned about the potential corruption of its Windows Live Mail data. EML files are supported by WLM, and they are prone to corruption due to system crashes or glitches. Consequently, to protect their important data, they import Windows Live Mail to Gmail. Also, for a quick and effortless data transfer, it is recommended to use the Cigati EML Converter. Read this complete article to learn how to transfer Windows Live Mail emails to Gmail effortlessly.

Benefits of Importing Windows Live Mail to Gmail

The Windows Live Mail to Gmail migration process is essential for better security and seamless integration. Unlike other email clients, Gmail stands out as a better email client. Here are some of the notable benefits:

  • Unlike Windows Live Mail, you can view Gmail emails anywhere and anytime.
  • WLM saves the data in EML format, which is very prone to corruption. In comparison, Gmail stores the data in the cloud, which is secured. 
  • Gmail comes with enhanced security measures, including spam filters and automatic backup. Windows Live Mail provides only basic security protocols. 
  • With Gmail, users can sync their emails with Google Contacts, Calendar, Drive, etc.
  • It is easier to organize and search emails in Gmail due to its advanced filters and categories.

Manual Methods to Import Windows Live Mail to Gmail

To start importing Windows Live Mail to Gmail, there are two ways to do it:

  • Manual Methods: Using IMAP and through EML files in Thunderbird.
  • Automated Tool Method

Manually Transfer Windows Live Mail to Gmail

The following method uses the IMAP protocol. First, add your Gmail account to WLM via IMAP, and then drag and drop emails.

Let’s begin the process of transferring WLM emails to Gmail:

Step 1: Add Gmail Account in Windows Live Mail

  1. To begin with, log in to your Gmail account, click on the gear icon > See all Settings.
  2. After that, head to the Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
  3. Then, in the IMAP Access section, select Enable IMAP and Save the changes.
  4. In Windows Live Mail, navigate to Accounts > Email > type your Gmail credentials.
  5. Now, fill in the IMAP details:


Incoming Mail Server (IMAP)
imap.gmail.com
Port: 993
Encryption: SSL 


Outgoing Mail server (SMTP)
smtp.gmail.com
Port: 465 or 587
Encryption: SSL

Step 2: Transfer Emails to Gmail

  1. After configuring Gmail in WLM, they will be available in WLM.
  2. Next, select the WLM emails or folder you wish to transfer.
  3. Then, drag and drop the emails into the Gmail folder.
  4. Lastly, wait till the WLM finishes syncing emails.

Limitations: The large mailboxes will take hours or even days to sync the emails. The user should have technical knowledge of IMAP configurations. If the EML file containing emails is corrupted, they will not transfer. Moreover, a duplicate email issue can also arise.

Export Windows Live Mail to Gmail Manually

Using this method, users can bulk upload the WLM emails to Gmail. Also, it involves exporting email from WLM and then importing it into Gmail via Thunderbird. 

Use the following step-by-step process to begin the migration:

Step 1: Export Emails from Windows Live Mail

  1. Open Windows Live Mail and click on File > Export Email > Email Messages.
  2. When prompted, pick the Microsoft Windows Live Mail format. 
  3. Then, find and pick a destination path to store the emails.
  4. After that, choose the email folders you want to migrate and click Next.

Step 2: Import WLM EML files in Gmail

  1. In Thunderbird, go to Account Settings > Add Mail Account > type your Gmail credentials.
  2. Next, follow the above method to set up IMAP server details. 
  3. After that, head to Tools > Add-ons and Themes > Search and install ImportExportTools NG
  4. Restart Thunderbird. Then, right-click on the Gmail folder and choose ImportExportTools NG.
  5. Afterward, select Import all messages from a directory > Also from its sub-directories.
  6. Then, browse and select the folder containing your EML files.

Limitations: The process may not maintain the folder hierarchy. If any of the step is missed, there can be a loss of data. Also, it depends on your internet speed and the time taken to upload thousands of emails.

Automated Solution to Import Windows Live Mail to Gmail Account

The Cigati EML Converter Tool is the ideal solution for a quick way to import Windows Live Mail data to Gmail. This converter tool performs bulk EML file conversions with no size restrictions. Also, it offers a preview feature that allows users to view their email contents before processing. Users can also convert EML to 10+ formats and directly migrate to multiple email clients. Moreover, it ensures that your folder hierarchy is intact, removes duplicates, and much more. 

Quick and simple steps to migrate Windows Live Mail to Gmail:

  1. In WLM, select the emails and go to File > Export > Email Messages.
  2. Then, choose EML as the format and save the file locally at your preferred location.
  3. Start by downloading and installing the tool on your PC.
  4. After that, to add an EML file, choose from Select File/Multiple Files or Select Folder.
  5. Then, click on the Select File(s) option, look for and select the EML file to open it.
  6. Now, expand the tree view, tick the desired folders, and preview them.
  7. Next, pick Email Clients and choose Gmail as the target destination.
  8. Afterward, opt for the additional settings and choose the destination path to save the file.
  9. Lastly, press the Convert button to begin the procedure.

Conclusion

This technical blog covers a complete guide on how to import Windows Live Mail to Gmail. The step-by-step process ensures that even non-technical users can perform the migration easily. Whether the user wants to import a few EML files or a mailbox, the automated solution ensures an error-free migration. Moreover, for any queries related to the process, our technical support team is ready to guide you.

You May Also Read: Export Windows Live Mail to Outlook

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a manual way to import Windows Live Mail to Gmail?

Ans: Yes. There are two manual options to import your WLM emails to Gmail. One is through an IMAP configuration. Ans, the other is through EML files. IMAP method involves adding a Gmail account in WLM and then dragging and dropping emails into the Gmail folder. Also, by using the EML files, you need to export emails from WLM and then bulk import them into Gmail via Thunderbird.

Q: Can I transfer my entire Windows Live Mail mailbox to Gmail at once?

Ans: The manual methods will take days to bulk migrate the entire WM mailbox to Gmail. On the other hand, by using a professional automated Cigati EML Converter, users can securely and easily transfer their emails in a few minutes.

About The Author:

Rohit Singh is an Email Backup, Recovery & Migration Consultant and is associated with Software Company from the last 3 years. He writes technical updates and their features related to MS Outlook, Exchange Server, Office 365, and many other Email Clients & Servers.

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