Switching from Windows Live Mail to Outlook: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: Windows Live Mail was a popular email client for Windows users, but many users are now opting for the more robust and feature-rich Microsoft Outlook. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of switching from Windows Live Mail to Outlook, ensuring a seamless transfer of your email messages.

Step-by-Step Guide to Switching from Windows Live Mail to Outlook

Switching from Windows Live Mail to Outlook can be done in a few straightforward steps, making it easier to manage your emails in a more advanced and versatile environment.

Step 1: Open Microsoft Outlook

The first step involves opening Microsoft Outlook. If you do not have it installed, you can download it from the Microsoft Store or make sure it is installed on your system.

Step 2: Open Your Windows Live Mail

Launch your Windows Live Mail and ensure that all your email messages and folders are properly synchronized and saved.

Step 3: Export Your Email Messages

To transfer your messages, follow these steps:

Click on the File button in your Windows Live Mail window. Select Export from the menu. Choose Email messages as the type of files to export. From the format options, select Microsoft Exchange. Click Next to proceed with the export process. Review the message indicating that all email will be exported to Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Exchange, then click Ok to continue. Indicate whether you want to export all email folders or select specific folders. Click Finish and wait for the export process to be completed. This process can take some time depending on the number of messages you are exporting.

Step 4: Configure Outlook with Your Email Settings

Once your email messages are exported, open Microsoft Outlook for the first time. You will be prompted to create a new email account. Follow the instructions on the screen to enter your email address, login, and password.

Step 5: Make Outlook Your Default Email Client (Optional)

If you prefer to use Outlook as your default email client, you can set it up as follows:

Click on the Start menu and type mail default in the search box. Follow the instructions to make Outlook your default email client. This ensures that any email link or address you open will automatically open in Outlook.

While you can still keep Windows Live Mail installed, it will not be used as your main email client. However, you can use it if Outlook ever experiences issues or “burps,” as mentioned by some users.

Conclusion

Switching from Windows Live Mail to Outlook offers better performance and a wider range of features. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition and continue to manage your emails effectively.

Note: Exporting Windows Live Mail or Outlook Express mail to Outlook 2013 requires that Outlook 2013 is installed as a 32-bit version.