Nov 04, 2017 Move emails from Outlook Express (in XP) to Windows 10. I want to move my emails (and folders) from Outlook Express (in XP) to Windows 10. Hopefully the Win 10 Mail app will do this, or do I need to buy an email program? Jan 12, 2017 Using Outlook Express on Windows 10. Windows 10 will still uninstall this program automatically when your system updates. As such, you’ll also need to use their Updates Disabler program. This allows you to disable Windows Update entirely.
Microsoft Outlook Express is a basic email client that came bundled with versions of Windows from 98 to Server 2003. Microsoft officially discontinued the product with the launch of Vista, though you can still run it with some workarounds. However, we don’t recommend trying that because Microsoft will actively remove Outlook Express from your system if discovered.
The successor to Outlook Express is now Windows Mail, though at one point it was also called Windows Live Mail. Confusing, right? Here we walk through how to use either Windows Mail or Outlook as your alternatives, but first you might want to check out our guide to Microsoft’s email servicesHotmail Is Dead! Microsoft Outlook Email Services ExplainedHotmail Is Dead! Microsoft Outlook Email Services ExplainedStop searching for Hotmail! Microsoft Outlook email services are confusing. Here are Outlook web app, Outlook Online, and others explained.Read More to get your head around it all.
If you’re still holding onto Outlook Express or have made the switch to a different client, please let us know in the comments below.
Using Outlook Express on Windows 10
Microsoft no longer supports Microsoft Outlook Express and hasn’t done so for over a decade. Microsoft is so adamant about it that Windows 10 will automatically uninstall the program from your system every time it performs a major update. The fact that Microsoft is controlling what programs you may run, through the use of forced automatic updatesPros & Cons of Forced Updates in Windows 10Pros & Cons of Forced Updates in Windows 10Updates will change in Windows 10. Right now you can pick and choose. Windows 10, however, will force updates onto you. It has advantages, like improved security, but it can also go wrong. What's more...Read More, is a controversial one, but it’s unlikely to change.
We advise that you stop using Outlook Express. It’s an outdated client and has been superseded by superior ones, which we’ll detail later. However, if you are insistent on using Outlook Express, then there is a workaround.
The folks at Run As XP have developed a version of Outlook Express that will run on all modern versions of Windows. It’ll cost you $20 for a license key, which you can obtain once you’ve downloaded and installed the program. It also supports Fidolook, an extension which adds support for message headers, templates, and other customization.
Windows 10 will still uninstall this program automatically when your system updates. As such, you’ll also need to use their Updates Disabler program. This allows you to disable Windows Update entirely7 Ways to Temporarily Turn Off Windows Update in Windows 107 Ways to Temporarily Turn Off Windows Update in Windows 10Windows Update keeps your system patched and safe. In Windows 10 you're at the mercy of Microsoft's schedule unless you know hidden settings and tweaks. So, keep Windows Update under control.Read More.
Bear in mind that having Windows Update disabled all the time will mean you won’t get security patches, new features, and other changes to Windows 10. We strongly advise you to leave Windows Update turned on!
If you don’t think Outlook Express is right for you anymore, keep reading for three alternative options.
Option 1: Use Windows Mail as an Alternative
If you’re looking for another simple email client that comes with your system by default, you should consider using Mail. Do a system search for it. While it’s not the most feature-rich email client, it does the job if you’re not after all the thrills of something like Microsoft Outlook. It also integrates with the Calendar and People apps on your system.
To get started, click Add account and select the account you wish to link. You can use POP/IMAP, iCloud, Gmail, Outlook.com, and more. It’s as simple as entering the necessary credentials. The Mail app doesn’t store anything locally, so all the emails you see will be ones stored on the email server itself.
As Windows Mail doesn’t store anything locally, you can’t bring across anything from Outlook Express. If you were using POP/IMAP on Express, that’s not much of a problem anyway because it’ll sync all your emails across.
To adjust your settings, click the cog wheel. This will bring up a number of options like Personalization, Automatic Replies and Signature, though you might find some of these inaccessible depending on your email server’s settings.
Option 2: Import Your Outlook Express Data to Outlook
Despite using the same Outlook branding, Outlook Express isn’t a stripped down version of its Office counterpart. The two programs were created from two different codebases. Nevertheless, it’s possible to export your data from Outlook Express and then import it into Outlook, providing both versions are 32-bit. For more information on compatibility, read our article on the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.
To begin, open Outlook Express and navigate to File > Export email > Email messages…, then select Microsoft Exchange as the format, confirm the message that appears, then choose the folder you wish to export to.
Next, go to File > Export > Address Book…, select Text File (Comma Separated Values) as the format, and choose the export folder when prompted. Select all the fields that you want to keep, then progress through the wizard to the end.
Finally, open Microsoft Outlook and go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export. Select Import from another program or file and click Next. Follow the wizard through once for Comma Separated Values, which is your contact list, then a second time for Outlook Data File (.pst), which are your emails.
Option 3: Use a Non-Microsoft Email Client
If you don’t care about remaining in the Microsoft ecosystem, or perhaps want something free, consider using a different email client. We’ve got a list of the five best free email clientsThe 5 Best Free Email Clients for Your Desktop PCThe 5 Best Free Email Clients for Your Desktop PCWant the best free email client? We've compiled the best email software for Windows, Mac, and Linux that won't cost you a dime.Read More, the majority of which will support importing data from Outlook Express.
The best on the list is probably Mozilla Thunderbird, created the team behind Firefox, though it’s no longer actively developed.
Alternatively, you should consider moving away from using an email client entirely. In the past we’ve discussed why you should favor web-based email options7 Reasons Why You Should Stop Using Desktop Email Clients7 Reasons Why You Should Stop Using Desktop Email ClientsIs a web-based email client preferable to a desktop option? We looked at the different pros and cons and found an answer for you.Read More, especially since the features offered by many of them are similar and sometimes better compared against desktop clients.
For example, using a web-based email solution can offer flexibility syncing between devices and provide simpler backup.
Is Express Really the Best?
Though Microsoft Outlook Express served its purpose well, continuing to use it on Windows 10 is questionable. Not only has it been totally dropped by Microsoft, but they’ll actively remove it from your system. You’ll find all the features of Express offered in other email clients that work better on modern systems.
All set up with your new email system? It’s time to become an email wizard. Be sure to ponder our list of tools to help you write better emails5 Tools That Can Help You Write Better Emails5 Tools That Can Help You Write Better EmailsEveryone is still trying to solve the email problem. So, let's also talk about the most basic habit of all – the art of writing better emails. With the help of some cool tools.Read More.
Are you still using Outlook Express? Have you recently made the switch to a different email client?
Explore more about: Desktop Email Client, Email Tips, Microsoft Outlook, Windows 10.
'You’ll find all the features of [Outlook] Express offered in other email clients that work better on modern systems.'
Nonsense. OE allowed me to select from any installed font. Thunderbird uses a single font. Etc.OE had easiest interface for Newsgroups. Can't find a better on for Usenetserver.
cong nghe 4.0
There isn't a single email program that I've looked at since Outlook Express was taken out that meets my needs and I seriously miss Express. I need a program that doesn't automatically load the messages when you click highlight them, that lets you filter messages into different folders, has an address book that actually works, isn't constrained by lag inducing ads, and lets you flag messages that are more important than others. Outlook Express is the only one I've seen that does all of this. I even really miss programming my own stationary in for Outlook Express. It was the best email program out there. I've been stuck having to access my email through Comcast's web page and it's so laggy and tiny that things get deleted all the time when I'm trying to do other things (like moving a message, or deleting a whole folder into total nothingness when trying to delete a single message, etc.), their address book doesn't update anymore like it used to so I can't add any new addresses or change any information with contacts, their rules won't update either anymore so I can change or add any rules, the fonts are so tiny I can't read them without zooming the page which then moves the lag inducing ads on top of the messages so it's hard to do anything with them. It's terrible! Why can't Microsoft just let us use the program we want to use like they used to?! This control they have over our computers is criminal and unwelcome! From what I understand Apple's doing their own control over their customers as well. Why should we accept having our lives controlled by a couple corporations who don't care what we want?
What about OE Classic at https://www.oeclassic.com/ - OE Classic - Perfect replacement for Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail. Easy to use, fast and with amazing new features! It supports stationery, looks almost the same like Outlook Express, has built in address book, has import from Outlook Express and so on.
Here is another use case: one of my users has Office XP, after the latest Windows 10 upgrade, Outlook stopped working, because a component of Outlook Express 4.01 or later is missing! Apparently, it has been deleted by the Wind10 upgrade process. Now he can no longer access his calendar items. This is not nice.
We still use Outlook Express because it lets us send emails to all our club members, 600 odd. If there was another email client that would lets us do that without a limit sent then we would change.
I don't think it's up to Microsoft to tell people what they should use, and even go so far as to remove programs from someone's computer without their permission! If someone wants to use a certain software, and they are aware of the implications, that's their choice!
My girlfiend is blind. She was very happy with Outlook Express on XP and W7.
It is a very basic email client but does everything she wants and her 15 year old mail is available. She is now using Outlook Express on W10 (see link for supported (payed) version in article)Forced to use another, I had everything in it so it would share to and in categories, most other programs don't allow you to choose a group to send to unless you set up separate groups in google and invite everyone to them. I hate they took that away. I do several different programs, and need to have groups because i can't remember all the names in all the groups to select them one by one and it's a pain to do that!
Still struggling with all the other programs, plus with less then perfect internet connection, It allowed me to work off line when the power was out and auto sent the emails or updated the calendars when internet came back up. so your comment about having all my personal emails stored on line is not for me and many others that deal with business and non profits an all.Literally NOBODY in their right mind wants to do this. Seriously, you guys must be starved for content judging from these articles. Up next: 'How To Use A Horse to Pull Your Car'
I came here because I'm still running XP, and haven't updated to Win 7 because I want to keep Outlook Express. I have many years of stored business emails, both sent and received, and maintaining this evidence base is important.
You can import these emails into OE Classic which has near perfect import tool for Outlook Express 6 - It is advertised as perfect replacement for Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail. Easy to use, fast and with amazing new features - https://www.oeclassic.com/
Outlook Express For Windows 10
It works well in Windows 10 PRO as well.