Best Windows Live Mail Alternatives in 2024

Read time 6 minutes

In 2017, Microsoft ceased providing official support for its Windows Essential 2012 Suite, leaving all key software components, including Windows Live Mail, without any further updates. Although the old version of Windows Live Mail still functions, it is now restricted in terms of features and capabilities. Given the absence of ongoing support and outdated security measures, Windows Live Mail has lost its appeal, prompting numerous users to seek out more dependable platforms offering up-to-date security updates.

After the latest update, Live Mail has been steadily declining in popularity. Its lack of direct support for email servers like Hotmail (also known as Outlook.com) has made it even more challenging for Live Mail to compete effectively. Users used to appreciate Live Mail for its simplicity and its ability to centralize messages and other mailbox data. However, in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, there are more advanced email clients available that can easily replace this vintage email client. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best alternatives to Windows Live Mail that can meet the demands of modern-day users.

1. Microsoft Outlook
   Microsoft Outlook is an email client that is exclusively owned and created by Microsoft. It is included as part of the Microsoft Office Suite and offers the capability to handle multiple accounts while efficiently managing various elements such as emails, contacts, calendar events, notes, and more. Outlook also prioritizes security, providing a robust platform for secure message sharing and executing advanced tasks.

   To utilize Outlook, you’ll need to acquire the licensed version and have a Microsoft account for service access. The licensed MS Office package, which includes Outlook along with various other office applications, comes at a price of approximately $129.99. This software is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Android.

   Read Also: Ways to Open EML File in Outlook 2019, 2016 and 2010
2. Thunderbird
   Designed and maintained by the Mozilla Corporation, Thunderbird is an open source desktop-based email client application. Thunderbird supports wide range of extensions, newsfeeds and chat features.

   You can download and install Thunderbird on your machine without paying a single penny. Moreover, it supports major operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.

3. Postbox
   Postbox closely resembles Thunderbird, with the key distinction being its requirement for a nearly $40 payment to access the full version of the software. In terms of its interface, it bears a striking resemblance to the Apple Mail client, while its functionalities align closely with those found in Thunderbird.

   Postbox empowers users to arrange their emails, contacts, and essential data according to their preferences. Furthermore, it boasts an engaging graphical user interface (GUI) and a streamlined structure, elevating the tool’s overall impressiveness.

4. Mailbird
   Mailbird, an email client designed for Windows, offers two distinct versions: Mailbox Lite, which provides basic functionality, and Mailbird Pro, equipped with advanced features. The Lite version is available for free download, while the Pro version requires a purchase. What sets Mailbird apart from other email clients is its extensive support for third-party integrations, greatly enhancing the ease of data transfer and integration with various external applications.
5. eM Client
   Similar to Mailbird, eM Client offers both a free and a paid version. The free edition grants limited access, allowing users to add only up to two email profiles. In contrast, the paid version offers unrestricted access to all features and functionalities, making it suitable for commercial use as well.

   The primary reason for eM Client’s widespread appeal lies in its user-friendly features. Upon launching the application, it promptly presents you with a selection of import choices to effortlessly transfer your data from your previous platform. Furthermore, eM Client seamlessly integrates with major messaging services such as Google, Facebook, and Jabber. Its clean and straightforward interface enhances the overall ease of email management.
   

How to Move from Windows Live Mail to Outlook?

The email clients listed above are some of the top choices to replace Windows Live Mail. If you prefer a straightforward recommendation without testing them all, Outlook stands out as the best alternative to Live Mail. Moreover, you can convert your Windows Live Mail emails directly to PST format using a reliable converter. There are a bunch of converters available online that can help you migrate your Live Mail mailbox data to Outlook’s PST format. The resultant PST, therefore, can be imported to Outlook without any hustle.

You can use Kernel for EML to PST converter to convert your EML/EMLX files directly to PST, MSG and Office 365. Windows Live Mail stores emails in EML files. If you’re transitioning from Windows Live Mail to Outlook, you’ll need to convert these EML files to PST format. Our EML converter provides an ideal solution for this task. It extracts content from EML files and presents a preview for your review. Once you’ve confirmed the preview, you can securely save all the information into a PST file.

The software maintains the structure of emails from EML and helps to adopt the Outlook structure.

Here is how the home interface of the tool looks like:

Wrapping Up

Several years ago, Microsoft discontinued its official support for the Windows Essential Suite, which includes Windows Live Mail as a key component. Numerous users are now seeking an alternative email program that offers contemporary features and functionalities. The options mentioned earlier as substitutes for Windows Live Mail meet present-day needs. Nevertheless, if you have a preference for Outlook over other alternatives, you have the option to employ an EML converter to transform your EML files into PST format, allowing you to access them within Outlook.