Evolution stands as a free email client application, offering classic email functionalities such as a Calendar, address book, and to-do list, among others. Diverging from Outlook, Evolution finds its home on Linux and Unix-like systems. Remarkably, Evolution's user interface closely resembles that of Outlook, encompassing most of the same features and capabilities. Furthermore, Evolution boasts additional incorporated features, including:

  • Robust network encryption for enhanced security.
  • Email retrieval capabilities include support for both POP and IMAP protocols.
  • Seamless email transmission through SMTP support.
  • Efficient email filtration features.
  • Robust spam filtration support.
  • Automated synchronization compatibility with SyncML, SyncEvolution, and Palm OS devices.
  • Direct connectivity options for Novell Groupwise and MS Exchange Server.
  • Calendar functionality with compatibility for the iCalendar file format.

In contrast to MS Outlook, Evolution lacks robust security functionalities and Windows platform compatibility. Additionally, as a free email client, it is more susceptible to external threats such as virus intrusions and malware attacks. This is prompting many users to migrate to a more dependable alternative like Outlook.

Convert into MBOX format

Users planning to migrate their data from Evolution to Outlook need to follow specific manual or automated steps. Initially, they must export their data in the MBOX file format. Afterward, they can choose between manual or automated methods to convert the file into the PST format, which is compatible with Outlook. It's important to note that Evolution mailbox data is stored in an SQLite database file (.db) on the local system. Typically, you can find the source database file in the following location:

~/.local/share/evolution/mail/local/folders.db

After locating the source database file, you can utilize the client to export the file in MBOX format. Below, you will find instructions on how to convert your Evolution data into MBOX format.

  1. Launch Evolution Mail and go to the mailbox folder.
  2. Click on Edit > Select All.
  3. Next, navigate to the "File" menu and select the "Save as mbox..." option.

If you are utilizing Evolution Mail on a Unix-based operating system, the converted file will be stored at the specified location on your local system.

~/.local/share/evolution/mail/local/”

The subsequent stage entails converting the backup MBOX file into PST format for importing the data into Outlook's mailbox. As previously mentioned, you have the option of employing either manual or automated methods to accomplish this migration. Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to utilize dependable third-party software for the conversion process.

How to migrate MBOX files of Evolution to Outlook PST?

To enhance your conversion task, we recommend utilizing the highly efficient third-party software known as Kernel for MBOX to PST to ramp up the conversion task for you. Simply download the software and follow the provided instructions to streamline the process.

  1. Start the MBOX converter application.
  2. Navigate to find the directory that holds the Evolution Mail backup MBOX files. Select an Evolution MBOX file or folder
  3. Choose the necessary folder, and then click "OK" to incorporate it into the tool's interface. Afterward, proceed by clicking the "Finish" button. Locate the folder and select it to add
  4. To preview emails, simply click on individual items within the mailbox folders. After reviewing, click the Save button to store the file in your preferred format. Preview of Evolution MBOX file
  5. Select the PST file format (MS Outlook) for the output and then click the Next button to continue. Select PST file as a saving option
  6. To tailor your conversion, apply filters to retain specific file elements that meet your criteria. Once you've set your requirements, click "Next" to proceed. Apply filter option to convert only selected files
  7. In this step, you can effectively handle the new PST file by selecting between the Split and Prefix options. You have the choice to divide your file into multiple PST files of equal size to enhance organization, and you can also assign a prefix to give it a distinct identifier. Please note that these modifications are entirely optional, so feel free to proceed to the next step regardless of your choices. Split large PST file
  8. Select a file destination by clicking the "Browse" button, and once you've made your selection, click the "Finish" button. Choose the destination to save file
  9. Once the saving step has been successfully executed, click the OK button to conclude the procedure. Evolution to PST conversion process done

Some other advantages provided by the Kernel for MBOX and PST software comprise:

  • The tool is compatible with approximately 20 email clients, which encompass Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Eudora, Evolution, Opera, PocoMail, Claws Mail, Sparrow, Spicebird, and more.
  • An exhaustive overview of the mailbox's current contents is provided to ensure the precision of its items.
  • You can convert both single and multiple MBOX files in a single batch operation.
  • Apart from supporting the PST file format, the tool also has the capability to preserve data in MSG or EML file formats.
  • Users can save specific items using the advanced filtering options.
  • It seamlessly integrates with all Microsoft Outlook versions.

Conclusion

Professionals are choosing to transition from Evolution to MS Outlook primarily because of Evolution's limited security features. To facilitate the migration of Evolution's MBOX files to Outlook's PST format, a two-step process is required. Firstly, all mailbox items must be exported into MBOX format. Subsequently, these MBOX files need to undergo conversion into PST format. Given the intricacies of this process, it is advisable to utilize a professional tool for its execution.