“I have been using Microsoft Outlook for several years. Recently, I switched from a Mac laptop to a Windows-based system, and now I want to transfer Outlook for Mac contacts to Outlook on Windows. However, I haven’t been able to figure out how to do this. Is there a straightforward way to export contacts from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows?”

Today, switching between platforms has become common, driven by factors such as business requirements, improved performance, and enhanced efficiency. User needs also differ widely depending on personal or professional demands. Microsoft Outlook remains one of the most widely used email clients across organizations and individual users alike.

Outlook, however, exists in two main versions: one for Mac and one for Windows. There are occasions when Mac Outlook users need to move their contacts to the Windows version, but finding a reliable and simple method can be challenging. In this guide, we will walk you through the complete process for exporting contacts from Outlook for Mac and importing them into Outlook for Windows.

Manual Ways to Transfer Outlook for Mac Contacts to Windows Outlook

There are two common manual approaches to move contacts from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows:

1. Export contacts as a CSV file to import them into Windows Outlook.
2. Export contacts as vCard files, which can also be imported into Windows Outlook.

Method 1: Export Contacts via CSV

Follow these steps to export your contacts from Mac Outlook and import them into Windows Outlook:

Step 1: Export Mac Outlook Contacts as a CSV File

1. Open the Outlook application on your Mac.
2. Go to Contacts, then click on the File menu and select Export.
3. A dialog box will appear asking, “What do you want to export?” Choose Contacts to a list (tab-delimited text) and click the right arrow to continue.
4. When the Save window appears, change the file extension from .txt to .csv.
5. Select the location where you want to save the CSV file.
6. Click Save to complete the export process.

Your Mac Outlook contacts are now saved in CSV format, ready to be imported into Windows Outlook.

Step 2: Import the CSV Contacts into Windows Outlook

1. Launch Microsoft Outlook on your Windows computer and go to the File menu.
2. Choose Open & Export, then click on Import/Export.
3. In the Import and Export Wizard, select Import from another program or file and click Next.
4. Choose Comma-Separated Values (CSV) as the file type and click Next.
5. Browse and select the CSV file you exported from Mac Outlook in Step 1.
6. Under Options, select Do not import duplicates and click Next.
7. Choose the destination folder where you want to save the imported contacts.
8. Ensure the checkbox next to your CSV file (e.g., Import My Contacts.csv) is checked.
9. Click Finish to complete the import process.

After following these steps, all your Mac Outlook contacts will now be available in Windows Outlook.

Manual Method 2: Using vCard to Transfer Mac Outlook Contacts to Windows Outlook

Another way to move contacts from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows is by using the vCard format. This method involves two main steps: exporting contacts as vCard files from Mac Outlook and then importing them into Windows Outlook.

Step 1: Export Mac Outlook Contacts as vCard

1. Create a new folder on your Mac to temporarily store the contacts.
2. Open Outlook 2016 or 2019 on your Mac.
3. Select all the contacts you want to export.
4. Drag and drop the selected contacts into the new folder you created.
5. Open the Contacts application on your Mac.
6. Select all the contact files from the folder and drag them into the Contacts app.
7. In Contacts, go to File > Export > Export vCard.
8. Save the vCard file to a location on your Mac.

Step 2: Import vCard into Windows Outlook

1. Right-click the vCard file.
2. Choose Open with > Outlook.
3. Click Save & Close to complete the import.
4. Open Outlook, and the imported contacts will appear in the Contacts folder.

Important: Manual methods involve certain workarounds, so there is a possibility of missing or incomplete data. After completing either method, always review your contacts to ensure everything has been imported correctly.

If the manual method does not work smoothly, it may be better to use a dedicated MacArmy OLM to PST Converter tool for a faster and more reliable transfer.

A More Efficient Way to Transfer Outlook for Mac Contacts to Windows Outlook

When users need to move contacts from Outlook for Mac to Outlook for Windows, manual methods can be time-consuming and sometimes complicated. To simplify the process, many prefer using an automated and reliable solution.

OLM Converter is a powerful tool designed to export Mac Outlook contacts efficiently. It allows users to convert OLM files in bulk without any hassle. The software supports transferring all Outlook for Mac data, including emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, and more.

One of the key advantages of this tool is its ability to preserve the original folder structure of OLM files during the conversion. Additionally, it can convert OLM files into PST format, which can then be easily imported into Windows Outlook to access all contacts seamlessly. The software ensures that there is no data loss and maintains complete security throughout the migration process, making it a safe and dependable solution.

Step 1 – Export Contacts as an OLM File from Outlook for Mac

1. Open Outlook for Mac and navigate to File > Export.
2. Select the Outlook for Mac Data File to export your contacts.
3. Choose a location on your Mac to save the OLM file and complete the export.

Step 2 – Convert Mac Outlook OLM Contacts for Windows Outlook

1. Launch the conversion software and click Add File.
2. Select the OLM file and click on the Next button to continue the process.
3. Choose the desired output format, CSV or vCard, based on your preference.
4. Click "Export" to convert your Mac Outlook contacts into a format compatible with Windows Outlook.

Once the conversion is complete, import the resulting CSV or vCard file into Windows Outlook using the steps outlined in Manual Method 1 (for CSV) or Manual Method 2 (for vCard).

Conclusion

For users who switch from Mac to Windows or use both platforms simultaneously, transferring data between Outlook for Mac and Outlook for Windows becomes necessary. In this guide, we have outlined the complete process to export Mac Outlook contacts to Windows Outlook. Two manual methods, using CSV and vCard, can be used to accomplish this task.

However, if users want a faster, more reliable solution or wish to migrate other Outlook data items along with contacts, a professional tool offers a safer and more efficient alternative.