Tryin to export my contacts and folders from iMac to Macbook Pro laptop

Tim Richards 0 Reputation points
2026-08-24T15:07:36.72+00:00

I have a MS 365 subscription and recently installed Outlook on my new MacBook Pro laptop. I can't get the contacts and folders to sync with the old desktop. there is no 'Export' tab in my file menu.

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  1. TaoLi 114.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-24T15:50:28.63+00:00

    Hi

    If the folders and contacts on the iMac are stored in your Microsoft 365/Exchange/Outlook.com mailbox, you do not need to export them. Add the same email account to Outlook on the MacBook and they should sync automatically.

    If they are under “On My Computer,” they are stored only on the old iMac and will not sync.

    The missing Export option is usually because you are using the newer Outlook. On the old iMac, go to Help > Revert to Legacy Outlook, then use Tools > Export to create an .olm file. Microsoft’s instructions are here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/export-items-to-an-archive-file-in-outlook-for-mac

    Copy that .olm file to the MacBook and import it using Legacy Outlook: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook/import-email-messages-contacts-and-other-items-into-outlook-for-mac

    After importing, the items appear under “On My Computer.” If you want them to sync between both Macs in the future, move the mail and contacts into folders belonging to your Microsoft 365 account.

    If you tell me whether the old account is Microsoft 365/Outlook.com, Gmail, IMAP or POP, I can tell you which of these two methods applies.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-24T15:07:54.0933333+00:00

    On Outlook for Mac, the export option is only available in legacy Outlook for Mac. If Export is missing, first update Outlook, then check both locations:

    1. In Outlook, go to Help > Check for Updates.
    2. After updates are installed, look for Export on the Tools tab.
    3. If it still is not there, look for Export on the File menu.

    For Mac, Outlook does not export to .pst. It exports to an Outlook for Mac Data File (.olm).

    To move contacts, mail folders, calendar, tasks, and notes from the old iMac to the new MacBook Pro:

    1. On the old Mac, open Outlook in legacy Outlook.
    2. Choose Tools > Export.
    3. In Export to Archive File (.olm), select the items to export, such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Tasks, and Notes.
    4. Choose Continue.
    5. Save the .olm file to a location such as Downloads or another safe location.
    6. Copy that .olm file to the new MacBook Pro.
    7. On the new MacBook Pro, import the file into Outlook for Mac.

    Important details:

    • Imported Outlook for Mac archive content is found under On My Computer in Outlook.
    • If On My Computer is not visible, go to Outlook > Settings > General and clear Hide On My Computer folders.
    • Outlook for Mac cannot import Outlook on the web contacts and calendar, iCloud contacts and calendar, or Google contacts and calendar directly at this time.

    If the mailbox itself is Microsoft 365/Exchange, email folders stored on the server should sync after the same account is added and fully synced. Items stored locally, especially under On My Computer, need the .olm export/import process.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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