Zimbra to Exchange Migration became a common practice nowadays. Most users search for a secure way to migrate Zimbra to Exchange Server. If you are among those who want to import Zimbra TGZ to Exchange server, then this article is for you. Read it till the end and know the best way to perform this migration process.
Zimbra is a free and open-source application that gives you to access your emails offline and online mode in the same place. This application is available for Windows, Mac OS and Linux. However many businesses swift from Zimbra to Exchange. Although Zimbra provides various features for email management still user prefers a cloud-based platform and what will be better than Exchange Server.
Today we will discuss the way to migrate Zimbra to Exchange online or hosted server. Before that let’s check a user query and know why the user wants to import Zimbra TGZ to Exchange Server account.
“I have been using the Zimbra desktop application for a few years. However, since Zimbra is not a supported application now, so I was looking for another platform to move to. A friend of mine suggested I switch to Exchange. The problem is that I don’t know how to migrate mailbox from Zimbra to Exchange. Can anyone tell me the safe way to perform this migration process without losing my mail data?“
Method to Migrate Zimbra Mailbox to Exchange Server Account
Migrating from Zimbra to Exchange can be done in two ways. In the coming sections, we will discuss these methods in detail. Let’s check what are they.
#1. Instant Way to Migrate Emails From Zimbra to Exchange
#2. Manually Zimbra to Exchange Mail Migration
Let’s discuss the process in detail with steps by step process.
Note: If Zimbra is already installed on your system, then you can use the manual method. However, if you only have a TGZ file and want to export it, then you can’t use the manual method. In that case, your only option is to use an automated tool.
Solution 1: Import Zimbra TGZ to Exchange Server
Use Zimbra Migrator to transfer multiple .tgz files into Exchange Servers in a single attempt. This Zimbra to Exchange Migration tool is an advanced utility that performs the migration process without compromising the data integrity. Along with that, you can also use the filter options and migrate specific emails from complete mailbox data to save time and space.
In addition to these, this software maintains the mailbox folder and subfolder structure and hierarchy during the migration process. There is no file size limitation with this utility, you can migrate large size .tgz file without any data loss.
Steps to Migrate Zimbra to Exchange Server Using Professional Tool
Follow the given instructions to migrate mailbox from Zimbra to Exchange Server with ease.
Step 1. Download and launch this migrating tool on your system.
Step 2. Click on the Open drop-down button and choose from the given options.

Step 3. Select Email Server >> Zimbra File >> Select File or Folder.

Step 4. Here you can select the email folder that is important and needs to migrate.

Step 5. Click on the Export and opt for the IMAP option.

Step 6. At last, enter your Exchange login details and hit on the Save button.

Finish! Here you migrate Zimbra to Exchange with complete mailbox data. If you also want to experience the migration process, then try the demo version of this tool.
Prominent Features of Zimbra to Exchange Migration Tool
Some of the outstanding features of this automated tool are mentioned here, have a look at them.
Zimbra TGZ Batch Migration: If you have multiple Zimbra TGZ files and want to migrate them into Exchange Server, then this tool offer a bulk migration mode. You need to select Folder option and upload multiple files in the software interface, the this tool migrate Zimbra to Exchange without any data loss.
Multiple Saving options: The Zimbra to Exchange Migration tool, offers multiple options to export mailbox data. Using this tool you can convert Zimbra to PST, MBOX, PDF and other file formats All the saving options will be present in one single interface.
Transfer Zimbra Mails to Cloud Server: The Zimbra to Exchange Migration tool, allow you to transfer emails to various webmail servers. Using this tool you can easily migrate Zimbra to Gmail, Office 365, Google Workspace and all other webmail accounts.
Simple Interface: This tool is designed with advanced algorithms but with easy to use interface. With its self-explanatory feature, you can easily perform Zimbra to Exchange Migration process.
These outstanding features of this tool, you migrate Zimbra to Exchange Server without losing your single;e bit of data.
Want to migrate emails manually? If yes, then read the next section and know the way to import Zimbra TGZ files into Exchange Server.
Solution 2: Manually Migrate Zimbra TGZ to Exchange
If you have Zimbra application on your system and want to transfer its emails and other data into Exchange Server account, then you can use the Exchange to Zimbra configuration. Let;’s check how it is possible.
Note: If you have a TGZ file on your system and manually want to migrate it to Exchange, then firstly you have to import .tgz file into the Zimbra interface.
Follow the given instructions to migrate mailbox from Zimbra to Exchange.
Step 1. Import TGZ files into Zimbra Interface
1. Open Zimbra Email Client on your desktop.
2. Click on Preference >> Import/Export.
3. In the import section, click on the Browse button and locate the .tgz file from your system.
4. In the destination section click on All Folder.
5. At last, click on the Import button.
Now your TGZ file is present in your Zimbra interface.
Step 2: Configure Exchange to Zimbra Account
1. Open your Zimbra desktop application and click on the Setup icon in the top right corner.
2. Click on Add Account and select the account type.
3. After that Zimbra Account setup page will open, enter your login details.
4. Then In Receiving Mail section, put your user name, password, incoming mail server (zimbra.jlab.org, 993), and Security (use SSL encryption).
5. In Sending mail section, enter SMPT Mail Server (smtpmail.jlab.org, 25) and Security.
6. In Synchronization Setting, select the schedule of sync with the server. It can either automatically (select time duration) or manually click on Send/Receive on the Zimbra desktop toolbar.
7. When finished, click on Validate and Save.
Here your Exchange account is synchronized with Zimbra Desktop. Now move the imported .tgz file under the Exchange id label.
Here complete the Zimbra to Exchange Server using the manual method. Now you can access the Zimbra emails into the Exchange Server account.
Limitations With Native Approach
With this manual way, there ate certain limitations, such as;
1. It is a lengthy and time-consuming process.
2. If the configuration process halt, then it may affect the mailbox data.
3. No option to migrate selective emails from Zimbra to Exchange.
4. Need technical assistance while configuring Exchange to Zimbra desktop.
Conclusion
In this article, we are discussing two methods to migrate Zimbra to Exchange. In the manual method, you need proper technical knowledge while configuring Exchange Server to Zimbra application. Along with this, you may face some restrictions mentioned above. So it is recommended to use automation as well and experience a smooth and efficient Zimbra to Exchange migration process.
