How to Backup Yahoo Mail to Hard Drive (3 Methods)

Learn how to backup Yahoo Mail to hard drive easily using manual, email client, or software methods for secure and offline email storage.

Lily

By Lily Updated on November 10, 2025

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Why Backup Yahoo Mail to Hard Drive?

Backing up your Yahoo Mail to a hard drive isn’t just about saving space—it’s about data security, control, and accessibility. Here’s why it’s a smart move:

  • Prevents permanent data loss from accidental deletion or a compromised account.
  • Protects you from online issues like service outages, hacks, or policy changes.
  • Gives you offline access to read and search your emails anytime.
  • Creates a long-term archive for legal, tax, or compliance needs.
  • Frees up cloud storage space by moving old emails to your hard drive.

Backup Yahoo Mail to Hard Drive

👉 Method 1: Download Emails Manually from Yahoo Mail Web Client
👉 Method 2: Backup Yahoo Mail Using Outlook Desktop App
👉 Method 3: Use Professional Yahoo Mail Backup Software🔥

Method 1: Download Emails Manually from Yahoo Mail Web Client

If you only need to back up a few important emails, you can download them manually from the Yahoo Mail web interface. This approach is simple and doesn’t require any additional tools — perfect for occasional or one-time backups.

1. Sign in to your Yahoo Mail account. Navigate to the message you want to back up. You can open it in full view for more download options.

2. Click More in the upper-right corner of the email and choose Print.

Print

3. In the printer dialog, select Save as PDF. Click Save, and choose a location on your hard drive to store the file.

Save as PDF

4. (Optional) If the email includes attachments, click each attachment to download it directly to your hard drive. Store them in the same folder as your PDF for better organization.

5. Repeat the above steps for each important message you want to back up manually. You can organize them by folders, dates, or contacts on your hard drive.

Method 2: Backup Yahoo Mail Using Outlook Desktop App

Outlook desktop app automatically syncs your Yahoo emails and stores them locally, allowing you to export or archive them anytime. Learn how to backup Yahoo emails to hard drive using Outlook desktop app below:

1. Enable app password in Yahoo Mail.

Generate App Password

  • Choose Outlook Desktop from the list.
  • Copy the generated password — you’ll use it in Outlook instead of your regular Yahoo password.

2. Add Yahoo Mail to Outlook.

  • Open Microsoft Outlook on your PC. Go to FileAdd Account.
  • Enter your full Yahoo email address. When prompted for your password, paste the app password you just created.

Connect Yahoo Account

  • Outlook will automatically configure the IMAP settings and sync your Yahoo Mail.

3. Go to FileOpen & ExportImport/Export.

4. Choose Export to a fileOutlook Data File (.pst) → click Next.

Export to a File

5. Select your Yahoo account and check Include subfolders.

Select Yahoo Folders

6. Click Browse to select a destination folder on your hard drive. Then click Finish to start exporting your Yahoo emails into a single .pst file.

Save PST File

7. If you want to protect sensitive files, enter and confirm a password, then click OK to begin the export process. Otherwise, you can leave the password field empty.

Method 3: Use Professional Yahoo Mail Backup Software

If you prefer a hands-free, automated, and secure way to backup Yahoo Mail to your hard drive, using AOMEI Backupper Professional is your best option.

AOMEI Backupper
Best Email Backup Software
  • Multi-Service Support: Back up emails from Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Outlook, Hotmail, iCloud, and more.
  • Flexible Backup: Choose to back up your entire mailbox or select specific folders, with the ability to process multiple folders at once.
  • Versatile Storage: Save your backups to a local or external hard drive, USB flash drive, NAS device, and other storage solutions.
  • Automated Scheduling: Use the "Schedule" feature to create automatic, hands-free email backups.

Download AOMEI Backupper and learn how to backup Yahoo emails to external hard drive as follows:

1. Connect an external hard drive to your PC. Open AOMEI Backupper. Then, click Backup and select Email Backup.

Email Backup

2. Name this backup task as per your need and click Select Source.

Select Source

3. Click Add Mailbox and enter your Yahoo Mail credentials to add it. After your mailbox is added successfully, you can select one or more email folders to be backed up.

Add Mailbox

4. Click the destination box > Local Drive. Then choose the external hard drive just connected to save the backup image.

Select Destination Path

5. Click Schedule and choose your desired backup frequency as necessary. Finally, confirm your operation and click Start Backup.

Schedule Backup

FAQs about Backing Up Yahoo Mail

1. Can I export all my Yahoo emails at once?

Yahoo Mail doesn’t offer a direct “Export All” button. However, you can use an email client like Outlook or Thunderbird to download all your Yahoo emails automatically. Once synced, you can export them to a local file (like .pst or .mbox) and back it up to your hard drive.

2. How often should I back up my Yahoo Mail?

It depends on how frequently you receive important emails. For personal use, monthly backups may be sufficient. For business users or heavy email activity, setting up an automatic daily or weekly backup using AOMEI Backupper or your email client is recommended.

3. Can I restore my Yahoo emails from a backup?

Yes. If you’ve exported your Yahoo Mail to a file like .pst, you can easily import it back into Outlook to restore your messages. For email backups made with AOMEI Backupper, go to Home, find your backup task and select Restore.

Summary

This page offers three ways to help you backup Yahoo Mail to hard drive. Whether you choose to manually save emails, use Outlook to export data, or automate the process with AOMEI Backupper Professional, each method ensures your emails are safely stored offline.

For long-term protection and convenience, AOMEI Backupper is highly recommended — allowing you to schedule backups and restore emails effortlessly when needed. You can also use AOMEI Backupper to backup C drive, sync OneDrive to external hard drive, etc. Don’t hesitate to download it and try it out!

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Lily
Lily · Editor
Lily Green joined AOMEI in 2018 and has since become a professional in the areas of data protection and data transfer. She is committed to helping users protect their precious computer data and troubleshoot Windows system errors. She consistently stays vigilant about the latest trends in technology, guaranteeing that the given information aligned with the ongoing advancements in the field.