Claws MailLinux
vs
Windows Live MailWindows
Claws Mail as a Linux alternative to Windows Live Mail
Updated
Our verdict
Claws Mail is a solid replacement for Windows Live Mail for users who want a lightweight, keyboard‑centric client with strong support for IMAP/POP3, multiple accounts, and a built‑in calendar via plugins. It handles email, RSS, and Usenet, and can import most Windows Live Mail data. It is best suited for power users who prefer a modular, scriptable environment rather than a fully integrated suite.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 4.4.0 (March 9, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports IMAP and POP3 email protocols
- Allows multiple email accounts
- Includes an integrated calendar via plugins
- Can import/export mail from other clients
- Has an RSS reader plugin
What is different
- No native HTML composition – only plain text (HTML can be viewed via plugin)
- Usenet newsreader is separate and requires configuration
- Calendar and RSS are plugin‑based, not built‑in
- Windows Live Mail had a tighter integration of mail, calendar, and address book in one UI
- Claws Mail lacks a built‑in newsfeed aggregator that writes to the address book
Opening your Windows Live Mail files
Claws Mail can import Windows Live Mail data via its import/export feature that supports PST and other common formats. Exporting back to Windows Live Mail is possible by exporting to standard mbox or MH format and then converting with a Windows tool. If the exact format is unknown, use the generic import wizard and test with a small sample set.
Switching from Windows Live Mail to Claws Mail, step by step
- Export your Windows Live Mail data to mbox or PST using the built‑in export tool.
- Install Claws Mail from your distro’s package manager or Flathub.
- Launch Claws Mail and run the Import wizard to bring in the exported files.
- Configure your IMAP/POP3 accounts in Claws Mail’s account manager.
- Enable the Calendar and RSS plugins via the Plugins dialog.
- Test sending/receiving and adjust keyboard shortcuts as needed.
Key features of Claws Mail
- MH mailbox storage for fast access
- Keyboard‑centric operation with full shortcut support
- Plugin system for RSS, calendar, and extra protocols
- Multiple accounts and folder trees
- Built‑in spam filtering (SpamAssassin integration)
- Message threading and powerful search
- External editor support for composing plain‑text mail
- Import/export from most other mail clients
How to install Claws Mail on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.claws_mail.Claws-Mailsudo apt install claws-mailsudo apt install claws-mailsudo dnf install claws-mailsudo pacman -S claws-mailsudo zypper install claws-mailFrequently asked questions
Does Claws Mail support HTML email composition?
Claws Mail does not compose HTML emails natively; it only sends plain text. You can view HTML messages with a plugin, but composing HTML is not available.
Can I use Claws Mail on Windows?
Yes, Claws Mail is cross‑platform and runs on Windows, but this comparison focuses on its Linux installation.
Is the calendar feature fully featured?
The calendar is plugin‑based and provides basic event creation and viewing. It does not integrate with external services like Google Calendar out of the box.
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