IMAP Backup Tool for Automated Mailbox Backups
Handy Backup is an IMAP backup tool for Windows that connects directly to an IMAP mail server and copies selected folders or an entire mailbox to independent storage. There is no need to download messages through Outlook, Thunderbird, or another desktop mail client first. Use it to back up IMAP emails locally to a computer, external drive, or NAS, or send copies to remote and cloud storage. Messages are saved in standard EML format, with their headers and attachments, so individual emails can be opened without restoring the complete mailbox.
Back Up IMAP Mailboxes Directly from the Server
Direct IMAP Connection
Connect to the mailbox using its server address, port, security settings, and account credentials. Select individual folders or the complete mailbox.
Scheduled IMAP Backups
Run the task daily, weekly, or at a custom interval, with backup versions and incremental copying instead of repeated manual exports.
Independent EML Copies
Keep individual messages accessible outside the original account. Open EML files in a compatible mail application without restoring all emails.
Why Use an IMAP Backup Tool Instead of Mail Synchronization?
A Copy Outside the IMAP Account
IMAP normally synchronizes mailbox changes across connected devices. Deleting a message on the server can also remove it from synchronized mail clients. A separately stored backup provides an earlier copy that does not depend on the current mailbox state.
Repeatable Backups Without Manual Export
Configure a recurring task once and choose how often new backup copies are created. Versioned backups can provide earlier recovery points when messages are deleted or changed between runs.
Browse Individual Messages
Each message is stored as an EML file containing its content, headers, and attachments. When the backup is saved without encryption or packaging, you can browse files in Windows Explorer and open a single email independently.
Choose What to Copy
Back up the whole IMAP mailbox or select folders such as Inbox, Sent, or project mail. Configure separate tasks for other accounts or servers when different schedules and destinations are required.
Where to Back Up IMAP Email Locally and Remotely
The IMAP server is the source, not the storage location for the backup. Handy Backup lets you choose a separate destination depending on how you plan to access, retain, and recover mailbox copies.
Computer, External Drive, or NAS
Save IMAP mailbox backups to Windows folders, external HDDs or SSDs, network folders, and NAS devices. This is the most direct option for local access to individual EML messages.
Remote Server or Cloud Storage
Send backup copies to FTP, SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, S3-compatible storage, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and other destinations. Remote storage helps keep copies separate from the Windows computer running the task.
IMAP Backup Tools Compared
Not every IMAP backup tool works the same way. Some focus on exporting mailboxes to different file formats, while others are designed for recurring backups, independent storage, and recovery. Compare Handy Backup and MacSonik to see which approach better fits your requirements.
| Feature | Handy Backup | MacSonik IMAP Backup Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Automated, recurring IMAP backups | IMAP mailbox export and migration |
| Email backup format | Native EML files Individual messages with headers and attachments | Multiple formats EML, PST, MBOX, PDF, MSG, and more |
| Indexable files for desktop search | Yes Uncompressed, unencrypted EML files can be indexed by compatible desktop search tools | With EML export Indexing depends on the chosen output format and search application |
| Access individual emails without full restore | Yes Open individual EML files directly from a native-format backup | Yes Individual messages can be opened after export to EML |
| IMAP folder structure | Preserved Selected folders and nested mailbox hierarchy | Preserved Original folder hierarchy maintained during export |
| Gmail label mapping through IMAP | Yes Labels appear as folders; nested labels form subfolders | Folder hierarchy Specific handling of messages with multiple Gmail labels is not detailed |
| Selective mailbox backup | Yes Choose entire mailboxes or individual folders | Yes Folder selection and date-range filters |
| Automatic backup scheduling | Built-in scheduler Recurring tasks from minutes to months | Not documented The reviewed product page focuses on manual export workflows |
| Incremental backup | Yes Incremental and differential backup options | Not documented Duplicate filtering is available for migration |
| Backup versions | Yes Multiple recovery points with timestamps | Not documented Focuses on mailbox export rather than versioned backup history |
| Event-triggered backups | Yes Triggers include USB insertion and system logon/logoff | Not documented |
| Local and NAS storage | Yes PC folders, external drives, network shares, and NAS | Local export User-selected file output location |
| Remote and cloud backup destinations | Integrated FTP/SFTP/FTPS, WebDAV, S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox | Email cloud migration Transfers mail to Gmail, Microsoft 365, and other mail services |
| Backup encryption and compression | Configurable AES-128, AES-256, Blowfish, optional ZIP | Not documented Backup-container encryption options not specified |
| Task logs and email notifications | Yes Detailed logs and email notifications | Not documented |
| Restore messages to an IMAP server | Yes Restore selected messages to the original or another IMAP account | Yes IMAP-to-IMAP migration and transfer |
| Operating system | Windows | Windows and macOS |
Comparison based on published features as of October 2026. "Not documented" means the feature was not confirmed in the reviewed product information, not necessarily that it is unavailable.
IMAP Backup Software Features in Handy Backup
Automatic Scheduling
Run IMAP backup tasks at chosen intervals without manually exporting messages after every change, saving time and reducing repetitive work.
Incremental and Versioned Copies
Keep earlier recovery points and avoid copying the complete mailbox during every incremental task run.
Optional Encryption
Choose backup encryption when copies contain confidential correspondence. Encrypted backups must be restored or decrypted before browsing EML files.
Recommended Solution
Lifetime license
Handy Backup Standard
All editions of Handy Backup, including the basic Standard solution, offer a complete set of IMAP backup features suitable for both individual and professional users. Try our free 30-day trial!
How to Back Up IMAP Email with Handy Backup
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Create a backup task. Open Handy Backup, select New Task, and choose Backup.
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Choose the E-mail plug-in. At the data selection step, open the E-mail group and select the E-mail plug-in.
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Connect to the IMAP server. Enter the server hostname, account credentials, port, and connection security specified by your email provider.
Typical encrypted IMAP settings: port 993 with SSL/TLS. Verify the actual server address and authentication method with your mailbox provider; some services require app passwords or OAuth-based authorization.
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Select what to back up. Choose all mailbox folders or only the specific folders required for the task.
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Choose a destination. Select a local folder, external disk, NAS, remote server, or cloud storage for the IMAP backup.
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Set backup options. Configure a recurring schedule, incremental copying, backup versions, and optional encryption.
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Run the first backup. Finish the wizard, run the task, and verify the resulting mailbox copy in the selected destination.
Restore an IMAP Mailbox or Open One EML File
You do not have to recover an entire mailbox simply to read one message. When a backup uses native file storage without encryption or compression, open the backup destination in Windows Explorer and select the individual EML file you need. Its message body, headers, and attachments remain together.
To restore mailbox contents to an IMAP server, create a restoration task in Handy Backup. When the destination differs from the original account, use the advanced task wizard and its Change location option to specify the appropriate target connection. Check access permissions and the destination mailbox before starting the restore.
Single-Message Access
Locate a backed-up EML file and open it in an EML-compatible email application like File Explorer or Word. This does not require restoring every mailbox folder.
Restore to IMAP
Use a restore task to recover selected backed-up data to the original or another appropriately configured IMAP account.
IMAP Mailbox Backup in Everyday Business Use
I backup my mailbox content from seven or eight servers together to my home NAS storage, for both convenience and security, as I can easily lose some important mails in the everyday hustle and bustle. Handy Backup does it efficiently and conveniently, allowing me not bothering about preserving my emails intact. More, I can sometimes restore all these emails to my main email IMAP server, to sort these mails and reply to most important messages! Excellent tool for my business!
Charles Cranwell , Manager at Car Equipment Store
Use case: recurring copies of mailboxes from several IMAP servers to a home NAS, with the ability to restore messages to the main server when needed.
FAQ About IMAP Backup Tools
How can I back up an entire IMAP mailbox?
Create a backup task in Handy Backup, select the E-mail plug-in, connect to your IMAP account, and choose all mailbox folders. Then specify the backup destination and run the task. You can schedule subsequent copies automatically.
Can I back up IMAP email locally without Outlook?
Yes. Handy Backup connects directly to an IMAP server and can copy messages to a Windows folder, external drive, or NAS. A desktop email client is not required for the backup connection.
What format does Handy Backup use to back up IMAP emails?
Handy Backup saves individual email messages as EML files with message headers, bodies, and attachments. When backup files are not encrypted or compressed, you can browse them directly without restoring the entire mailbox.
Does IMAP backup include contacts and calendars?
No. IMAP backup is intended for email messages and their mailbox folders. Contacts, calendars, and tasks are different data types and require an appropriate separate backup method.
Will an IMAP backup delete messages from the mail server?
A standard Handy Backup IMAP backup task creates a separate copy of the selected messages; it does not require deleting messages from the source mailbox. Review any custom task actions independently.
Can I use this IMAP backup tool on macOS?
Handy Backup is a Windows application. It can connect from Windows to an IMAP mailbox hosted by an email provider, regardless of which operating system you normally use to read that mail. It does not run natively on macOS.
Video: IMAP Backup and Restore Software
Check out the video below to see how Handy Backup can be used for IMAP email backups. We'll walk you through the process of moving your inbox from Yahoo! Mail to Outlook.com. It's a simple and flexible procedure with an easy setup.
Download Trial
Back up your emails with Handy Backup, the easy-to-use IMAP backup tool designed to save all your mailbox content via IMAP! Try it out for free with our 30-day full trial version today!