So, you’re ready to stop using your old Windstream email and want everything in your Gmail instead? Smart move! Gmail is faster, more secure, and honestly, way cooler. If you’re wondering how to do this without losing your precious old emails or breaking your brain, you’re in the right place.
TL;DR
You can move all your Windstream emails into Gmail using Gmail’s import tool. It copies your old emails and even pulls in new ones for the next 30 days. Setup takes about 10 minutes and just needs your Windstream address and password. After that, everything shows up neatly in Gmail—easy peasy!
Why Switch from Windstream to Gmail?
Windstream might have served you well, but Gmail offers:
- More storage (15 GB free)
- Better spam filters
- Syncing across devices
- Access to full Google services
It’s basically like trading in a flip phone for a brand-new smartphone.
Before You Start
You’ll need:
- Your Windstream email address
- Your Windstream password
- Your Gmail account (create one if you haven’t already)
Once you’ve got those ready, you’re good to go!
Step-by-Step: Moving Your Emails
Step 1: Sign in to Gmail
First, head to mail.google.com and log in with your Gmail account. If you don’t have one, click “Create account.”
Step 2: Go to Gmail Settings
In the upper right corner, click the gear icon ⚙️. Then select “See all settings“.
Step 3: Choose “Accounts and Import”
Inside the Settings menu, there’s a tab called “Accounts and Import“. Click it. This is your command center for everything related to external accounts.
Step 4: Import Mail and Contacts
Look for the section titled Import mail and contacts. Click the link that says “Import from another address”.
Step 5: Enter Your Windstream Email
A small window will pop up. Enter your Windstream email address (e.g., yourname@windstream.net) and click Continue.
Step 6: Enter Your Password
After verifying your Windstream email, Gmail will ask for your password. Type it in carefully.
Step 7: Confirm the Server Settings
Gmail should detect the server settings for Windstream automatically—if not, use these:
- POP Server: pop.windstream.net
- Port: 110
- Leave a copy on server: Optional (check this if you still want emails left on Windstream)
Click Continue once you’ve verified the info.
Step 8: Choose What to Import
Now Gmail will give you a few options:
- Import contacts
- Import mail
- Import new mail for the next 30 days
Check all of them to make it thorough. Then hit Start Import.
Step 9: Wait a Bit… or a Lot
Depending on how many emails you have, this might take a while. Old emails will slowly start showing up in your Gmail inbox. You don’t need to sit staring at the screen—go grab a snack or binge-watch a show.
Making the Switch Seamless
If you want all future emails to go to Gmail, make sure to:
- Tell your friends and contacts your new Gmail address
- Update login emails on websites
- Set up auto-forwarding in Windstream (if available)
Some people also like to set an auto-reply on Windstream saying something like:
“Hi there! I’ve now switched to Gmail. Please contact me at yourname@gmail.com. Thanks!”
Bonus Tip: Label Your Old Emails
Once they arrive in Gmail, your imported emails get labeled automatically. That label will usually be your Windstream email. It keeps things neat and easy to find.
Still Using Windstream? Here’s a Combo Plan
Not quite ready to ditch Windstream entirely? You can keep using both. Just set up email forwarding from Windstream to Gmail:
- Log in to your Windstream Webmail
- Go to Settings > Forwarding (or something similar)
- Put in your Gmail address
- Click Save
Now anything sent to Windstream automatically reaches Gmail!
What If It Doesn’t Work?
Tech is tricky sometimes. Here’s what you can try if you hit a wall:
- Double-check your password
- Make sure POP/IMAP is enabled in Windstream settings
- Reenter the server settings manually
- Try using a different browser
- Contact Windstream or Google support
Most errors come from just one typo or a forgotten setting. Take a breather and try again.
Done! What Next?
Congrats, you’ve successfully leveled up! 🎉 You can now:
- Use Gmail on your phone, tablet, or computer
- Search emails at lightning speed
- Use labels, stars, and filters
- Never worry about deleting emails for space
It’s like stepping out of a traffic jam and jumping into a bullet train.
Final Thoughts
Transferring from Windstream to Gmail isn’t as scary as it might sound. With just a bit of clicking, your entire email world can move to a faster, smarter home. Whether you’re going full-Gmail or keeping Windstream as backup, you’ve taken control—and that’s awesome.
Enjoy your shiny new inbox! 🚀
