Free Methods to Import OST Files into Outlook

Users find it difficult to import OST files into MS Outlook. This is because Outlook doesn’t allow direct import of an OST file as it does from a PST file. Therefore, this blog will help you
easily import OST files into Outlook. Moreover, we will discuss a quick and automated solution using the OST to PST Converter. Read the article till the end to learn tricks and techniques for importing the OST file.

Why is it Impossible to Directly Import OST into MS Outlook?

Microsoft Outlook categorizes Outlook data files into two types: OST and PST files. Consequently, PST files contain data stored in your personal folder. On the other hand, OST files contain data downloaded from your Exchange Server. At the time of synchronization of the Exchange Server with Outlook, an OST is generated, which serves as a local copy on the mail server and is not required as a backup. PST is the default format in which Outlook stores its data. It is easy to import PST files into Outlook, but in the case of OST, it is impossible. Therefore, to import OST into Outlook, the file has to be converted into PST format. Let’s find out how to import OST files into Outlook 2019 and 2016.

Manual Methods to Import OST Files into Outlook

As we discussed, OST files have to be converted into PST format. Hence, there are three ways to convert your OST files to PST format. Check out each and follow the one you find easiest for you.

Method 1: Using the Archive Option in Outlook

Using the Archive option in MS Outlook, users can archive OST files in PST format. Follow the steps given below to archive the OST to PST.

Open Outlook and go to the File tab.Click Options and go to Advanced in the Outlook Options Wizard.Select Auto-Archive Setting and choose the days when you want to auto archiving.At last, Click OK, and your OST data is now transferred into PST format.

Method 2: By Using the Import/Export Option

Open MS Outlook and log in with the Exchange account from which the OST file was created. Then, follow the steps given below to import OST files into Outlook.

Go to the File tab and click Open & Export. Then choose the option Import/Export.Now, choose the option Export to a file and click Next.Choose the option Outlook Data File (.pst) and select the Next button.Click the folders to export, and then click Next. You can also include subfolders of the selected folders.Browse the location to provide the destination for the new PST file. Then choose the one option for duplicate items.

Method 3: Drag & Drop Outlook Mailbox

In this method, we have to drag and drop the mailbox data into a newly created PST file. Let’s discuss this in detail.

To create a new data file, first, open Outlook.Click New Email and then More Items. After that, Select the Outlook data fileNow, choose the Outlook data file (.pst) option and click OK.Your new PST file has been created. Drag and drop the data into the new PST file.

 

You can follow the methods given above, but there are some disadvantages to using them. The manual way allows you to transfer only one file in one move. Therefore, it requires a lot of time and effort to import multiple files. Moreover, there are possibilities for data loss and file corruption. For these reasons, professionals always recommend using an automated solution, which is discussed in the below section.

Professional Solution to Import OST Files into Outlook

Microsoft OST to PST Converter is the best and most reliable utility to import files into Outlook. It is an automated approach that allows users to bulk convert the OST file without any hassle. It lets you convert the OST file with 100% accuracy without any corruption. Using this utility, you can convert OST to PST, MBOX, EML, MSG, PDF, etc. Moreover, it lets you import OST files into Office 365, Thunderbird, Gmail, Hotmail, IMAP Server, GoDaddy, etc. 

Bottom Line

In this blog, we have discussed the best possible solutions to import OST files into Outlook. We have mentioned both solutions with and without MS Outlook. The manual method is free, but there is no guarantee of a successful conversion. On the other hand, the modern solution is safe, easy, and quick. Choose the method that best suits you.