How to Convert OST to PST in Outlook?

Written By Kiran Sharma
Updated on November 5th, 2024

Summary: Are you looking for a reliable solution to convert OST to PST in Outlook? Then, you are on the right page. In this article, we will share the solution to the most frequently asked question, “How to convert OST to PST for free?” and provide the two best methods to perform the conversion process. We will discuss the manual as well as the professional OST to PST Converter to perform this conversion process.

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Microsoft Outlook is a popular email service provider across the globe. Outlook stores data in two file formats: the OST file format and the PST file format. The OST file saves the copy of the Outlook data in offline mode and synchronizes the data when the internet connection is re-established. However, an OST file is easily prone to corruption and is inaccessible without Outlook. As a result, many users want to export Outlook OST files to PST.

Table of Contents

Let’s Understand the OST and PST files

OST (Offline Storage Table):

Used mainly with Exchange-based email accounts like Office 365.
Saves a local version of your mailbox data (like emails and contacts) on your device.
Lets you work offline, with changes syncing automatically when reconnected.
Designed for offline access, but it’s not suitable for moving data to other computers.

PST (Personal Storage Table):

Often used with accounts like POP3 and IMAP or for archiving emails.
Stores your emails locally on your device, without syncing to a server.
Good for backing up, organizing, and moving email data to different computers or apps.
Easily manageable for flexible email storage and backup.

Needs to Convert OST to PST in Outlook

Here are some common reasons why users want to change OST to PST file format.

A PST file is easy to access and share while migrating to another system.
It helps to recover accidentally deleted exchange data.
Users want to convert their OST files to PST to avoid the chances of data loss.
PST files help to access the data even during a server crash.
Data in a PST file format is easily accessible by multiple email clients.

These are some of the few reasons to convert OST to PST, now let’s proceed to the solution part for the conversion of OST to PST.

How do I convert an OST file to PST in Outlook 2016?

The internet is full of different solutions for performing the conversion of OST files to PST format choosing the right method can be difficult. After a lot of research, in this section, we will share the best two methods to make the conversion process easy and effective.

Manual Approach to Export Outlook OST File to PST

There are two different manual approaches to performing the conversion of OST files to PST. Follow each step carefully.

#Method 1: Export the OST File to PST Using the Import/Export Feature

Launch MS Outlook and Sign in using the credentials.
Go to the File tab and select the Open & Export option.
Now, click on the Import/Export option and choose Export a file.
After that, tap on Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
Choose the desired folders to export, then hit the Next button.
Now click the Browse button and select the required location to save the Output .pst file.
Select the option for managing duplicate emails and tap on the Finish button.

#Method 2: Convert OST to PST using the Auto Archive Feature

Run the Outlook application and click on the File menu.
Go to Options>>Advanced tab and select the Auto Archive settings.
An Auto Archive window appears on the screen, from that choose the required folders to save the archived files.
After selecting the desired options, click on Ok to save the OST file as PST.

Manual techniques are cost-effective techniques that users can opt to change OST to PST file format. Sometimes these manual techniques possess several drawbacks and require good Outlook knowledge.

Demerits of the Manual Approach

Converting OST to PST file format can be a lengthy and time-consuming process.
Users may face difficulties in exporting corrupt OST files.
Missing a single step may force users to repeat the entire process.
There is a high risk of data manipulation or data loss.
The folder hierarchy may be compromised during the conversion process.

#Method 3: Professional Solution to Convert OST to PST

The professional MigrateEmails OST to PST Converter Tool is the most recommended solution by many experts to export Outlook OST files to PST easily and securely. Using this approach, users can perform bulk migration of OST files with accuracy and zero data alteration. It also enables users to Convert OST to CSV, MSG, MBOX, EML, EMLX, Gmail, Thunderbird, AOL, Office 365, and other file formats and email clients. It also enables migrating data from a corrupt OST file to a PST file format with ease.

Steps to Convert OST File to PST Format:

Install and Start the OST to PST Converter Tool on your PC.
Click on ‘Next’ in the bottom right corner.
Click on ‘Select Files/Select Folder’ and add OST files that you want to convert.
Preview the mailbox, tick the folder you need to convert to PST, and click ‘Next’.
Choose PST as the saving file format or another as per your requirement.
Select from the given options and click on ‘Convert’ to begin.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shared the best methods to convert OST to PST in Outlook 2016. We have shared a manual as well as a professional solution for performing the conversion process. The manual approaches have certain drawbacks to them. Therefore, going with a professional solution is the best choice.

About The Author:

Kiran Sharma

I am Kiran Sharma, a Technical Expert in Content writing. I have technical expertise in the field of Email Backup, Data Recovery, and Email Migration, and resolve technical queries related to Cloud Backup or Email Migration for individuals and businesses.