Ever had an OST file with all your important emails but no clue how to import it into Outlook? Perhaps you're changing computers, restoring data, or simply organizing up your inbox. OST files operate differently from PST files and can be problematic to work with. In this article, we will show you how to import your OST information into Outlook by using straightforward and efficient methods without losing any vital details.
An Offline Storage Table file (.ost) is a local repository of your Exchange or IMAP mailbox information, created by Microsoft Outlook. It allows you to work offline (e.g., read mail, update calendars) and resynchronize changes when back online with the server.
Why Import OST to Outlook?
Access your email data on a new computer.
Recover emails when your Exchange server is down.
Migrate data from an old Outlook profile.
Backup or archive your mailbox content.
Now that we understand why importing OST files into Outlook is important, let’s look at some simple manual methods to help you get your OST data transferred safely and efficiently.
Note: - Outlook does not directly support importing orphan OST files. Thus, the OST file should be changed into PST format to import it to Outlook. This step of conversion is necessary to view the data from an orphan OST file in Outlook.
#1. Import OST file to Outlook using Import/Export Wizard
Phase 1: Export Emails
Start Microsoft Outlook in your Windows operating system and open the File menu.
Select Open & Export and click Import/Export.
Go to Export to a file and click Next.
Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and then click Next once more.
Select the profile or folder that you wish to export.
Click on Browse to pick where you desire to save the PST file.
Lastly, click Finish to carry out the exporting process.
Phase 2: Import Emails
Open Outlook and go back to the File tab.
Choose Open & Export and Import/Export.
Select Import from another program or file and Next.
Choose Import from an Outlook Data File (.pst) and continue by clicking Next.
Navigate to find the PST file you exported previously.
Choose the folder where you would like to import the information in Outlook.
Click Finish to begin importing your emails.
#3. Add OST to Outlook Via Archive Settings
Open Outlook and press the File tab.
Switch to Options to view Outlook's options.
Move to the Advanced section and click on AutoArchive Settings.
Enable AutoArchive and click the Browse button.
Select the folder where you wish to save the archive PST file and OK.
Click OK a second time to start the archiving process.
At last, go to the selected folder and find your archive.pst file.
Note: - Once you have saved the archive.pst file in the location of your choice, you can import it into Outlook using the steps covered in Phase 2 above.By utilizing the Archive settings makes it easy to view OST data in Outlook. But remember that this method does not favor importing the contacts from the OST file into Outlook.
#3. Pro Solution to Bulk Transfer OST to Outlook with All Details
Try BitRecover OST Converter Wizard is a reliable software that is recommended by experts for the bulk import of OST files to Outlook without losing any metadata. This software promises a smooth and interruption-free data conversion process. Its easy-to-use interface makes it easy for even non-technical users to use. It allows you to export not just emails, but also contacts, calendar items, journals, tasks, notes, and so forth. Furthermore, keeps all attachments intact as they were, without losing or changing anything in the process of conversion.
Software Steps to Add OST file to Outlook
Install the software and utilize the auto option to import your OST files.
Choose the folders you wish to add from the list and click on Next.
Select PST as the saving format for your data.
Set a destination folder in which you would like to save the saved PST file.
Click on the Convert option to begin the process and save your emails as a PST file.
Once done, you can open the converted PST file in Outlook.
Key Takeaways
Importing OST files to Outlook means converting them into PST format as direct import is not supported. You may use manual methods such as Outlook's Import/Export Wizard or Archive settings for minor jobs. For bulk conversions, specialized OST converter software makes it easy and saves all your data. By doing so, you will be able to safely view your valuable emails, contacts, and calendars within Outlook without losing anything.
