How to Convert from OST to PST for Microsoft Outlook

Resource type
Manual

Outlook PST files are an excellent method to import and export mail, and they're frequently used to back up your inbox. On the other hand, OST files cannot be imported yet include all of your email messages. So, how can we convert an OST file to a PST file, ideally for free?

When you use an IMAP connection or have selected Cached Exchange Mode for your account, Outlook will produce OST files. A local copy of the mail is kept in both cases. This allows you to access and read your email even if you don't have access to the internet. When you connect to your (Exchange) mail server, the local copy is synchronized every time.

If there is a data loss on the mail server-side or you need to restore a deleted mailbox, converting the OST file to PST will allow you to import the mail again.

Manually Converting OST to PST for Free

There are several free methods for manually converting from OST to PST, but all require access to the Outlook profile. This is the case because the OST file can only be accessed with the same profile.

The approach described here is the only one that works. Exporting the mailbox to PST is the quickest and most effortless approach to accessing the Outlook profile. Yes, you can use Outlook's Auto Archiving feature; however, it will only export more than x days old things.

You could also create a new PST file and then drag-and-drop the things from the Outlook profile to it, but exporting to PST is far more convenient.

You don't require internet connectivity when you wish to export your mailbox to a PST file. To convert an OST file to a PST file, you only need access to the Outlook profile.

Convert from OST to PST

We'll require Outlook to convert an OST file to a PST file manually. Ascertain that you can access the original Outlook profile.

  1. Open Outlook and select File from the File menu.
  2. Choose Import/Export from the Open & Export menu.
  3. Choose Export to a file from the drop-down menu.
  4. Select the Outlook Data File option (.pst)
  5. Select the folder or the whole account that you wish to export.
  6. Ensure that Include subfolders are checked.
  7. Next, select an export destination, and then click Finish. When the export is complete, you'll get a PST file with which you may import your emails into another account.

Best OST to PST Converter

If you don't have access to the Outlook profile, your only alternative is to utilise an OST to PST converter, a free or third-party shareware application. I realise that you are seeking a free way to convert OST files; however, there are no such applications available.

Yes, many tools claim to be free, but they all have some form of restriction. They can only export a certain number of things, or they can't read the OST file because they don't have the Outlook profile (and if you have access to the Outlook profile, you can use the manual method described earlier)

On Spiceworks and Reddit, two tools on the market are well-known and highly recommended by IT pros. Both are excellent at converting OST files to PST and can recover all of the data from your OST files.

Aryson OST to PST Converter is a robust converter that can convert broken, damaged, encrypted, and password-protected OST files to PST files. The programme has an Outlook 2007 / 2010 look and feels, making it easy to navigate and search through the OST file.

The free version of Aryson OST to PST Converter allows you to convert up to 50 items per folder without any cost.

You must first choose your OST file before using the software. The OST file may be found in the user's Local AppData folder: percent localappdata% Microsoft\Outlook

Depending on the size of the OST file, it may take a few minutes to open. Look for the user's inbox under Root – Mailbox > IPM SUBTREE > Inbox in the folder tree.

When you navigate the left-hand folder tree, you'll discover that all of the data, including contacts, calendar items, and material from shared mailboxes, is recoverable.

Stellar Converter for OST is a powerful application that can convert any OST file (encrypted or IMAP OST files) to PST while maintaining the inbox structure. The utility works with OST files from any Outlook version, extracting all emails, calendars, contacts, and attachments.

The programme is simple to use and does not need any technological expertise. If you don't sure where the OST file is, choose it or click Find. Stellar has a similar appearance and feel to Outlook, and it allows you to browse through your email before starting the export.

The free version of Stellar's OST to PST Converter allows you to recover up to 20 items per folder.

An OST file may be converted to a PST file for free if you access the Outlook profile. You have no choice but to utilize one of the recovery software if you have the OST file.

All of the free tools available on the internet are restricted. They may display the contents of the OST file, but only a limited number of things may be exported. When converting your OST file, a good application like Aryson or Stellar will save you a lot of time.