3 Methods to Convert OST to PST File in Windows 11/10

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Introduction

Microsoft Outlook is undoubtedly the most popular professional email management tool. Its advanced security features are lauded by millions of executives who work across different levels all around the globe. The seamless operations of this email client are guaranteed by OST and PST files. These are two types of file formats used by Outlook for email content storage. OST (Offline Storage Table) are created whenever users set up an Exchange account. On the other hand, the PST (Personal Storage Table) files are used for storing mailbox data for POP3 and IMAP accounts. These files are portable and can be exported to other systems or environments.

OST files allow users to access mailbox content even without internet connectivity. Changes made during this period will synchronize automatically with the restoration of connectivity. OST files are more secured than the PST as they are encrypted by the default MAPIEntryID GUID key. They require authentication from the linked MAPI profile to view or modify mailbox data stored in them. You can’t access the OST file in case the original MAPI account is not available or deleted from the Exchange/IMAP server. In other words, it means you can’t export or access an OST file directly to a different environment or profile. In such a case, we need to convert an OST file to PST to access mailbox data. Stay tuned to this guide to explore 3 methods to convert OST to PST file in Windows 11/10. Additionally, we will also explore an advanced OST to PST converter tool that can perform this task with greater ease.

 

When to Convert OST to PST File in Windows 11/10?

We need to import OST file to PST format for the following reasons:

— In the event of Exchange Server crashes

— When the server is down for the scheduled maintenance

— In case the Outlook user desires to retrieve mailbox information on Exchange Server

— When the Outlook data file (.ost) becomes inaccessible due to corruption

–When the user wants to archive older mailbox content

— In case of moving from one email client to another and the new email client does not support OST files

What are the Methods to Convert OST to PST File in Windows 11/10?

OST files are linked to a specific profile. Additionally, it is encrypted with a MAPIEntriID GUID key. These conditions make these Outlook data files (.ost) more secured. In the event, such files become inaccessible or orphaned, we need to first convert an OST file to the PST format. You can select any of the below methods for the conversion.

Method 1: Using the Import/Export Wizard: The user needs to login to the same Exchange profile with which the OST file was created. The step-by-step guide is mentioned below:

  • Navigate to “Files.”
  • Press “Open & Export” tab.
  • Then click “Import & Export.”

  • You will be guided to a dialogue box with dropdown options. Select Export to a file option from the dropdown and click ‘Next’ to proceed.

  • Select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option, and press Next for further steps.

  • Now choose the targeted folder that you need to export and click Next. You can also select the subfolders.

  • Specify the folder location where you wish to save the file. Select the ‘Replace duplicates with items exported’ option to avoid duplicate content. Enter a descriptive name for your PST file. Then click ‘Finish’ to complete the process.

Method 2- Using the Archiving Method: There is no tool available to export an OST file to another system directly as it is linked to a particular profile and environment. However, we can convert an OST to PST and later export the data from one system or environment to another. We can do this by using Outlook’s AutoArchive feature. Under this manual approach, the mailbox content moves automatically to a PST file at regular intervals.

Follow the below instructions to initiate the archiving process:

  • Open the MS Outlook application.
  • Press on the ‘File’ menu.
  • Then press the ‘Archive’ tab.

  • A screen will appear.
  • Choose the desired File or Folder that needs to be archived.
  • Navigate to the location where the archived file is to be saved.

  • Press the ‘Finish’ tab to end the process.

Method 3: Drag and Drop Mailbox Items: This manual method is quite convenient. The user first needs to create a blank PST file in MS Outlook. After this, simply drag and drop the desired mailbox content from an OST file to this newly-created folder. However, this method has its limitations. This method is suitable for individual email messages. It is not recommended for the complete mailbox conversion.

Following are its main limitations:

–It allows you to transfer individual emails only.

–You can’t transfer folders or the entire mailbox data.

–In case of any error during the transfer process, you need to repeat the entire process.

–This method won’t work for orphaned or inaccessible Outlook data files (.ost).

–Risk of losing data in the transfer process as it is a manual approach.

Factors to be Considered While Converting an OST to PST Format:

Outlook users must consider the below factors before zeroing on any method:

–What is the volume of data: Evaluate the amount of data that needs to be exported. For instance, the Drag & Drop Method is suitable only for individual email messages. If you want to export both small and large mailboxes, go for Export/Import Wizard and AutoArchive methods.

–Technical expertise: Converting OST files to PST format is a bit challenging task. The process needs a bit of technical knowledge. However, if you’re dealing with complex situations or corrupted OST files, consider using a professional OST to PST converter tool like Stellar Converter for OST. This tool is known for its quick conversion speed.

Stellar offers advanced features and functionalities for OST to PST conversion. It can recover data from oversized, inaccessible or orphaned files. Some of its salient features are listed below:

–Free trial download with no file size limitation

— Free preview of all converted file data using the demo version

— Available in 3 Versions—Corporate, Technician, and Toolkit

— Converts the entire offline mailbox items with free preview

–Auto-splits large PST files while saving the mail items

–Saves the mailbox data in PST, EML, MSG, RTF, HTML, and PDF file formats

— Converts multiple OST files in a batch, Compacts & Splits PST file, Migrate to Microsoft 365—Technician Version

— Repairs corrupted PST file, Recovers the mailbox items, Merges multiple PST files—Toolkit Version

Conclusion:

We have explored three manual methods—Import/Export Wizard, Archiving, and Drag & Drop—to convert OST to PST file in Windows 11/10. We have also recommended evaluating the volume of the data file before selecting any method. There are also some limitations associated with these methods. Firstly, these methods are time-consuming. Secondly, they are not suitable for orphaned or inaccessible OST files. Thirdly, manual transfer may miss important email messages, contacts, or other mailbox data. We have also discussed a smart way of using an OST to PST converter tool like Stellar Converter for OST. This tool automatically installs and lists all existing Outlook profiles. It can convert email messages, attachments, contacts, and other mailbox data with 100% accuracy.