How to Convert OST to PST for Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013

OST and PST Files- Introduction

OST files stand for an Offline storage table and an Offline Outlook data file to store the copy of the mailbox data on the server. It allows users to even work in the absence of server connectivity. You can easily edit, compose, add attachments, save emails, and delete email messages and other mailbox items as a user, and these changes are up-to-date when you connect with the Exchange Server next time.

In contrast, PST stands for personal storage table and is the most popular Outlook data file amog others, which is compatible with or created by MS Outlook like EML, MSG, OST, PDF, etc. It stores copies of the all mailbox items, such as email messages, contacts, calendars, tasks, journals, etc., on the user’s local drive from the account configured on Outlook via POP. You can easily create the PST file using the Export to File option of the Import/Export Feature. Moreover, you can also protect your PST file with a password-protection, which you need to enter each time you open the PST file.

What is the Difference between OST and PST files?

Here is head to head comparison between OST and PST files, which gives you a better idea of why convert OST to PST is too important.

• OST files have automatically synchronized the changes with the email server as long as you have an internet connection, but PST does not enable you to do so- It allows you only to manage it in MS Outlook in the presence of an internet connection.
• OST files are compatible exclusively with Microsoft Exchange Server, but PST files are also compatible with other services like Microsoft Exchange client and Microsoft Outlook.
• After Microsoft Outlook 2016, the client stores all emails and appointments from IMAP and MAPI accounts in an offline storage table (.ost) file, whereas the PST file is used for IMAP or MAPI accounts from Outlook 2013.
• If you have any minor corruption or inaccessibility issue in the OST, you can use the ScanOST.exe tool. However, in case of PST file corruption or damage, the office 365 environment offers a ScanPST.exe tool, which helps users to fix all the Outlook PST file issues.

Why Need Convert OST to PST format?

There are different reasons behind the need to convert OST files to PST format. Some of the common reasons are discussed below:

1. Import OST data:- Sometimes, users want to migrate mailbox data from one system to another system, but with the help of an OST file, it is a bit tricky.
2. Overcome the Chances of data loss:- It may be possible that your Exchange OST file has become large and gets corrupted or damaged. Thus, to overcome the mailbox size, you can Convert OST to PST.
3. Accidentally Deletion of Exchange:- Suppose your Exchange Server won’t be working, or due to some reason, the Exchange data gets deleted. In that case, previously converting OST to PST files is a better solution for you.
4. Access the Data in Online Mode:- If you want to access or manage your offline-saved OST file size into Outlook PST format.
5. Switching Email Clients:- Apart from Exchange and Outlook, the OST file is incompatible with other email clients, so you need to convert OST to PST to move old mailbox items to other email clients.

These are various reasons to convert OST files to PST format. Now, let’s look at the different methods using which you can export OST files to PST format.

Best Methods to Convert OST to PST for MS Outlook Free

Here, I’ve mentioned the three best methods to convert an OST file to a PST file format. But before starting the procedure, ensure you have used the Outlook account sync with the Exchange profile and have proper login details. Also, we suggest you to take the backup of mailbox data at a secure place because no manual method is fully safe.

Method 1: Export OST to PST Using the Auto Archive Setting

Outlook email client offers archiving data options to convert the OST mailbox folders to PST file format. It can convert all the items of the OST mailbox to PST format. This feature does not archive contacts but allows you to move other mailbox items, follow the procedure correctly:

1. Run the MS Outlook application and click on the File tab.
2. Go to the Options, and in the Outlook Options wizard, move your cursor towards the Advanced section.
3. Here, you need to click on the AutoArchive Settings…
4. An AutoArchive window pop-up on your screen; enable the required one:
5. Once you select the necessary option, click on the Ok button.
6. Finally, your OST file items will be saved into a PST file with assigned archive settings.

Method 2: Convert OST to PST Using the Import/Export Feature

Follow the steps given below and make sure you need to use the Outlook credentials with the Exchange account to export OST files to PST format.

1. Launch the Outlook and go to the File.
2. Select the Open & Export section and click on Import & Export feature.
3. Here, select Export to a File then clicks Next.
   
4. Choose the option Outlook data file (.pst) and click on Next.
5. Now, select the folder you want to export and click Next.
   
6. Click the Browse button to select the path for the output .pst file.
7. Choose the other option for managing duplicates and click Finish.
8. Set the password on the PST file if you want, and click Ok to finish the process.

All these manual methods may help you to convert OST files to PST format in MS Outlook, but these methods are time-consuming for users and contain some more limitations like:

• The manual methods are lengthy and time-consuming.
• Method procedure to convert OST to PST files manually is tricky.
• Professionals recommend that there are chances of data loss.
• May the process stuck if you perform the wrong procedure.
• No guarantees for the backup of all the mailbox items.
• If the OST file size is large, then OST to PST conversion may stop.
• The procedure is not for corrupt or damaged OST files.

Method 3: Convert OST files to PST Using Professional Solution

Aryson OST to PST Converter is the best and most reliable tool to convert OST files into PST format. It can convert your single and multiple OST files to Outlook PST file format. In addition, you can also convert OST file data into other formats like PST, EML, MSG, MBOX, HTML, CSV, etc. The software allows users to Open OST File without Outlook on entire windows platforms or others. You can also import OST files into Gmail, Office 365, Zoho Mail, Yandex Mail, etc. You must first try the free demo version of this software to convert OST to PST files freely:

How to Convert OST to PST?

Here are the simple steps of OST to PST Converter Software that allows users to convert OST files to PST format easily:

• Step 1: Downloadand Install Aryson OST to PST Converter.
• Step 2: Run as administrator and click the browse
• Step 3: Select the filethat you need to convert.
• Step 4: After that, previewthe OST file email with attachments.
• Step 5: Tick the folder from the tree structure. Click next.
• Step 6: Here, choose the PST saving formats from the displayed dropdown.
• Step 7: Select the in-built software features.
• Step 8: Click on the path to savebutton and choose the saving location.
• Step 9:At last, tap the convert button to start the conversion.
• Step 10:The conversion process is completed and saved at the chosen path.

Needful features of professional software

• Convert Exchange OST files to Outlook PST format.
• Export single and multiple OST files to PST format simultaneously.
• Shows the preview of the OST file data before OST to PST conversion process.
• Convert OST to PST, EML, MSG, CSV, MBOX, and other formats.
• Import OST files to Gmail, Live Exchange, Office 365, IMAP, Outlook.com, etc.
• Remove Duplicate emails from the selected OST folders.
• Option to migrate or backup emails without attachments files.
• You can also split the resultant PST files based on size.
• Support PST files of different Outlook versions like 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc.
• Easy to use interface for both technical and non-technical users.
• The software is compatible with all the Windows Versions like 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, etc.

Conclusion

Above, I have mentioned the free methods to convert OST to PST format in Outlook 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, etc., and there is a possibility that manual processes do not fulfill your expectation. In such a case, you should go for OST to PST Converter Tool, as this will help you convert OST files to PST format. Hope this article helps to resolve your query about converting OST to PST files.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are confused about How to convert OST to PST, you can also watch our online video tutorial, which will help you perform OST to PST conversion easily.

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