How to Export Outlook Web App Emails to a PST File – Step-by-Step

Outlook Web App vs. Outlook for Desktop

Before we learn methods to export emails from Outlook Web App to PST, get a clear insight into the two. Well, the PST file is directly supported MS Outlook Desktop application. So, here is the difference-

Features	Outlook Web App	MS Outlook (Desktop)
Platform	Operated on a Web Browser, Installation Not Required	It is an Installed Application on a PC/Laptop
Accessibility	Requires Proper Internet Connectivity for Functioning	Once Emails are Synced, You Can Work Offline
Export PST File	OWA Does Not Support PST File Export Directly	Built-in Import/Export Feature to Export PST File
GUI (Interface)	Clean and Modern UI, but Hard to Understand	Advanced Interface, Yet Simple to Operate, Provided Tools and Settings
Performance & Speed	Entirely Depends on the Browser & Internet Connectivity	Faster and Performs Well With Bulk Actions and Large Mailboxes
Supported Account Types	Supports Microsoft Accounts, and School/Work accounts	Supports Microsoft 365, IMAP, POP3, Exchange, and more
Customization Features	Offers Basic Customization Only	Highly Customizable, including Rules, Add-ins, and Categories
Encryption Protocol	Uses SSL/TLS for Secure Connections	Uses SSL/TLS 1.2 and Also Supports S/MIME
Best For	Used Mostly for Casual or Remote Users Who Need Quick Access	Best for Power Users and Corporate Environments

Hopefully, now you are clear how Outlook Web App differs from the Desktop application. Thus, this will help you better understand the procedure discussed further.

Why Export PST File from Outlook Web App?

Mentioned below are some scenarios when exporting PST from Outlook Web App proves to be beneficial-

• If you need to create a copy of mailbox data locally, saving emails to PST provides extra security. In case Outlook Web App encounters a sudden disruption or corruption, you can restore data safely.
• When switching from Web Outlook to a new email service or account, you can export emails to PST using the desktop app. Moreover, sharing PST file is comparatively easier.
• In addition, one may need to download Outlook Web App emails to access data across different devices. Say one needs to share Outlook for Web mailbox data with a Mac user.

How Do I Export Emails from Outlook Web App to PST?

In this section, we will discuss possible solutions to backup Outlook Web App emails to PST. You will get two choices mainly- the manual method (free) and a professional tool. However, the manual method is not a direct solution. It requires Outlook for Desktop to support the download process. So, let us begin with the manual first.

#1. Free Method to Export PST File from Outlook Web App

You first need to configure Web and Desktop applications, and later export PST with MS Outlook (Desktop). Follow the steps as guided further carefully to avoid data loss:

Step 1: Link Outlook Web App to Desktop Outlook

1. Begin by running both Outlook Web and Outlook Desktop on your PC.
2. Next, log in via the same email account on both platforms.
3. Now, in the desktop app, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
4. Choose the ‘New’ option from Account Settings.
5. Through IMAP settings, add your Outlook.com account to your desktop.
6. Once successfully configured, MS Outlook will begin to sync your emails.

Now onwards, your Web Outlook mailbox emails will appear on the desktop app. However, this continues only till you’re connected to the internet. Also, the changes made may take a moment to sync across both platforms.

Step 2: Export PST File from Outlook Web App via Outlook Desktop

This procedure uses the Import/Export feature to export PST files from Outlook:

1. Launch the Outlook Desktop App on your PC.
2. Then, click the File tab in the top left corner.
3. Select option- Open & Export > then, Import/Export.
4. Choose from the list, Export to a file > Click on Next.
5. Now, select the Outlook Data File (.pst) option > Next.
6. Choose the mailbox folders (inbox, sent items, etc.) to export.
7. Browse and define a location on your PC to save the output PST.
8. Lastly, click on Finish to begin export.
   

The process to export PST from Outlook Web App begins. Check the designated folder on your system to find the resultant PST file. Similarly, you can use Desktop Outlook’s Import/Export feature to import PST file into Outlook Web App.

Consider Loopholes of Manual Procedure

• As OWA does not natively support PST export, the process is complex and time-consuming too.
• The synchronization between Outlook Web App and the Desktop app is not real-time, which may result in delays.
• Additionally, you must be familiar with the technical setups of Outlook, as it involves IMAP configuration.
• Exporting large mailboxes and bulky attachments may be risky, thus leading to errors or corruption.

If you are ready for these challenges, this manual method is good to go. However, in case you need an alternative and direct solution, read further.

#2. Automated Software to Export PST File from Outlook Web App

How about getting a dedicated software that can export OWA emails to Outlook PST without risking important data? Well, one such software is Aryson Hotmail Backup Tool. It is a direct solution to extract emails to PST from an Outlook.com account. The software comes with a simple and user-friendly interface, a perfect fit for all users.

Furthermore, this is the most-demanded tool for the range of exclusive features it provides. It requires no IMAP synchronization, has fast processing, wide compatibility, and facilitates batch migration. Also, you get a free trial software to test its functionalities, before investing any money.

Steps to Export Emails from Outlook Web App to PST

1. Download Aryson Hotmail Backup Software and run it on your Windows PC.
2. Enter your Hotmail (Outlook.com) account credentials and log in.
3. Preview the Hotmail mailbox data, select folders to export > Next.
4. Next, from the list of saving formats, select PST.
5. To get a more precise output, apply the filters from the wizard > Next.
6. Choose a saving location for the output PST file and click Download.

Hence, you will get complete data in PST format saved locally at the designated folder.

Conclusion

Although the process to export PST file from Outlook Web App seems easy, it is full of technicalities and complexities. Be careful with the steps, or you will end up losing important emails. Therefore, to bypass such issues, we have suggested a dedicated backup software that is a one-stop solution. Whether you have large mailboxes or a limited technical know-how, this software will help you in every possible way. So, invest time and money in the right procedure to get satisfying results!

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