Best Methods to Convert OST File to PST on Windows

Summary: Among all users of MS Outlook, a common question is how to convert OST file to PST in Outlook 2016 and earlier versions. To address this query, we have created a blog post that offers effective solutions to convert OST to PST online. Additionally, we recommend using a professional OST to PST Converter Tool for an easy and secure OST to PST conversion. Be sure to read the entire article for detailed information.

MS Outlook is widely recognized as one of the most popular email clients and is an integral part of the MS Office Suite. It utilizes two types of data files: OST (Offline Storage Table) and PST (Personal Storage Table), which store mailbox data locally.

The OST file serves as an offline copy of your Outlook account, containing all the emails associated with that particular profile. Any modifications made in your mailbox will automatically sync with these files. However, OST files are not suitable for sharing or data backup purposes.

Conversely, PST files are well-suited for creating backups. You have the option to download your Outlook emails in PST file format for local storage. Additionally, sharing and migrating your mailbox data through a PST file is convenient. 

Before going into the steps to convert OST file to PST, let’s differentiate between OST and PST files. 

Why Need to Convert OST File to PST Format?

OST and PST files are both Outlook data files designed for different purposes. When users seek to convert OST to PST file format, there are numerous underlying reasons. In many cases, PST files offer more advantages compared to OST files. Therefore, below are some of the benefits associated with the conversion:

• Outlook OST files serve as offline copies of your mailbox, making them unsuitable for sharing mailbox data.
• For some user, access to their emails becomes unavailable as they are no longer present on the Exchange server.
• It is possible to customize the location of PST files, but it’s not in the case of OST files.
• With PST files, you have the option to select specific items to migrate unlikely to OST files.
• Users also convert OST file to PST because Outlook OST files are easily susceptible to corruption and damage.
• Compared to OST files, it is relatively easier to import your Outlook mailbox data to PST file format.
• Saving your Outlook mailbox data in PST format helps in restoring your emails in case of data loss.

The reasons mentioned above are just a few general ones. However, there are even more situations where converting your Outlook OST file to PST file format becomes necessary. Now, let’s explore some straightforward solutions for changing the file format.

How to convert OST to PST without Outlook?

There are several methods available to convert OST to PST file for free. The MS Outlook application offers various built-in options for saving your Outlook OST file to PST file format. You can choose any suitable method. Another way to convert your Outlook OST file to PST format is by using professional software. This method is quicker and simpler than manual methods. Along with the OST to PST conversion, it can also convert into many other file formats.

Manual Method to Convert OST File to PST

The manual approach to convert OST to PST file involves following a few simple steps within the Outlook application. These steps can be easily executed, and the method of OST to PST conversion is cost-free. Here are some key methods for file conversion.

# 1. Utilize MS Outlook’s Import/Export Feature

The OST file serves as an offline copy of your Outlook mailbox, containing all the emails available in Outlook. To convert OST to PST online, you can migrate your Outlook emails. 

Here are the steps for OST to PST conversion using the MS Outlook application:

1. Open Outlook and then click on the File button.
2. Next, select the Open & Export tab and then click on Import/Export.
3. In the new wizard, select the option to Export to a file and then click Next.
4. Choose the Personal Folder File (.pst) and click Next.
5. Select a specific mailbox folder and click Next to continue.
6. Click on Browse to choose a location to save the file, and then click Finish.

#2. Utilize the Auto-Archive Feature of Outlook

By enabling the AutoArchive feature in Outlook, the application will automatically save all your emails in PST file format. Define the backup frequency and follow the steps below to export your emails:

1. Open Outlook on your system.
2. To initiate, simply click on File and then select the Options tab. 
3. Once there, you can set the frequency of AutoArchive and input other necessary details.
4. Finally, complete the process by clicking on the OK button.

#3. Drag-and-Drop Feature

If the previous methods do not yield the desired results, you can use this method to convert OST file to PST. Start by creating an Outlook PST file and then proceed to transfer your emails from the mailbox to the newly created PST file.

1. Launch the MS Outlook application and expand the Items button.
2. Next, select the More Items option and then opt for the Outlook Data File feature.
3. Provide a suitable name and location for the Outlook PST file, and then click OK.
4. After you create the PST file, you should right-click on it and choose the option to create a new folder. Then, you need to specify the name of the folder.
5. Next, open the mailbox folder you want and select all the emails you wish to move.
6. Right-click on the selected emails and choose the Move option.
7. Then, select the mailbox folder in the newly created PST file 
8. Your PST file is now migrated.

By following the above steps, anyone can easily convert OST file to PST format. However, it’s important to note that while these methods are effective, there are several limitations associated with manual solutions.

Limitations

Users can convert OST file to PST using the MS Outlook desktop application. However, the manual approach is not suitable for most users due to certain restrictions. The most common restrictions are:

• Performing the file conversion requires technical knowledge, thus complicated for new users.
• To convert OST to PST file format, MS Outlook installation is a must.
• Using the manual approach, you cannot convert specific mailbox data only.
• Converting mailbox data using manual methods poses a high risk of data loss.
• Manual methods can sometimes be time-consuming and result in a lengthy file format conversion process.

If any of the above concerns you, we advise against opting for the manual procedure. The Outlook OST files may not be the best option for you. A more advanced method for converting them to PST file format involves using a professional tool. This tool can simplify the OST to PST conversion process and reduce the amount of effort required.

Professional Solution to Convert OST File to PST Without Outlook

Use the DRSSoftech OST to PST Converter, a highly reliable and secure software to convert OST to PST files. It converts Convert multiple Outlook OST files at a time while maintaining integrity. Additionally, it allows you to convert OST to MBOX, MSG, PDF, CSV, PNG, and more. Furthermore, the application facilitates the migration of your Outlook OST file content to multiple email accounts, including Gmail, Office 365, and others. The intuitive graphical user interface makes it easy for non-technical users to operate.

Key Features of the DRS Softech OST to PST Converter

The advanced OST to PST Converter is equipped with numerous useful features. Below, we outline some of the most notable functionalities that enhance the user experience.

• Mail filters and remove duplicate mail features to eliminate unnecessary mailbox data.
• User-friendly GUI designed to provide an improved user experience during OST to PST conversion.
• Compatible with all versions of Outlook OST files and Windows OS versions.

Convert OST File to PST Using the Tool

• Download the DRS Softech OST Converter Tool.
• Install and launch the application as an administrator.
• Choose the option from Single file/Multiple file and click Next.
• Click on Select Files, select the required OST file, and click on Open.
• Review the mailbox preview and select the items you wish to convert. Click Next.
• In the Save/Backup/Migrate As field, opt for the PST file format as output.
• Customize other migration options if needed and initiate the conversion by clicking on Convert.

Following these steps will enable you to easily convert the OST file to the PST file format using the OST to PST Converter tool.

Conclusion

We hope that now your query “How to convert OST to PST file free?” will be removed. Outlook OST files serve as an offline copy of your mailbox. However, if you need to back up a specific mailbox folder or share your emails, the PST file format is more suitable than the OST file format. You can easily convert OST file to PST using MS Outlook, which offers two different methods for file conversion. Alternatively, you can use professional software that does not require MS Outlook installation.

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