Export Office 365 Email to PST Using Best Solution

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  • Updated on March 11th, 2025

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Summary: Microsoft Office 365 is a popular cloud-based email service used by businesses and individuals for communication and data storage. However, there are instances where users may need to export their Office 365 emails to a PST (Personal Storage Table) file for backup, migration, or compliance purposes. In this blog, we will discuss the best solutions, such as the DRS Softech Microsoft 365 Backup Tool, to export Office 365 emails to PST efficiently and securely.

Why You Need to Export Mailbox Office 365 to PST

There are several reasons why exporting Office 365 emails to PST is necessary:

  • Backup emails to prevent data loss from accidental deletions or system failures.
  • Migrate emails easily when switching to another email provider or Office 365 account.
  • Meet compliance requirements by storing important emails for legal or audit purposes.
  • Access emails offline without needing an internet connection.
  • Reduce mailbox size to improve Office 365 performance and storage management.

How to Export Office 365 Email to PST

Saving Office 365 emails as a PST file is useful for backup, moving emails to another system, or accessing emails offline. Whether you are an IT expert or a regular user, knowing how to export emails properly helps keep your data safe and easy to use. Below is a simple step-by-step guide to export your Office 365 mailbox to a PST file.

Method 01: Manual Solution to Export PST File from Office 365

You can manually export Office 365 emails to a PST file using the Microsoft eDiscovery Export Tool in the Security & Compliance Center. Follow these steps:

Step 01: Sign in to the Microsoft Compliance Center

  1. Go to the Microsoft Compliance Center: https://compliance.microsoft.com
  2. Sign in using your Office 365 administrator credentials.
  3. Click on Permissions in the left menu.
  4. Under Microsoft Purview Solutions, select Roles.
  5. Find eDiscovery Manager and add your user account.

Step 02: Create a New Content Search

  1. Go to Content Search under Solutions.
  2. Click New Search and enter a name.
  3. Under Locations, choose Exchange Mailboxes to select the mailbox you want to export.
  4. Use filters (such as date range, keywords, or sender) if needed.
  5. Click Save & Run to start the search.

Step 03: Export the Search Results

  1. Once the search is complete, click on the Export option.
  2. Choose PST file as the export format.
  3. Click Generate Report and wait for the process to complete.
  4. Go to the Export tab and find your search.
  5. Click Download results and copy the Export Key.

Note: Open the eDiscovery Export Tool (it will download automatically). Paste the Export Key, choose a location to save the PST file, and click Start to download.

Limitations of this Method

  • Requires admin access to Office 365.
  • Time-consuming for large mailboxes.
  • Complex steps that may need technical expertise.
  • Risk of errors or data loss if not done correctly.

Method 02: Using MS Outlook to Export Office 365 Email to PST

Microsoft Outlook provides a simple way to export your Office 365 mailbox to a PST file. Follow these steps to manually export your emails, contacts, and calendar data:

Step 01: Configure Office 365 Account in MS Outlook

  1. If setting up Outlook for the first time, it will prompt you to add an account.
  2. If Outlook is already set up, go to File >> Add Account.
  3. Type your Office 365 email address and click Connect.
  4. Enter your password and complete Multi-Factor Authentication (if required).
  5. Click Done once Outlook verifies your account.
  6. Restart Outlook to sync all emails, contacts, and calendar data.
  7. Ensure your emails appear. If not, click Send/Receive All Folders to refresh.

Step 02: Export PST from Office 365

  1. Again, Click on File in the top-left corner.
  2. Select Open & Export, then click on Import/Export.
  3. In the Import and Export Wizard, choose Export to a file and click Next.
  4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
  5. Choose the Office 365 mailbox (including Inbox, Sent Items, and other folders).
  6. Check the Include subfolders box to export all folders. Click Next.
  7. Choose Browse and select a location to save the PST file.
  8. Click Finish to export Office 365 email to PST.

Limitations Associated With this Method

  • Requires Outlook installed on your PC.
  • Can be slow for large mailboxes.
  • Needs manual effort to export multiple mailboxes.
  • Risk of data loss if not done properly.

Method 03: Alternative Solution to Export Office 365 Email to PST

If you need a quick, secure, and hassle-free way to export O365 mailbox to PST, the DRS Softech Microsoft 365 Backup Tool is the best solution. Unlike manual methods, it allows bulk exports, preserves data accuracy, and supports multiple formats, making it ideal for businesses and individuals. It stands out as a reliable and efficient solution for exporting Office 365 emails to PST and other formats. Its array of features, combined with a user-centric design, makes it a valuable asset for individuals and organizations aiming to secure, migrate, or archive their Office 365 mailbox data effectively.

Simplified Steps to Export Mailbox to PST from Office 365

Following a simplified step-by-step process makes it easier and more efficient. Below are the key steps to export your mailbox to a PST file quickly and securely.

  1. Download and install the DRS Softech Microsoft 365 Backup Tool on your system. Click on the Backup Button to proceed.
    Office 365 migration Step 1
  2. After that, verify the working process in steps and click on the Continue Button. Office 365 migration Step 2
  3. Next, select Microsoft 365 as the source platform. Enter your Microsoft 365 login credentials and authenticate your account.
    Note:
    If prompted, enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and provide necessary permissions for the tool to access mailbox data. Office 365 migration Step 3
  4. Now, select the Source Primary Mailbox/Online Archive/Public Folder. Grant necessary permissions to access mailbox data.
    Office 365 migration Step 4
  5. Preview and Choose the emails, contacts, calendars, and other data you want to migrate. Office 365 migration Step 5
  6. From Save/Backup/Migrate As: choose PST also assign a path to save the resultant PST file. Office 365 migration Step 6
  7. Use date filters, folder selection, Remove Duplicate Emails, and Custom Folder Name option if needed. Office 365 migration Step 7
  8. At last, click the Backup button to export PST file from Office 365. Office 365 migration Step 8

How DRS Softech Microsoft 365 Backup Tool Solves Manual Method Issues

Manual Method LimitationsHow DRS Tool Overcomes Them
Requires technical expertiseEasy-to-use interface for all users
Exports only one mailbox at a timeBulk export multiple mailboxes at once
Slow and time-consumingFast and automated export process
Risk of data loss or corruptionEnsures 100% data integrity and security
Limited filtering optionsAdvanced filters for selective backup
No direct migration to other platformsSupports export to PST, PDF, MBOX, EML, and email clients like Gmail, Yahoo, and Thunderbird

Know More: How to Migrate Office 365 to Gmail

Conclusion

Above we mentioned distinct solution to export Office 365 email to PST. Manual methods like Outlook Import/Export and eDiscovery work but can be slow and difficult. Also, it may cause errors, especially for large mailboxes. For a quick and easy solution, using a professional Office 365 to PST export tool is the best option. These tools automate the process, save time, and keep your emails safe. Choose the smart way to export your Office 365 mailbox with DRS Softech and keep your data safe, accessible, and well-managed.

About The Author:

Shital is an experienced content writer who focuses on data recovery and email migration. With a strong background in technology and a love for making difficult topics easy to understand, she writes clear and helpful content for both tech experts and regular users. Her content helps you to manage the challenges of recovering lost data and moving emails between platforms like Office 365, Outlook, and other email clients. Her detailed guides help people protect their data and make their communication systems run smoothly.

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