When dealing with Outlook, you’ll certainly need to import a backup PST file at some point. This usually happens when you are migrating to a new PC or switching from an older email setup, like IMAP to PST.
There are numerous methods for importing the PST file, regardless of the reason for doing so. Here, you will learn about the various methods for importing Outlook data files (PST)
Methods to Import a PST File Into Outlook
Follow the method below to transfer Outlook to a new pc or Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013:
Import PST Files into Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013 (Using Import and Export Wizard)
Follow the method below to import Outlook data files to Outlook versions 2021, 2019, 2016, and 2013:
- Open Outlook and select File> Open & Export > Import/Export from the File Menu.
- Choose Import from another program or file from the Import and Export Wizard window, then click Next.
- Select Outlook Data File (.pst) from the Import a File dialogue box and click Next.
- To find the PST file that has to be imported, click Browse. Select an appropriate option from the options box.
- After choosing the .pst file. Select the folders and subfolders that should be imported into Microsoft Outlook. Then, select the profile and click Finish.
Later, choose an email profile. All of the mail items in the specified PST file will be displayed.
How to Import PST File in Microsoft Outlook 2010?
Open Microsoft Outlook 2010. Click on the File>Open>Import. Then perform the same steps to import the PST file into Outlook 2010 as mentioned above.
How to Import a PST File into Microsoft Outlook 2007?
- Open Microsoft Outlook. GO to File>Import and Export from the File Menu.
- Select Import from another program or file from the Import and Export Wizard window, then click Next.
- Select Personal Folder File (PST) from the Import a File dialogue box and click Next.
- To find the PST file that has to be imported, click Browse. Select an apt option from the options box and click the Next and Finish button.
You may access all of your mail items and sync them to your server mailbox after importing the PST.
After importing a PST file into Outlook, Ensure Your Outlook Syncs Properly.
Sometimes after importing a PST file, your Outlook data might not appear immediately, or some folders may fail to update. This usually happens if Outlook hasn’t synced completely or the imported data isn’t indexed yet.
- Force Sync: Go to Send/Receive > Send/Receive All Folders.
- Rebuild Search Index: In Control Panel > Indexing Options > Advanced > Rebuild, then restart Outlook.
- Check Data File: Go to File > Account Settings > Data Files and ensure your PST is listed.
Pro-Tip: Follow the Upcoming method that requires no manual reindexing after importing the PST file.
A Smart Way to Import Outlook PST File in any Outlook Version
These are the manual methods you can use to import PST files into any version of Outlook stated above. This method can be risky as it might put your precious PST file data at risk.
However, there is a better way to move Outlook to new computer:
With Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate Software, importing PST file to Outlook is an easy process. Additionally, the allows you to back up up to 25GB of Outlook data, which includes all emails, contacts, calendar events, signatures, and other Outlook items.
Remo Outlook transfer tool can backup, export, and transfer the Outlook data files (.pst and .ost) and migrate the entire Outlook to a new computer in a few simple clicks. Try Now!
How to Import PST File to Outlook using Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate
Steps to Import PST File to Outlook Using Remo OBM tool:
Step 1: Download and Install the Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate software on your Windows system.
Step 2: Open the tool, select Backup to take a backup of the PST file, including all the customizations and settings, and save it in your desired location.
To import the backed-up PST file into Outlook
Step 3: Now click on Browse, select the backed-up PST file from the PC, and click on Next.
Step 4: In the next screen, select the Outlook items that you want to import and click on Next.
This will restore the Outlook restoration process. After completion of the process, just click on Finish, and then you have successfully moved your PST file into Outlook.
You can also export PST from Outlook using the Remo Migration tool, plus Outlook items like Outlook contacts and Outlook calendars as well.
Also Read: How to import ost file in Outlook?
Conclusion
This article was aimed at making your import of PST files into Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2010, and 2007 smooth by assisting you in backing up your Outlook files without any hassle with the Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate tool.
Do let us know in the comments section below if this article helped you with your Outlook PST import process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the steps to import PST files in Outlook 365:
1. Open Outlook 365. Go to File>Open and Export>Import and Export.
2. In the import and Export window, Select Import from another program or File and then Click Next.
3. Select Outlook Data file and then Click Next.
4. Click on the Browse button to select the PST file you want to import, and then Click Next.
5. Choose the Options you want to import items, such as duplicates or replacing items, and then Click Next.
6. Select the Folder you want to import the PST file to or create a new folder and then click Finish.
7. Wait till the Import Process is complete.
1. Open MS Outlook. Navigate to File>Open and Export>Import and Export.
2. In the Import and Export window, select Import from another program or file and Click on Next.
3. Choose the Outlook Data file and Click on Next.
4. Click on the Browse button and navigate to the location of your archive file, select the file, and Click Open.
5. You can choose to import the entire archive or Select a Specific Folder you want to Import.
6. Choose a destination Folder to import the archive file.
7. Click on Finish to complete the import process.
1. Launch Outlook 365 on your Mac. Click on File>Import.
2. Choose Outlook for Windows Archive PST File and click on continue.
3. Locate the PST file that you want to import and Click on Continue.
4. Select the Items that you want to import and Click on Continue.
5. Choose the location where you want to import items. Click on Import.
You can transfer your Outlook settings and data by exporting your old profile to a PST file. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file > Outlook Data File (.pst).
Then, in your new Outlook, choose File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Import from another program or file and select the exported PST file.
In Outlook 365, go to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File, browse to the location of your PST file, and select it.
The imported mailbox will appear in your Outlook folder pane, allowing you to view or move emails as needed.
File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File, then locate your archive file (usually named archive.pst). The archived folders will appear alongside your current mailbox.
You can open PST files without Outlook using free tools like XstReader, Kernel PST Viewer, FreeViewer PST Viewer, or CoolUtils Outlook Viewer.
These utilities let you view emails, attachments, and contacts from PST files safely and without installation.
Yes. You can import a .PST file into Office 365 using Outlook’s Import/Export wizard for individual mailboxes or Microsoft 365 Import Service (Network Upload or Drive Shipping) for bulk migrations.
For single-user import: open Outlook, then File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File (.pst), and follow the prompts
The new Outlook supports PST files in a limited, read-only mode. You can open and view emails stored in a PST, but importing, editing, or adding new data isn’t supported yet.
To access all PST features, open the file in the classic Outlook app that matches your system’s architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
If Outlook doesn’t recognize your PST file, it may be corrupted, misplaced, or disconnected. Verify its location under File > Account Settings > Data Files, and if needed, reattach it manually.
If it still won’t open, repair it using SCANPST.EXE (Inbox Repair Tool) or restore it from a backup. Avoid storing PSTs on external or network drives to prevent damage.
The new Outlook doesn’t use or store data in local .pst files. Instead, all mail, contacts, and calendar data are cloud-synced through Exchange Online.
To view older PST data, open it in the classic Outlook app, or move your mail to your Office 365 mailbox before switching.
To import a PST file into Outlook, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export, then select Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File (.pst). Choose the PST file from your system and pick where to import it, either into your current mailbox or a new folder.
To import a PST file in Outlook for Mac, open Outlook > Tools > Import, select Outlook for Windows archive file (.pst), and click Continue.
Choose your PST file and select the items you want to import. The imported data appears under the My Computer folders in Outlook.
To import a PST file into Outlook in a separate folder, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File (.pst).
Then select “Import items into the same folder in:” > New Folder, or choose Do not import duplicates to keep data separate.
2 thoughts on “How to Import PST File into Outlook?”
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Question… Replacing my outlook 2007 with outlook 2019. I have multiple filters, contacts, and calendar. Will migrating pst files using your tool migrate these items as well as emails or will I have to migrate or manually imput these items? I would like my 2019 outlook look as close to my 2007 outlook as possible.
Hey William! Just by using Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate Tool, you’ll be able to import all your filters and make your Outlook 2019 look like Outlook 2007. All you have to do is input the credentials when prompted by Outlook. Happy Importing!!