Relying solely on IMAP means your emails live on the mail server, great for access, risky for control. Exporting an IMAP account to PST flips that, giving you a self-contained file for backups, migrations, or even legal archives.
Does IMAP create a PST file?
No, IMAP accounts do not create PST files by default. Instead, Outlook stores your IMAP data in an OST (Offline Storage Table) file.
OST is a temporary cache. It allows you to read emails offline, but it is strictly tied to your current Outlook profile. You cannot simply copy an OST file to another computer and open it. To move your data or back it up permanently, you must convert that data into a PST file and export pst from Outlook.
The main Key advantage of using IMAP over POP3 is that IMAP syncs folders between your email server and Outlook. When you create, rename, or delete folders in Outlook with an IMAP account, those changes sync to the server and appear on all your devices
Solutions to Export IMAP Mailbox to PST
Follow the upcoming methods to import IMAP emails and other data to a PST file:
Method 1: Export IMAP to PST Using Outlook’s Built-in Wizard
This is the most straightforward method, officially accepted answer by Microsoft via Microsoft Learn, and the one I recommend for most users. Outlook’s built-in export feature handles everything automatically.
Crucial Pre-requisite: Download “All” Emails Before exporting, ensure Outlook has actually downloaded your entire mailbox.
- Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Double-click your IMAP email account.
- Look for the slider named Download email for the past.
- Drag this slider all the way to the right to select All.
- Click Next and Finish
Restart Outlook and allow it some time to update the folders.
Note: If you skip this, Outlook will only export the emails currently cached, and you will miss older data.
Step-by-Step: Outlook Export IMAP to PST
Step 1: Add Your IMAP Account to Outlook
- Open Outlook
- Click File >Add Account.
- Enter your email address
- Outlook may auto-detect settings, or you’ll need to enter IMAP server details manually:
Incoming mail server.
Port - Outgoing mail server: SMTP server address
- Click Next and let Outlook sync your emails
Pro tip: Let Outlook fully sync all your IMAP emails before exporting. This can take 30 minutes to several hours for large mailboxes.
Also, run the Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe) on the newly created PST file, as this tool can sometimes fix folder indexing issues that prevent items from displaying.
Step 2: Open the Export Wizard and Choose the IMAP Account
- Click File in the top > Open & Export > Import/Export.
- Select Export to a file > Next and choose Outlook Data File (.pst) > Next.
- In the folder list, select your IMAP account name (the top-level folder).
- Make sure Include subfolders is checked; this exports everything.
- Click Next.
Step 3: Choose Save Location
- Click Browse.
- Navigate to where you want to save the PST file (Desktop, Documents, or external drive).
- Name the file clearly.
- Click OK, then Next.
Step 4: Complete the Export
- Choose Replace duplicates with items exported (standard option).
- Click Finish.
- Optionally set a password to protect the PST file.
- Wait for the export to complete.
Method 2: Drag-and-Drop Method within Outlook
Create a PST first, then drag-and-drop from IMAP. Ideal for: Partial transfers or when the wizard feels bulky. Still needs Outlook with IMAP added.
Create blank PST: File > New Items > More Items > Outlook Data File and name it > OK. It nests under Local Folders.
Sync IMAP as in Method 1: Ensure folders load.
Drag and Drop: In the folder pane, select emails/folders (Ctrl for multiples) > Drag to your new PST’s root or subfolder. Outlook copies, watch the counter.
For whole folders: Right-click IMAP folder > Move to Folder > Select PST target. Handles subfolders too.
Close and save: Right-click PST > Close. Your file’s ready on disk.
Method 3: Use a Professional IMAP to PST Export Tool
If you want complete control or need to manage multiple IMAP accounts efficiently, third-party tools are your best option.
As Outlook IMAP account data is in OST files, the most reliable way to export emails to PST is by converting those OST files directly.
Remo OST to PST converter simplifies OST to PST conversion process; it safely extracts all your IMAP mailbox data (emails, attachments, contacts, folders) from the OST file and converts it into a ready to import PST file into Outlook.
Best Suited: Exporting IMAP or Exchange mailboxes to PST when Outlook is unavailable, or you need a clean PST copy.
Step 1: Download and install the Remo Convert OST to PST tool on your computer.
Step 2: Launch the software, choose your IMAP account,
select Open OST File (If you want to locate the OST file manually) or Find OST File (If you want the software to locate the OST file automatically), and click Next.
Step 3: Choose the Browse button to choose a location converted PST file and click Convert.
Step 4: Now, the Remo OST to PST converter tool starts converting the OST file to a healthy PST file.
After the completion of the exporting process, the software will display a message saying the OST file conversion has completed.
Once completed, you can choose to back up the PST file or import the PST file into Outlook
(OR)
2: Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate
If your goal is to migrate or back up your entire Outlook setup, not just emails, use Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate.
It creates a single .obm file containing the entire Outlook, your emails, signatures, rules, and settings, allowing you to restore everything on a new system with one click.
Remo Outlook Transfer tool works even if Outlook is not connected to the mail server or the profile is inaccessible. Enabling you to import ost file into Outlook
Step 1: Download and install the Remo Outlook Backup and Migrate software and choose Backup.
Step 2: From the main screen, select Backup.
Choose Smart Backup (for the entire Outlook) or Advanced Backup (for customized backups).
Step 3: Once the backup is completed, review the Outlook backup and choose to save preferred location.
Final Thoughts
Exporting IMAP to PST doesn’t have to be complicated. For most users, Method 1 is the simplest and most reliable approach; it’s what I recommend 90% of the time.
Use Method 2 when you need a one-time backup. Method 3 makes sense for power users managing multiple accounts or needing scheduled backups.
Remember: Always verify your PST file opens correctly in Outlook immediately after export. Don’t delete your IMAP emails until you’ve confirmed everything has been exported successfully.
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