Transferring emails between Outlook accounts is essential when switching jobs, migrating to a new provider, or consolidating inboxes. Whether you’re dealing with large enterprise mailboxes or personal email data, choosing the right migration method ensures zero data loss and complete folder integrity.
Common Transfer Scenarios
- Migrating from an old work account to a new one.
- Moving personal emails to a new service.
- Consolidating multiple personal email accounts.
- Archiving old emails for record-keeping.
Method 1: Using the Drag-and-Drop Feature
This method is straightforward for moving specific emails or folders when both accounts are configured within the same Outlook desktop profile. This is best for when you want a quick transfer and have a small number of emails.
Prerequisites for Drag-and-Drop
Before moving emails between Outlook accounts, make sure that both the source and destination email accounts are set up and active in your Outlook application.
Step 1: Add Both Accounts to Outlook
1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Add Account.
3. Follow the prompts to enter your email address and password for each account. Outlook will attempt to configure the settings automatically.
Note: Ensure both accounts are fully synchronized before attempting to move emails.
Step 2: Drag and Drop Folders or Emails
Once both accounts are visible in your Outlook navigation pane, you can begin moving items.
1. Locate the email or folder you wish to move in the source account’s navigation pane.
2. Click and hold the item.
3. Drag the item to the desired folder in the destination account in the navigation pane.
4. Release the mouse button.
Notes: Dragging a folder will move all its contents. Dragging individual emails moves only those selected emails. To copy instead of move, hold down the Ctrl key while dragging.
Method 2: Exporting and Importing Outlook Data File (.pst)
This method involves exporting emails from your source account into a Personal Storage Table (.pst) file, a common file format for Outlook data. You then import this .pst file into your destination Outlook account. This is a robust method suitable for large transfers and archiving large mailboxes
Step 1: Exporting Emails from the Source Account
You will initiate the export process from within Outlook.
1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Select Export to a file and click Next.
4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
5. Select the email account or folder you wish to export. To export the entire mailbox, select the top-level folder, usually your email address. Ensure Include subfolders is checked. Click Next.
6. Browse for a location to save your .pst file. Give it a memorable name.
7. Select an option for handling duplicate items. Choosing Replace duplicates with items exported is often appropriate.
8. Click Finish.
9. You may be prompted to add an optional password to the .pst file. If you choose to set one, remember it. Click OK.
Note: The export process can take time depending on the size of your mailbox. Do not close Outlook until the export is complete.
Step 2: Importing Emails to the Destination Account
Once the .pst file is created, you can import it into another Outlook account.
1. Open Outlook and ensure your destination account is configured.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Select Import from another program or file and click Next.
4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
5. Browse to the .pst file you previously created.
6. Select an option for handling duplicate items. Do not import duplicate items is often a good choice. Click Next.
7. Select the folder to import into. You can import directly into the destination account’s Inbox or another specific folder.
8. Ensure Include subfolders is checked.
9. Click Finish.
10. If the .pst file is password-protected, you will be prompted to enter the password.
Note: After importing, check the folder structure in your destination account to ensure all emails are in the correct locations.
Method 3: Configuring Both Accounts in Outlook (for IMAP/Exchange)
This method is highly effective for IMAP and Exchange accounts because it allows direct synchronization with the server. Emails moved this way are often synchronized across all devices connected to the account. This method is ideal for users having 2 active accounts and just want to sync across devices.
When to Use This Method
Use this method when both your source and destination accounts are IMAP or Exchange accounts. This is not suitable for POP3 accounts, as POP3 typically downloads emails to the local machine, making server-side moves less direct.
Step 1: Add Both Email Accounts to Outlook
As with the drag-and-drop method, both accounts must be configured within your Outlook profile.
1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Add Account.
3. Enter the necessary account details for both the source and destination accounts. Confirm they are set up as IMAP or Exchange.
Step 2: Copy or Move Emails Between Accounts
With both accounts open in Outlook, you can directly interact with the mailboxes.
1. Navigate to the source account in your Outlook navigation pane.
2. Select the emails or folders you want to transfer.
3. Right-click on the selected items.
4. Choose Move > Other Folder….
5. In the “Move Items” dialog box, select the target folder within your destination account.
6. Click OK.
Alternatively, to copy instead of move: Right-click, choose Copy Folder (or Copy to Folder for emails), and then select the destination folder.
Transfer Emails From One Outlook Account to Another Using Remo Outlook Backup & Migrate
| Method | Best For | Difficulty | Data Safety |
| PST Export/Import | Large data | Medium | High |
| Drag & Drop | Small transfers | Medium | Medium |
| IMAP/Exchange | Sync accounts | Medium | High |
| Remo OBM Tool | Automated transfer | Easy | Very High |
Troubleshooting Common Transfer Issues
Even with careful execution, issues can arise during email transfers. Here are solutions to common problems.
File Size Limitations
Large PST files can cause performance issues or fail to import.
Solution: Before exporting, consider archiving older emails from your source account into separate, smaller PST files. This reduces the primary PST file’s size. When importing, import smaller PST files individually.
Corrupted PST Files
A PST file can become corrupted, preventing successful export or import.
Solution: Use Outlook’s built-in Inbox Repair Tool (scanpst.exe).
1. Close Outlook.
2. Locate scanpst.exe (usually in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeXX where XX is your Office version).
3. Run scanpst.exe and browse to your PST file.
4. Click Start to scan and repair the file.
Permissions and Account Access
Lack of proper permissions can block transfers, especially in corporate environments.
Solution: Ensure you have full access rights to both the source and destination mailboxes. If transferring corporate accounts, contact your IT administrator for assistance or to verify permissions.
Best Practices for Email Transfer
Follow these best practices to ensure a smooth and secure email transfer.
Backup Your Data
Before migrating Outook data , always create a complete backup of your source Outlook data. This provides a safety net in case of unexpected data loss.
Verify Transferred Emails
After the transfer is complete, thoroughly check both the source and destination accounts. Confirm that all emails, folders, contacts, and calendar entries have been moved or copied correctly.
Consider Folder Structure
Plan your folder structure in the destination account before transferring. This helps maintain organization and avoids having to reorganize a large volume of emails post-transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use drag-and-drop or IMAP sync if both accounts are configured.
Yes, via IMAP/Exchange synchronization between accounts.
No, transferring emails using the PST export/import method creates a copy of your emails, so the original data remains intact. However, if you use drag-and-drop or “Move” options, emails will be removed from the source account and placed in the destination account.
