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How to Import OST File to Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, 2016?

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Published By Jamie Kaler 
Rollins Duke
Approved By Rollins Duke
Published On November 15th, 2024
Reading Time 9 Min Read
Overview: Are you finding a method to import OST file to Outlook in Windows? Or want to add OST file to Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, etc. In this article, we will discuss a case study of how you can open multiple OST files without any restrictions. To explore the solution in detail, be sure to read through the complete guide until the end.

Microsoft Office 365 is a cloud-based personal information manager center. It helps users to access their emails quickly & other mailbox items anytime from anywhere. Nowadays, Cloud is the need of the hour. Many business users are pushing hard to put their resources on the cloud.

On the other hand, an OST file stores crucial data for saving Exchange Server but it is not so easy to import OST file to Outlook as there is no direct manual way for it. These files can be opened with a configured profile (Exchange/IMAP) only. Once a user disconnects the server or updates the profile that time OST files get orphaned and cannot be imported into Outlook.

To add the disconnected OST files, we need to change them into Outlook 365 readable format. Generally, Microsoft does not provide any way to relink OST file in Outlook. But don’t worry, follow the below steps to easily import OST file into Outlook 365 all versions.

A large number of users are having this query: how can I add OST file to Outlook 365, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc? Some of the reasons are given below.

How to Import OST File into Outlook 365 Account?

You can easily add your OST file in Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, 2016, and other versions by converting them into PST format. After that, you can upload a resultant data file to Office 365 and Outlook account. Firstly, we will explore two manual methods for exporting your data. After that, we’ll look at how to import OST files into Office 365 and Exchange Server.

Important Note: This method only works with connected OST files with Outlook or Exchange servers. If you have an orphan OST file to import into Outlook 365, then you should use the expert solution.

#1: Convert OST File to PST: In-Built

  1. Open Outlook >> File Menu >> Open & Export.

    File Menu

  2. Click on Import / Export >> Export to a File.

    Import/Export

  3. Select Outlook Data File (.pst).

    Outlook Data File

  4. Choose a specific folder or the complete account.

    specific folder

  5. Check on the Include subfolder.
  6. Enter the destination and get the file.

    Enter the destination

#2: Add OST File to Outlook By Using Archive Feature

You can import OST file to Outlook 365 account by using the Archive feature. But be cautious while performing this process, as it will not transfer your contacts, calendars, rules, or other settings. Following are the steps to add OST file to Outlook account.

  1. Head to the Outlook account.
  2. Press on the File tab and choose Archive.
  3. A window will appear and choose the needed file/folder to archive.
  4. Select the location to save your resultant archive file.
  5. Lastly, click on the OK button.

How to Open OST File in Outlook?

  1. From the File Menu in Outlook, click on Open & Export.
  2. Click on Open Outlook Data File.
  3. And, view the OST files in Outlook.

You can perform both processes to export your data, now let’s move to the steps to upload your OST file into Office 365 and Exchange Server.

How to Add OST File in Office 365 / Exchange Server?

After exporting your connected OST file, now you have to open PST file to the Office 365 account. We are not explaining other steps to import PST files to Office 365 and Import/Export Exchange Mailbox to PST, because of the prolonged lethargic process. So, you can visit the above links and check the manual methods by following the given blogs.

After this, now let’s talk about how you can import orphan, corrupted, and inaccessible OST files to Outlook 365 / Exchange mailbox.To handle this, you’ll need an expert solution, as manual methods simply can’t cover it all. For a comprehensive and hassle-free approach, relying on a specialized tool is essential.

Import OST File into Outlook 365: Solutions for Corrupted & Orphaned Files

You can add OST file to Outlook, Office, and Outlook.com accounts using the professional RecoveryTools OST Converter Tool. As we have already informed earlier OST files or Offline Outlook Data Files cannot be directly opened in Outlook Windows. A huge number of queries are posted on the internet to find a solution. That’s why we’ve identified one of the best and most reliable expert solutions available.

You can easily import OST file to Outlook including orphan, damaged, inaccessible, and corrupted files into 30+ saving other formats. This amazing solution provides users a direct option to import OST to Office 365 / Exchange mailbox. A user only needs to enter the login credentials of their Office 365 account to perform the migration.

This toolkit also has an advanced I am Adminoption, that will enable the users to migrate the data along with the needs and requirements of the users. The tool provides a simple and user-friendly interface that can be used by all users from different backgrounds.

How to Import OST File into Outlook 365?

  • Step 1: Run OST to Office 365 migration tool.
  • Step 2: Upload the OST files/folders.
  • Step 3: Check the required data.
  • Step 4: Choose PST/ Office 365 / IMAP as a saving type.
  • Step 5: Enter login details of O365/server.
  • Step 6: Click on the Convert to add OST file to Outlook.

Advanced & Prime Features of the OST to Office 365 Migration Tool

  • Preserve OST Files Metadata & Properties: The software is designed with advanced algorithms to maintain metadata and all other properties during the import OST file to Outlook accounts. The attributes like To, Cc, Bcc, Subject, Date, and Folder hierarchy will be preserved and completely secured while using this software.
  • Bulk & Selective Process: The software allows users to easily import OST file into Outlook 365 in bulk at once without having file size limitations. After uploading OST files and folders, users can check the required data from the panel.
  • Load Data Manually & Automatically: This OST to Office migration tool provides two different types of options to add OST files manually (using Select Files/Folders) and automatically from the default storage location of the connected Outlook profile.
  • Supports All Types of Files: This solution is mainly famous for supporting all types of OST files including orphan, corrupted, damaged and inaccessible. Using Recovery Mode allows users to repair corrupted Outlook data files.
  • No Need to Perform Any Extra Process: It will import OST to Office 365 and exchange server directly by entering login credentials. Also, there is no need to perform any extra process like Import/Export.
  • Compatible with All Windows OS Editions: The software easily runs on all Microsoft Windows OS including Windows 11, 10, 8, and below versions for both 32 and 64-bit OS editions. Use this tool and easily import OST files into Outlook 365 without any limitations.

Which Data Will Be Migrated by This Tool?

This tool is designed to open OST file in Outlook 365 account. It helps users to move important user information without restriction.

Emails: This tool supports importing files with various details.

  • Email Headers – You can import OST to Office 365 with complete email header information, including Cc, Bcc, Size, Time, Sent Time, Received Time, etc.
  • Body Components – The OST to Office 365 Migration Tool supports the conversion of all email bodies and keeps them safe i.e., Inline objects, images, hyperlinks, signatures, or email formatting.
  • Email Attachment Files – This tool supports the import of files to Microsoft Office 365 as well as all types of embedded attachments, including DOCX, GIF, PNG, PDF, RTF, XLS, or ZIP files.
  • User Profiles Data – With this utility, users can export all Outlook user profile information stored in an OST file.
  • Archived Folders – This toolkit also enables users to open OST files in Outlook 365 without any size limitations. It seamlessly supports various archive folders, including annual and monthly archives.

Contacts: The user can successfully upload contacts directly to Office 365 using Active Directory. Supports converting contacts and contact groups with complete field information, such as:

  • First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, Nick Name, etc.
  • Date of Birth
  • Business Address, Personal Address, Home Address, etc.
  • Phone number, Personal Number, Mobile, Business Number, Fax, etc.
  • Personal Email Id, Business Email Id, etc.

Calendars: With this Migration tool, you can easily export calendars and appointments. Supports all calendar item features, including:

  • Meetings
  • Calls
  • Appointments
  • Events
  • Attachments or
  • Any Special Occasion

Commonly Asked Questions

  • Ques 1: What is the OST file size limit in Office 365?

    Ans: The default OST file size limit in Office 365 is 50 GB, adjustable by administrators.

  • Ques 2: Can Office 365 read PST files?

    Ans: Yes, Office 365 can read the Portable table storage file using the AzCopy tool.

  • Ques 3: Does Outlook still use OST files?

    Ans: Yes, Outlook uses OST format while you connect your Outlook with IMAP or Exchange server.

  • Ques 4: What is the full form of OST in Outlook?

    Ans: OST means Offline Storage Table in Outlook.

  • Ques 5: Can I open an OST file directly in Outlook 365?

    Ans: No, you can’t open OST file in Outlook directly, first, you have to import the file to the Outlook 365 account. And if you don’t want to install any email client, so you can use Free OST Viewer to analyze your complete data.

Wrap Up Time

In the above-discussed article, we take a brief description of all the details regarding how to import OST file to Outlook 365, 2021, 2019, 2016, and Exchange server on Windows. We have presented both the manual as well as the professional way to carry out better results.

We recommend using the expert-recommended solution for effortless OST file imports into Outlook.  It’s easy to use and handles unlimited file sizes without any restrictions. For more information, you can connect with us anytime.