How to Import OST to Outlook 2021 / 2019 / 2016?

Summary: If you want to know the solution to import OST to Outlook 2021 and other versions, this page is for you. Here you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to import OST file to Outlook using three effective methods.

Microsoft has launched the Outlook 2021 version, which comes with new features and better security. That is why many users prefer to switch to the Outlook application for better performance.

But before we move on, let’s take a quick look at the overview of OST and PST file formats.

Both files are created by Outlook to store data. An OST file is an offline data file that helps users to function even when the internet connection is not available. The OST file is created when the Exchange Server connection is established. However, Outlook does not have a built-in option to upload OST files.

PST file stands for Personal Storage Table. It is created when users export their data to the system as a backup. A PST file can be easily imported into the Outlook application.

Method 1: Import OST to Outlook Using Import Export Wizard

Here, you need to perform 2 steps. First, you need to export data in a PST file and then import this file into the Outlook account. Follow the instructions below to achieve this:

Step 1: Export Your Emails

1. Open MS Outlook on your PC and click “File.”
2. Select “Open & Export,” then “Import/Export.”
3. Then select “Export to a File” and click “Next.”
4. Afterward, select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
5. Select the desired profile and folder and again click “Next.”v
6. Now, click “Browse” and set the location to store the file.
7. Click “Finish” to export your emails.

Step 2: Import Your Emails

1. Follow the first and second steps as mentioned in the above export steps.
2. Then select “Import from another program or file” and click “Next”.
3. Choose “Outlook data file” and again press the “Next” button.
4. Select the exported file to import and click Next.
5. Select the folder to add OST file to Outlook account. 
6. Finally, click on the Finish button to start the procedure.

If you are not happy with this method, you can move to the second one to import OST to Outlook manually.

Method 2: Open OST File in Outlook Using Archive Settings

1. Launch Outlook and click on the “File” menu.
2. Then select “Options” to open the Outlook options.
3. Select “Advanced” >> “AutoArchive Settings.”
4. Enable “AutoArchive Settings” and click “OK” to save changes.
5. Specify a path to save the “archive.pst” file and click “OK.”
6. You can then import it using the Import/Export Wizard as shown in the above method.

So these are the manual methods to import OST file to Outlook. However, it has limitations too.

Limitations of Manual Solutions

• Both manual methods fail to transfer the orphaned OST files.
• Outlook must be connected to the original mail server (Exchange, Microsoft 365, or IMAP).
• Does not allow you to access an OST file on another system.
• Not able to recover or convert corrupted or inaccessible OST files.

What has to be done now? Is there any solution to import OST to Outlook 2021 version? The answer is yes. It is possible with the email conversion tool, which we discuss in the section below.

Expert Solution to Import OST File to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016

Yota OST to PST Converter Tool helps you open OST file in Outlook along with all data items. It supports repairing damaged or corrupted files and also lets you transfer orphaned OST files. The software allows you to export OST files to PST file format without Outlook, which you can easily import to the latest Outlook version.

Free Download Buy Now

The tool is simple to use; even a normal computer user can access it. Users can transfer all data from the OST file, such as emails, calendars, contacts, journals, notes, and tasks.

With this tool, it becomes easy for users to upload large OST files with no size limit. Besides, it supports all Outlook versions of OST files, including Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, etc. Users can download and install it on any version of Windows OS, like Win 11, 10, 8, 7, and below.

Steps to Import OST to Outlook;

1. Launch the tool and click Open. Go to Email Data files and select the OST file.
2. Preview OST file data >> click Export and select PST file format.
3. Browse location to store the resultant file and hit the Save button.

That’s it. This is how you can export the offline data files to the PST format. After that, you need to upload the resultant file to your Outlook application and import OST file to Outlook 2021.

Advanced Features of Automated Solution

The wizard provided tons of features that make it the best utility to open OST file in Outlook without any trouble. You can use any built-in option to complete this task according to your needs. Here are some of the highlighted features:

• The software helps you to transfer multiple OST files at the same time. It has no size limitations, and you will never lose a single piece of data throughout the whole process.
• One can import OST to Outlook with all data items, which include email messages, calendar data, contact list, notes, and more.
• This utility is powerful enough to import damaged and inaccessible OST files. Now you can easily open an orphan OST file in Outlook application.
• If you want to import OST file to Outlook selectively, this tool also does it for you. It offers a search option by which you can search emails by name, to, from, date, time, attachment, and many more.

Final Words

If you are looking for the best way to import OST to Outlook 2021, this blog provides you with three 3 solutions. Manual methods do not transfer orphaned and corrupted OST files. However, we suggested an effective email conversion tool that supports importing orphaned and damaged OST files. It helps you open OST file in Outlook without any limitations.

FAQs

Q 1: How do I open an OST File in Outlook?

Ans: To open and import OST file into Outlook, first convert your OST file to PST format and then import that PST file into Outlook via the import option.

Q 2:  Can you read and import orphan OST in Outlook?

Ans: Using the OST Converter tool, you can import an orphaned OST file to Outlook without any trouble.

Q 3: Can I import an OST file into Outlook directly?

Ans: No, OST file cannot be imported into Outlook. For importing OST to Outlook, you need to convert your offline data file to PST file format. After that, you add PST file into Outlook.