How to Convert OST Files to PST Format Using Simple Methods

Summary: Are you looking for the best solution to convert OST files to PST format? If yes, then read this blog till the end. In this write-up, we will explore the manual method and the automated Sysinfo OST to PST Converter Tool to make your conversion task easy. But before going through the methods, let's discuss the reasons behind the OST to PST conversion. 

Why Is OST to PST Conversion Necessary for Users?

The following are some common situations in which consumers search for ways to change OST to PST format:

• If an OST file becomes corrupted, it cannot be opened. The remaining data can be protected against corruption by converting the OST to PST.

• OST files that are too large are more prone to corruption. It is preferable to convert to PST in order to get around this Outlook mailbox size restriction.

• Outlook data can be restored using previously converted OST to PST servers as a backup in case of Exchange Server problems.

• All versions of Outlook support PST files, which are local copies of the Outlook mailbox. As a result, sharing it with other Outlook users is simple.

• Additionally, the OST to PST conversion facilitates a more seamless system move.

Methods to Convert OST Files to PST for Free

If you need to convert an OST file to PST, Microsoft Outlook provides built-in features that allow you to do this without using third-party tools. Below are two effective methods to accomplish the conversion for free.

Method 1: Convert OST to PST Using the Import/Export Option

The Import/Export feature in Outlook allows users to save their mailbox data as a PST file. Follow these steps to transfer OST to PST:

1. Open Outlook – Launch Microsoft Outlook on your system.

2. Access Import/Export – Click on File > Open & Export > Import/Export.

3. Choose Export Option – In the Import and Export Wizard, select Export to a file and click Next.

4. Select File Type – Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.

5. Select Mailbox to Export – Pick the OST mailbox folder you want to convert and check Include subfolders to ensure all data is exported.

6. Apply Filters (Optional) – If you want to export only specific emails, use the Filter option. Then, click Next.

7. Set Save Location – Click Browse to choose where to save the PST file and give it a name.

8. Complete the Export – Click Finish to start the conversion process.

Once completed, your OST file data will be saved in PST format, which you can use for backup or migration.

Method 2: Convert OST Files to PST Using Auto-Archive

Auto-Archive is another useful Outlook feature that automatically moves older emails to a PST file, helping manage mailbox size. Here’s how to enable and use it:

1. Open Outlook – Start Microsoft Outlook and click on the File tab.

2. Go to Options – Select Options from the bottom of the menu.

3. Enable Auto-Archive – Click on Advanced from the left panel and then select AutoArchive Settings.

4. Set Auto-Archive Preferences:

• Choose how often you want Auto-Archive to run (e.g., every 3 months).

• Click Browse to select the location where the PST file should be saved.

• Define the age of emails you want to archive in the Archive items older than section.

• Select Move old items to and choose .pst file as the destination format.

5. Start Archiving – Click OK to save the settings and start the archiving process.

Once enabled, Outlook will automatically archive old emails into a PST file based on the configured settings.

These two manual methods provide a free way to export OST to PST. However, before proceeding, consider the following limitations:

• The Import/Export method may not work for orphaned or corrupted OST files.

• Outlook’s built-in export feature is not suitable for bulk OST file conversion.

• Auto-Archive does not provide instant results; it runs in the background, making it less efficient for immediate backup.

Due to these limitations, manual methods may not always be the best choice. For a more secure, efficient, and hassle-free solution, using professional software is recommended. It ensures a smooth OST to PST conversion without the risks of data loss or file corruption.

Professional Method to Convert OST Files to PST Format

The Sysinfo OST to PST Converter Tool is the most reliable and advanced utility to convert Outlook OST to PST, PDF, EML, and many other file formats in bulk. It can be used to import OST files to Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and multiple email clients. Along with this, the users can effectively remove their duplicate OST files before beginning the OST to PST conversion process. Furthermore, it has the option to preview OST file data during the process. Also, users can download and use this tool on all Windows OS versions, including the latest version, Windows 11. 

Step-by-Step Procedure to Convert OST Files to PST 

1. In the first step, download, install, and run the Sysinfo OST File to PST Converter Tool.

2. Then, choose Single File/Multiple Files or Select Folder. Tap Next.

3. After that, press the Select Files buttons and choose your OST file.

4. Now, add OST files to the software, and tap Next.

5. Next, choose the folder from the tree structure and hit Next.

6. Now, choose PST from the Saves/Backup/Migrate As list.

7. Then, verify the built-in features as per your requirements.

8. Now, press Convert to begin the migration of OST into PST format.

Conclusion 

Converting OST files to PST is essential in many scenarios, such as data recovery, mailbox management, and system migration. While manual methods like Import/Export and Auto-Archive provide free solutions, they come with limitations, such as being ineffective for orphaned OST files and lacking bulk conversion capabilities. For a more efficient, secure, and hassle-free approach, using a professional OST to PST converter is recommended. A dedicated tool ensures a smooth conversion process while preserving data integrity, making it the best choice for users looking for reliability and advanced features.