3 Free Methods to Convert OST to PST without Outlook

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  • Updated on November 5th, 2024

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Summary: You may face a variety of scenarios to convert OST to PST. This situation arises when the OST file gets corrupted, you need to backup your Outlook mailbox, and much more. However, users keep searching for different ways to convert Outlook OST file to PST but they don’t find any reliable method. Well, one of the most prominent ways to do so is using MS Outlook itself. However, if you cannot use Outlook, we have an alternative solution, professional Microsoft OST to PST Converter. Let us explore the procedures in detail

Both OST and PST are Outlook data files, storing complete Outlook mailbox data. OST stands for Offline Storage Table, synchronizes with the Exchange Server, and allows offline access to Outlook data. On the other hand, PST files store Outlook data locally and are a portable format for sharing Outlook emails and other data. Before we begin OST to PST Conversion, let us see viable reasons to do so.

Why Users Need to Convert OST to PST?

There are various scenarios when users look for methods to save Outlook OST to PST format, some prominent ones are as follows:

  • OST file cannot be opened if it gets corrupted. Converting the OST to PST can save the remaining data from corruption.
  • Oversized OST files are more likely to encounter corruption. To overcome this Outlook mailbox size limit, converting to PST is a better choice.
  • If there are issues with the Exchange Server, previously converted OST to PST, servers as a backup to restore Outlook data.
  • PST files are local copies of Outlook mailbox, and it is supported by all versions of Outlook. Thus, users can easily share it with other Outlook users.
  • In addition, when migrating from one system to another, OST to PST Conversion makes migration smoother.

How to Convert OST to PST Free?

In this section, we will discuss some free and paid ways for exporting OST data to PST. However, the process may vary to an extent depending on which Outlook you are using. Let us begin with the most popular Import/Export feature.

Method 1: Use the Import/Export Option to Export OST to PST

Outlook has an excellent built-in feature, Import/Export. It allows users to save Outlook mailbox data to PST format or import PST to Outlook. Apart from that, one can also export Outlook data to CSV format using this feature. Do as these steps direct for conversion:

  1. Start the MS Outlook application on your system.
  2. Simply click the File tab from the menubar at the top.
  3. You will find the Open & Export option. Click on it and then Import/Export.
  4. The Import and Export Wizard opens. Choose the option Export to a file > Next.
  5. Now, to begin the export, choose Outlook Data File (.pst). Click Next.
  6. From the dialog box, select the mailbox to save as a PST file.
  7. Check the box for Include subfolders. This will migrate all email data.
  8. Apply appropriate filters for specific exports. Tap Next to proceed.
  9. Specify the desired saving location on your system for the new PST file.
  10. Define by a file name of your choice and click Finish. The process to change OST to PST begins.

Well, many users may find this process a big task. Therefore, we have discussed another manual solution for you.

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

Another excellent feature of Outlook is AutoArchive. Enabling this in Outlook automatically moves older emails to a PST file. It also helps you to increase Outlook mailbox size. Let us know how! Follow the below steps:

  1. Open MS Outlook and access the File tab. Then, click on the Options at the bottom.
  2. Select Advanced from the menu on the left. To set up Auto-archive, click on the AutoArchive tab.
  3. Once it’s done, you need to choose where to save emails and the file type.
  4. In the ‘Run AutoArchive every’ section, choose how often you want to archive (like every 3 months).
  5. Click on Browse to pick where you want to save the PST file.
  6. In ‘Archive items older than,’ specify the age of emails you want to archive.
  7. Choose the option “Use .pst file” to save emails to PST format.
  8. Click on the Start AutoArchive button to archive your emails, and then OK to save your settings.

So, these are two manual and free-of-cost methods that you can try to export OST to PST. However, before you begin with these methods, it’s important to note down some points:

  • The Import/Export process might not work for orphaned or corrupt OST files.
  • Using Outlook to export OST files to PST is not an ideal choice for batch OST conversion.
  • Auto-Archive shows no immediate change in your Outlook mailbox. It runs in the background.

There are many such limitations of manual process. Therefore, we suggest a secure and more reliable way, which is using professional software.

Method 3: The Best Professional Tool to Convert OST to PST without Outlook

Wondering which professional tool is the best to save OST to PST? Well, it’s none other than OST to PST Converter. To skip the hassle of the manual process, go for this proficient utility. It is designed with an easy-to-understand user interface and is widely compatible across all versions of Windows OS. In addition, it requires no prior technical expertise to operate the tool, and one can convert OST with utmost ease. This comprehensive tool also allows users to convert OST to PDF and other formats like MBOX, EML, HTML, and CSV. If you are switching from Outlook to another email client, this software is all you need.

Steps to Convert Outlook OST file to PST

Let us see the step-by-step procedure here:

  1. Install and start the tool as an administrator on your system.
  2. Add OST file(s) or an entire folder of OST files to convert to PST.
  3. Once you have added the tool, preview OST mailbox data. Select folders to save in PST and click Next.
  4. Choose PST as the saving option from the list provided.
  5. If required, opt for the appropriate filters like “Remove Duplicate” or “Date range” for precise outcomes.
  6. Specify where you want to save PST on your system. Choose a desired folder.
  7. At last, beginning the conversion process, click on the Convert button.

Hence, this is how you can change OST to PST using the best converter.

Conclusion

Hope this blog helps you to convert OST to PST free as well as through more reliable software. We have considered the needs of all types of users and explained three different processes for the ease of conversion. You can choose any one that suits your needs and follow the process accordingly. However, it is highly recommended by experts to use professional tools for quick and safe conversion of OST data files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is the best software to convert OST to PST file for free without Outlook?

Ans- The Microsoft OST Converter is professional software that converts your OST file to PST for free, up to 50 email items per folder without Outlook.

Q. How to convert an OST file to a PST file in 5 minutes?

Ans– Export the OST File to PST in 5 Minutes using the following steps:
1. Run the OST Converter on your machine.
2. Select an OST file that you want to convert.
3. Click next to preview the email content.
4. Choose the Save As PST option and click on Next.
5. Now, convert your OST file to a PST file successfully.

About The Author:

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.

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