Microsoft Outlook is email software that saves files in the form of two files- PST and OST files. Both the files format gives us an easy approach to view data online as well as offline. Once you want to shift between machines then the PST files come very handy. In this article we will discuss several methods with you on how to copy OST File to PST in Outlook.

Let us first talk about what is the difference in OST and PST formats.

Basic difference between OST and PST :

Outlook uses two file extensions to save its copies in the form of .ost and .pst.

You can easily see your mails in offline mode as an OST file. These files are locally saved over the machine. The user easily edits or saves mails without internet connection.

Now, when you want to switch places between two devices the OST file does not help for ease of data portability. Here, PST files come to rescue as they are easily portable between different systems.

Since we have already seen both sides of OST and PST. Now, we discuss here the manual methods involved to help you convert OST to PST file.

Important & Easy Procedures to Copy OST File to PST in Outlook:

There are two popular methods to rebuild OST to PST files.

1. Apply Import-Export Wizard

2. Avail the Archive Option

I will describe here both these manual steps; you can make use of any of them.

Method 1: Convert OST to PST file with Import-Export Wizard

1. Initiate Outlook Mail.

2. Press File option.

3. Go over Open & Export and click on Import/Export Option.

4. In the new window shown mouse click on Export to a file and then Next.

5. Pick Outlook data file (.pst) and choose next.

6. Check on include subfolder option in the new window and submit Next.

7. Newly emerged window appears where you browse the folder to save your .pst file and finish.

Method 2: Shift File with Archive in Outlook

This is another manual method, which is an inbuilt feature of Outlook software to move OST files to PST.

1. Open your Email on Outlook.

2. Go to the File menu and click options.

3. Select Advanced and press Auto Archive Settings.

4. You can change the number of days for the auto archive.

5. Browse the location to save your Archive file.

6. Finish the process with Ok.

Both these manual instructions can be used by users to save OST files as PST formats. If done by you on certain time intervals,these solutions can provide you some relief in terms of data security and portability. It can be a hectic and time consuming process.It is difficult when you want to work with large amounts of data. Although, we have given you manual solutions but these methods have their own shortcomings. If you are searching for an easy procedure, which does all steps on its own with just a mouse click then read further.

Safe & Alternate Method:

You can opt for the OST to PST Converter utility for safer and quick conversion. This software best suits you and offers you easy options to copy OST files to PST. Easy user interface of this application takes you to task completion without worrying about the steps involved.

Conclusion

We have discussed here how to copy OST File to PST in Outlook to view data online as well as offline. Here, manual procedures are derived to copy OST to PST. We have also shared an easy approach of using user friendly software.