What is the process to convert OST to PST, and which tools are recommended for 2025?

edvinryding

New Member
OST and PST are file extensions used by Microsoft Outlook for Windows. However, Outlook doesn’t provide a built-in option to directly convert an OST file to PST format. To accomplish this, users can either follow a manual conversion method or use a professional OST to PST Converter tool for better accuracy and ease.

Download Free OST to PST Converter

Manual Method 1: Exporting Mailbox to PST File

Follow the steps below to manually export your mailbox from OST to PST format using Microsoft Outlook
  1. Launch Microsoft Outlook and log in using your Exchange account.
  2. Go to the File menu.
  3. Select Open & Export, then choose Import/Export.
  4. In the Import and Export Wizard, choose Export to a file, then click Next.
  5. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
  6. Choose the specific folder(s) you wish to export and click Next.
  7. Browse to select the destination path for the new PST file.
  8. Choose the option Do not export duplicate items, then click Finish.
Note: This method requires a working Outlook profile connected to the same Exchange account. It may not work if the OST file is orphaned or corrupted.

Using an OST to PST Converter Tool

Manual conversion methods have several limitations — they can’t handle inaccessible or corrupted OST files, and there’s no guarantee of complete data recovery. A professional OST to PST Converter tool provides a safer and more efficient alternative. It is standalone software, meaning it does not require pre-installation of MS Outlook to perform the conversion.

Key Features of a Professional OST to PST Converter

  • Exports all Outlook items including emails, calendars, notes, tasks, journals, events, and contacts.
  • Supports both archived and newly created OST files, regardless of size.
  • Converts OST files to multiple formats: PST, MSG, EML, EMLX, PDF, HTML, TGZ, ICS, VCF, CSV, and more.
  • Enables migration from OST to various email clients such as Thunderbird, Apple Mail, Entourage, Lotus Notes, and others.
  • Maintains the original folder hierarchy and ensures data integrity throughout the conversion process.
 
Converting an OST to PST means that mailbox items from an Outlook account linked to the OST file is extracted from the OST located on the computer and exported into a PST file which can be imported back into Outlook. While you can perform this process manually using Outlook's Import/Export feature, it is only recommended if the OST file can be located and is still linked to the Outlook account, otherwise, it is recommended to use a third-party tool if the OST is orphaned or unreadable. In the year 2025, FixVare OST to PST Converter is one of the most reliable and safest tools available to convert to PST formats. The software can convert the OST files of any size into PST without risk of data loss or formatting problems.
 
The best recommended tool to convert Outlook OST file to PST format in Windows computer is EmailsGuru OST to PST Converter. It is designed to convert OST files to PST format without data loss. It works with all versions of Microsoft Outlook, including Outlook 365, 2016, 2019, and earlier versions. Moreover, it has the capability to fix inaccessible Outlook OST files error by converting them into PST format. It is fully supportable to all versions of Windows including Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7, XP, Vista and all below version. It is fully safe and easy method to convert Outlook OST file to PST thus any individuals or professionals can use this solution. New users are free to use a demo version without investing.
 
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