How to Import PST File to Office 365 without Using Outlook?

Why Do We Need to Import PST to Microsoft 365?

When you import PST to O365, it will help you to keep emails safe and well-organized. Along with that, there are several reasons to accomplish this process. Here are some important reasons to move PST files to Microsoft 365:

• The individual can import PST to Office 365 to access emails from any device, anywhere, without being limited to a single system.
• Apart from that, it protects emails with encryption. PST files stored on a computer are more likely to get damaged, lost, or accessed without permission.
• Moreover, users can utilize the cloud-based features, better collaboration, and seamless app integration.
• With Microsoft 365, admins can centrally manage emails, enforce policies, and ensure better data governance.
• Many organizations are moving away from on-premises Exchange or local PST storage to fully cloud-based email solutions. 

How to Import PST to Office 365?

There are different ways to import PST files into Office 365, each suited for different needs and situations. You can choose the best method for your situation, whether it’s a few files or a large migration.

Method 01: Use the Network Upload Method to Import PST to Office 365

The Network Upload method is an easy way to import PST files into Office 365, even for large-scale migrations. It uses the AzCopy tool to upload the files securely to Microsoft 365, then creates an import job in the Compliance Center to map the files to user mailboxes. Here are the detailed steps to upload PST file to Office 365:

Phase 01: Obtain the SAS URL and Install the AzCopy Tool

To begin, sign in to the Microsoft 365 Compliance Center and get the Shared Access Signature (SAS) URL for uploading your PST files. You’ll also need to download the AzCopy tool, which is used to safely transfer files to Microsoft 365 cloud storage. 

Phase 02:  Transfer PST Files to Microsoft 365

Use the AzCopy tool and the SAS URL to upload your PST files to the assigned Microsoft 365 storage. It makes sure your files are ready for the next steps in the import process.

Phase 03: Prepare the PST Import Mapping File

Download and customize the import mapping file template. This file will link each PST file to the correct user mailbox. 

Phase 04: Set Up the PST Import Job

In the Compliance Center, start a new import job. Choose the uploaded PST files and connect them to the user mailboxes according to your mapping file.

Phase 05: Apply Filters and Start the Import Process

Before starting the import, you can choose to import only certain items by applying filters. Once the filters are set, start the job and keep an eye on the progress as it imports the PST data to Office 365.

Important Note: From going through the above steps, you can import PST to Office 365. However, if you need the more detailed steps, you can go through this link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/purview/use-network-upload-to-import-pst-files

Method 02: Use Outlook 365 to Import Outlook PST File to Office 365

Importing a PST file to Office 365 using Outlook 365 is a simple way to move your data. This method works well for personal use or smaller migrations.

• Firstly, open Outlook 365 and go to File >> Open & Export.
• Select Import/Export and choose Import from another program or file.
• Now, choose Outlook Data File (.pst), then browse and choose the PST file you want to import.
• Next, pick the preferred location to import your Outlook data file. 
• At last, click the Finish button to start the import process.

Limitations of the Manual Method

The manual method for importing PST files has several limitations:

• The manual method can be time-consuming for large PST files.
• It offers limited features, such as no automated data filtering.
• There’s a higher risk of errors, which may result in incomplete imports.
• Along with that, these processes require more manual effort
• Also, manual methods are less efficient for large-scale migrations.

Method 03: Best Alternative: DRS Softech PST to Office 365 Migration Tool

The DRS Softech PST to Office 365 Migration Tool is a reliable solution to import Outlook PST file to Office 365. It allows users to upload single or multiple PST files, preview content before import. Along with that, it can also filter the data for selective migration. Also, it provides a secure connection to Office 365 and makes the entire process easy and efficient, without data loss. It’s a great alternative for smooth, hassle-free PST to Office 365 migration.

Detailed Steps to Import Outlook PST File to Office 365 Account

Here is the step-by-step guide to use this utility and import PST to Microsoft 365: 

1. Download the PST to Office 365 Migration Tool and click the Restore Button to proceed.
   
2. Click on the Continue Button to add the PST File from Office 365, Exchange server mailboxes, or multiple mailboxes.
   
3. Now, you can select either a single PST file or a folder with multiple PST files to upload.
   
4. Select the desired PST file to import PST to Office 365 and click Open to add them.
   
5. Along with that, preview the selected file in the next panel and click Next.
   
6. Log in with your Office 365 credentials and select the destination mailbox.
   
7. Apply filters to migrate only the needed data, then click Convert to start the import.
   

Conclusion

In conclusion, the DRS Softech PST to Office 365 Migration Tool offers a simple, safe, and efficient way to import PST files to Office 365. It is easy to use, supports bulk migration, and includes features like data preview and filtering. This makes it a great choice for a smooth migration experience with minimal risk of data loss and maximum efficiency.

Read More: Best Way to Import PST to Thunderbird

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About The Author:

Shivam Rathore

Shivam is a digital marketer and technical content writer at DRS Solution®, specializing in topics like databases, email recovery, and migration solutions. She enjoys researching and crafting content that assists database administrators, businesses, and beginners in resolving various issues related to MS SQL, MySQL, and Microsoft Exchange.