How to Import PST Files to Outlook(New)? With Ease

What is a PST File?

A PST file is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store emails, contacts, calendars, and other data. When switching to a new version of Outlook or setting up a new account, you may need to import old Outlook PST files to access your historical data.

Benefits of Importing Old PST Files to New Outlook

Importing old PST files into a new Outlook setup can be beneficial for several reasons. Here’s why you might want to do it:

• If you have important emails in your old PST files, importing them ensures you have access to past conversations, attachments, and information.
• Past emails often contain critical details like contacts, schedules, or documents you might need later.
• When moving to a new PC or email client, importing your old PST file ensures continuity without starting from scratch.
• PST files may need to be imported to align with the new format and features of the latest Outlook versions.
• If you’ve repaired a corrupted PST file (as you’ve shown interest in this topic earlier), importing it into a new Outlook setup ensures your restored data is usable.

How to Import PST into New Outlook?

When importing PST files into a new version of Outlook, following the right steps ensures a smooth transition of your emails, contacts, and other important data. Below are the top solutions to help you successfully import your PST files into the new Outlook.

Procedure 01: Manual Approach to Import .pst file into New Outlook

If you’re transitioning to a new version of Outlook or setting up Outlook on a new device, importing your existing .pst file—containing important emails, contacts, calendars, and other Outlook data—into the new Outlook setup is a critical step. Here’s a manual approach to help you easily import your .pst file into the new Outlook environment.

Manual Steps to Import PST into New Outlook

Follow these steps to import .pst files into New Outlook and ensure all your data is transferred seamlessly:

Step 01: Locate Your Old PST Files

Before starting the import process, you need to locate the old PST files on your computer. These files are typically stored in the following locations:

• The default location for PST files on Windows:
  • For Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013: C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents\Outlook Files.
  • For older versions: C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook
• If you’ve backed up PST files, retrieve them from the storage location.

Step 02: Open Outlook

Launch the new version of Microsoft Outlook where you want to import the data.

Step 03: Navigate to the Import Option

1. Go to the File menu in Outlook.
2. Select Open & Export and then click Import/Export.

Step 04: Choose the Import Option to Import Classic Outlook PST to New Outlook

1. Select Import from another program or file in the Import and Export Wizard and click Next.
2. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) from the list and click Next.

Step 05: Browse and Select Your PST File

1. Click on Browse to navigate to the location of your old PST file.
2. After that, select the file and click Open.
3. Choose one of the following options:
   • Replace duplicates with items imported
   • Allow duplicates to be created
   • Do not import duplicates
4. Click Next to proceed.
5. Select the folder where you want to import the data (e.g., your email account’s inbox or another specific folder).
6. Check the box for Include subfolders to ensure all data, including emails, contacts, and calendar entries, is imported.
7. Click Finish to start the import process to add old .pst files to new Outlook.

Step 07: Wait for the Import to Complete

The time taken depends on the size of your PST file. Once the process is completed, you will see all your old emails and data in the folders specified in your New Outlook account.

The manual method is useful for small and occasional imports, but it is not ideal for large-scale PST migrations, bulk imports, or direct Office 365 transfers. To avoid data loss, corruption, and time delays, users handling critical business emails should consider automated PST migration tools for a smoother and more efficient process.

Procedure 02: Instant Solution to Import Classic Outlook PST to New Outlook

Simplified Steps to Import PST into New Outlook

• First, download and install the PST to Office 365 Migration Tool on your system.
• Browse and select the PST file that you want to import into your Office 365 account.
• After that, you will get a preview of the selected PST data which you want to import. 
• Enter the Office 365 admin credentials to authenticate and click on the Sign In button.
• Select filters such as date range, and specific folders, or exclude unnecessary data.
• Lastly, click the Convert Button to  Import old Outlook PST to New Outlook. 

Once the migration is complete, log in to your new Outlook (Office 365) and access the imported emails frequently.

Final Words

Importing old PST files into a new Outlook setup is essential for restoring access to your emails, contacts, and calendar events. By using Outlook’s built-in Import/Export feature or a PST to Office 365 Migration Tool, you can efficiently transfer your PST files while maintaining data integrity. For frequent migration, ensure that your PST file is not corrupted and is properly backed up before starting the import process. Once imported, organize your emails and folders within Outlook for better email management. With the given approach, you can successfully  Import PST into new outlook setup without losing any critical data.

Read More: Import PST to Thunderbird Without Outlook