How to Import PST File in Outlook?

Do you have a PST file that you want to upload into Outlook, but are unsure about the official method to import or open it? Don’t worry, this post explains a simple way to open and import your PST file.

When do users face challenges importing a PST file?

Importing a PST file into Outlook is not difficult for daily users. However, users who have recently started using MS Outlook or have just installed it may face challenges in finding the correct way to open or import a PST file.

MS Outlook provides two different options to open or import an Outlook data file, and these options also help users migrate data from an existing PST file.

To import a PST file into Outlook, you can do it manually via the Outlook interface or automate it using PowerShell (with Outlook installed). Here's both ways:

Manual 1: Import PST into Outlook

• Open Outlook.
• Click on File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
• Choose Import from another program or file > Click Next.
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst) > Click Next.
• Browse to the PST file location.

• Choose your preferred option for duplicates:
• Replace duplicates with items imported
• Allow duplicates
• Do not import duplicates

• Choose the folder to import from (usually the top mailbox root).
• Select Include subfolders and choose where to import.
• Import into the current folder
• Import into the same folder in a selected account

• Click Finish.

Method 2: How to open PST file in Outlook?

If you don’t want to import the Outlook PST file permanently, you can open it temporarily in Outlook and close it later when you no longer need it. To do this:

1. Click the File tab
2. Go to Open & Export
3. Select Open Outlook Data File
4. Browse to the location of the PST file and click OK

That’s it! Your PST file will appear in Outlook, and you can easily view its emails, contacts, and other data. When you’re done, you can simply close it from Outlook.

Difference between open and import

When you open PST file in Outlook then it is temprory access or attach with Outlook. Your data appears in a separate folder. You can remove/close it anytime without affecting your main mailbox. Useful when you just want to view, read, or copy a few emails.

While import opiton let you permanent add into Outlook.  It copies the data from the PST into your existing mailbox (Inbox, Sent Items, Contacts, etc.). Also it becomes part of your main Outlook profile. It cannot be “undone” easily because the data gets merged.

Conclusion

Here i have desirbed both method to open PST file into Outlook 2019, 2016 and earlier versions. For more information, you can watch this video. 

Read more: Convert OST file to PST file for free

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