How to Import OST to Outlook with Free Techniques?

Rollins Duke
Published: June 6th, 2025 • 8 Min Read

Summary: This blog post explains the step-by-step procedure to Import OST to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010 editions with complete crucial and confidential data. Find out the manual method possibilities to Import OST File to Outlook for free. Additionally, get a professional solution beyond using manual ways to Open OST file in Outlook desktop clients.

When users configure an Exchange Server email account with MS Outlook personal information manager, a local copy of their information is stored in the local directories of the computer. This functionality helps users to access previously synced data in offline mode without the availability of an internet connection.

Understand about OST File

OST (Offline Storage Table) as a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store a synchronized copy of mailbox data from Exchange Server, Office 365, or IMAP accounts, allowing users to access emails, contacts, calendars, and other items offline

Upcoming sections explain the tips to Import OST to Outlook 2010 to 2021 editions with all data attributes. So, read the post thoroughly, and get the manual precise solutions. Also, get professional software if you are in a situation where manual methods fail to open OST files in Outlook.

Scenarios Where Need to Open OST File in Outlook

Exchange Server Down or Crash: When the Exchange Server crashes or is down for a scheduled maintenance period. Then various working professionals may wish to import OST file into Outlook for work continuity.
Upgrading Computer: Sometimes users may have a desire to upgrade their computer. After purchasing the new machine, they prefer to move OST file to new computer. Hence, they wish to add OST file to Outlook 2021 latest edition.
Orphan OST File: There are some situations when users may have orphan OST files with crucial and confidential data. After that, they want to import OST into Outlook to read email information.
Recovery of Deleted Items: If emails are accidentally deleted from the Exchange Server and deletion is synchronized with the OST file. Hence, they want to Import OST to Outlook to perform the OST recovery process to restore deleted items.

How to Import OST File to Outlook Manually?

Our respective client can perform the multiple ways to add OST file to Outlook with some mandatory terms and conditions. First, your OST file should be connected to Outlook. Second, your Outlook should be in proper working condition.

If you meet both above mentioned requirements, then you can follow the upcoming manual ways for Import OST to Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013 and all older versions.

Note That: There is no direct way available to import orphan OST file to Outlook. In this case, this is mandatory to first convert OST to PST and then import converted PST in Outlook. Hope you understand.

Add OST File to Outlook Using Import Export Wizard

To perform manually you need to use Outlook import/export feature to open an OST file into Outlook, which requires Outlook. Therefore, this approach is not applicable when Outlook profile is unavailable or OST become orphaned. However, you can perform a few simple steps to Open OST File in Outlook within 2 phases when you have healthy OST file with active Outlook profile:

Phase 1: Export Emails

Open Microsoft Outlook on your Windows PC and click File.
Select Open & Export, then choose Import/Export.
Choose Export to a file and click Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.
Choose the desired profile and folder, then click Finish.
Click Browse and set a specific destination location.
Lastly, press Finish to export emails in PST format.

Phase 2: Import Emails

Launch MS Outlook on your machine and click File.
After that, select Open & Export >> Import Export.
Select Import from another program or file, then click Next.
Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and press the Next button.
Browse PST file from a stored location for importing.
Select a folder to import PST file in Outlook.
Click the Finish button to begin the import process.

Note: You can import OST file into Outlook process by completing the 2 phases mentioned above. However, your Outlook where OST files are stored must be properly running.

Import OST to Outlook Using Archive Settings

Start the Outlook client and select the File option.
Then, select Options to open Outlook options.
Choose Advanced >> AutoArchive Settings.
Enable AutoArchive Settings and click Browse.
Set a path to store the archive.pst file and OK.
Now press the OK button to start archiving.
Open the destination path and get the archive.pst file.

Limitation of Import OST File into Outlook Manually

This manual method will not work when OST is orphaned(e.g., Outlook profile or account no longer exists).
It required Outlook configuration to the original mail server such as Exchange Server, Microsoft 365 or any IMAP account.
You cannot access an OST file on a different system by opting for a manual approach.
By performing manually, you cannot restore and convert damaged, corrupted and inaccessible OST files.

Pro Way to Import OST File into Outlook

BitRecover Offers OST Converter as it can process batch or individual OST file. This software can convert corrupted , inaccessible, dismounted or any size of OST files. With this wizard, you can convert all OST data such as emails, contacts, calendars, journals, tasks, notes and so on. It keep all attachments in their original extension without making any affect on it. Additionally, the software is capable to repair damaged OST file.

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How to Add OST File to Outlook?

Start the software and use the automated option to add OST files.
Select the required folders from the software panel and click Next.
Afterward, choose PST as a preferred saving option.
Choose a specific destination path to store the resultant PST.
Click the Convert button and save the resultant emails in PST format.

Top Benefit to Choose an Automated Solution over Manual Method

It can recover and convert OST files without requiring Outlook or Exchange Server.
This software can also convert OST to PDF, MSG, EML, MBOX, PST and 37+ Saving features.
With this wizard, you can also handle multiple OST files at once to save time and effort.
It can recover and export data from corrupted, orphan, oversize and damaged OST files.
You can also use filter options such as create PST year wise, date range, from, to, subject, exclude folders, organizer, root folder, exclude empty folders, use Microsoft graphs, and many more.
It preserved folder hierarchy, metadata and email formatting the same as appears in the OST file.
This wizard can convert all versions of an OST file exported from any version of Outlook such as Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016 or any older.

Questions? We Have Answers

Q 1: What is the use of OST File in Outlook?

Offline Storage Table (OST) is created when you configure your account with the Exchange Server or IMAP. The OST file contains all the emails, contacts, calendars, etc. Also, you access all the messages and reply to them, and once you are connected to the internet, it will update all changes to the server.

Q 2: Can you import an OST file into Outlook?

Manually, it’s not possible to import orphan OST files but you can complete it with some terms and conditions as explored above. However, you can continue with an automated solution to import OST to Outlook without failure.

Q 3: Why does the OST file get corrupted?

Reasons for corruption:

Bad Sector in Hard Drive
Sudden System Failure and Power Failure
Network or Synchronizing Errors
Bugs and Virus in Storage Devices

Q 4: I want to create an individual PST file for each user. Is it possible?

Yes, the automated solution allows you to create a separate file for each user with a mailbox size limit.

Q 5: How to locate OST file in Outlook?

Launch Outlook and select the File option.
Select Account Settings from Account Settings.
Click on Data Files and choose the Open File Location option.
The OST file location will be opened successfully.

Q 5: Does the software permit batch import OST to Outlook?

Yes, this is a robust tool to open OST files into Outlook in batch.

Conclusion

There are various scenarios where users need to import OST file into Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, and below editions, but no specific solution is available to perform this task. However, today’s post assists users in every step to add file OST to Outlook, including attachments. With the help of the above-mentioned tips and tricks, one can easily import OST to Outlook with all Meta attributes.