How to Import OST file into Outlook 2019, 2016? Let’s Find

Mark Regan ~ Modified: 15-07-2022 ~ Import Emails ~ 7 Minutes Reading

Summary: In this article, we will explain the step-by-step procedure to import OST file into Outlook 2019, 2016, and 2013 with all data files. Find out if there is any manual solution available to complete the process. Additionally, look at the user’s query to better understand the scenario and how a user can attach OST to Outlook without failure. Read carefully!

When a user connects an email account with MS Outlook, a local copy of your 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.

The Offline Storage Table (OST) File is sensitive and highly prone to corruption. If somehow your OST file gets damaged, it becomes inaccessible. To fix it, users have to go through various technical guidelines.

In upcoming sections, users will learn how to import OST to Outlook 2019 with all data attributes. So, read the post thoroughly, and get the precise solutions.

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User’s Scenarios to Import OST to Outlook

Query 1 Damaged OST File – My Outlook crashed due to a power outage, and I cannot import data using the OST file as if it were a PST file. So do you have any suggestions to fix this mess? ~ J Cup, Canada

There is no direct option available to import .ost file into Outlook. Also, the user will find multiple manual ways to accomplish it, but none is working. Also, for reference, we have added this screen-shot from Microsoft Docs:

import OST to Outlook

Query 2 OST File Unlink with Exchange – Last week, something went wrong with my Outlook profile. The connection for the OST file is not working, and I tried to import OST file into Outlook, but it is getting failed. Is there any way available to overcome this error? ~ Ciara, US

unable to link OST with Exchange

Both the queries mentioned above have different scenarios. Well, there is no manual solution available to complete this process unless:

  1. OST File is Working
  2. User Outlook Profile is Active

If you meet any condition, users can attach OST to Outlook 2019 & other editions. Additionally, if you have an orphan OST file, users can directly jump towards an automated solution because manually, it’s impossible to import OST to Outlook.

Manual Ways to Add OST File to Outlook

As mentioned earlier, the manual solution will work if you satisfy both needs. However, the manual solution doesn’t work for you if you don’t meet any of the conditions mentioned above. In such a case, the user can go for an automated solution to import OST file into Outlook 2019 & below.

Method 1: Export Feature of Microsoft Outlook

This trick will work for you if users have an active user profile. Follow the steps mentioned below:

  1. Run Outlook.
  2. Now, navigate and click on File >> Export to File >> Next.
  3. Select PST format from the list and click on Next.
  4. Afterward, select the emails and sub-folder you wish to export.
  5. The last step is to “Browse Location” and click on the “Finish” icon.
Limitations: This method will work when you have an active Outlook profile connected to an exchange server.

Method 2: Archive Functionality of MS Outlook

If you can access the OST file, and the OST file is in working condition, then go through the steps listed below:

  1. Launch Outlook
  2. Click on File >> Clean-up Tools >> Archive.
  3. Select the data files and click on the Open button.
  4. Now, copy the file path or click on the “Browse button” users will find a new data file with the name archive.pst in the local computer directory.
Limitation: In the file archive procedure, users will not get contacts, and other set of message rules and other data attribute files.

That’s it for the manual solution to import .ost file into Outlook 2016, 2013. If you have an orphan OST file, the manual solution doesn’t work. In such cases, the user needs a professional solution, which we will explore in the next section of the blog.

Professional Way to Import OST File into Outlook

From the above scenario, it’s quite clear that there is no direct option to add OST file to Outlook. Thus, users can continue with BitRecover OST Converter Wizard  to complete this procedure efficiently.

It is an expert-recommended solution to add an OST file to Outlook 2019 with all Meta attributes. The software ensures complete data conversion without any failure and downtime.

The graphical interface of the toolkit is easy to use and can easily be accessible by non-technical users. The software allows you to export OST files with Emails, Contacts, Calendars, Journals, Tasks, Notes, To-Do, etc. and keeps all the attachments in their original state. Additionally the software is capable to repair damaged OST file.

The automated solution offers a trial edition to its users so that one can evaluate the toolkit performance without investing any amount in it. Once you are satisfied with the working of the toolkit, then users can activate the licensed key for good.

Download for Windows Download for Mac

How to Attach OST to Outlook 2019? Software Working Explained

Once you download and install the software on Mac or Windows OS, then follow the procedure to import OST file into Outlook:

  1. Run the toolkit and read the instructions to move forward.
  2. The following window will display the configured location of the data file, or users can manually upload the Orphan OST file using the “Add File” or “Add Folder” option.
    Add OST file to Software Panel
  3. Now, the software will generate the list of configured files and folders stored in the OST file. Select the required one as per your requirement.
    select required data folders
  4. Select the required saving option as PST file to convert OST to PST format for good.
    select saving option
  5. The software offers multiple advanced data filters users can apply per requirement and click on the “Convert” button to start the process.
    click on convert and will start the conversion process

That’s it for an automated solution to import OST file into Outlook. In case you have any queries, then feel free to contact us. Now, users can import resultant data file to any of the Outlook version using the Import/Export functionality.

Questions? We Have Answers

What is the use of OST File in Outlook?

Outlook Data file (OST) is created when you configure your account with the exchange. 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.


Can you import an OST file into Outlook?

Manually, it’s not possible. However, you can continue with an automated solution to import OST to Outlook without failure.


Why does the OST File Gets Corrupted?

Following are the responsible for the corruption of the OST file:

  1. Bad Sector in Hard Drive
  2. Sudden System Failure and Power Failure
  3. Network or Synchronizing Errors
  4. Bugs and Virus in Storage Devices

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.

So There You Have It

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