How to Convert PST to MSG with or without MS Outlook?

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: December 28th, 2023 • 7 Min Read

Summary: This blog post discloses the top three techniques to convert PST to MSG files with or without using Microsoft Outlook client. Sometimes users wish to convert PST file to MSG file format for various reasons. If you are one of them then don’t worry, after reading this blog post, your problem will be resolved instantly.

Both PST and MSG are Microsoft Outlook’s native file extensions. MS Outlook allows to export of complete profile data including emails, contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, journals, to-do lists, and all in PST (personal storage table) format. If someone exports a single email from Outlook, then it creates an MSG file.

There are multiple ways available to export PST to MSG files using manual and professional techniques. Even users choose different methods according to their mindset to resolve this problem.

Learn Motive to Export PST to MSG Files

A PST file may store both crucial and unnecessary emails. Hence, sometimes users wish to convert PST file to MSG file format selecting only crucial emails. MSG files enable selective extraction of specific emails to provide a more granular approach for managing and organizing data.

Several users extract PST to MSG format, and we know that MSG files can be saved in smaller sizes. MSG files offer a versatile format for sharing email content. Hence this is beneficial for simplifying collaboration, and information exchange with others.

Users convert Outlook PST to MSG format to fulfill their routine work requirements. Sometimes management says to share some specific emails or other items, but this is not possible with PST file due to their large size. However, you can convert PST to MSG files and then share the required emails.

How to Convert PST to MSG Manually?

  1. Start MS Outlook and import PST file.
  2. Select a PST folder to export emails in MSG.
  3. Press CTRL and choose specific email messages.
  4. Drag and drop selected emails into a folder.
  5. Open resultant folder and get the output MSG files.

Note That: This is the best recommended manual method to batch convert PST to MSG files free. Technical users might understand this method, if you are a home user with less technical knowledge, then follow the upcoming sections with real screenshots and complete steps.

Manual Ways to Convert PST File to MSG File Format with Outlook

Being an Outlook expert, I know various manual methods to export PST to MSG files. Here, we will discuss 2 top-notch techniques to convert PST to MSG files free of charge. You can also follow the upcoming manual ways to extract PST to MSG format but first know its prerequisites.

Know Prerequisites

  • MS Outlook should be installed on your computer to perform this task.
  • Ensure that your PST file contains email messages in folders.

Note That: Here, we assume you have an orphan PST file outside of your Outlook. Hence, first, you will need to import PST file in Outlook, and then you can follow the upcoming steps. If you have a PST file connected with Outlook, you can directly save Outlook email to MSG file.

Phase 1: Import Your Orphan PST to Outlook

  1. Launch Outlook and from the ribbon, choose File.
  2. Then, select Open & Export >> Import/Export.
    Open and Export
  3. Next, select Import from another program or file.
    Import from another program or file
  4. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) and tap Next.
    Outlook Data File (.pst)
  5. Browse specific PST file to import and press Next.
    Select the PST file
  6. Choose a current folder or the same folder to import.
    Select current folder or same folder
  7. Click the Finish button to start importing PST file.

Phase 2: Convert Outlook PST to MSG via Drag and Drop

  1. Run MS Outlook and choose a PST folder to export.
  2. Press the CTRL key and select the required emails.
    Select required emails
  3. Create a new folder on the desktop to store MSG files.
  4. Drag and drop emails from PST to the newly created folder.
    Drag and drop to export PST to MSG
  5. Open the output data folder and get exported MSG messages.

An Alternative of Phase 2 to Extract PST to MSG

  1. Run Outlook client and open an email message.
  2. Thereafter, choose File >> Save As to continue.
    Save As
  3. Select a specific path and type a name for MSG file.
  4. Choose Save as type i.e. Outlook Message Format – Unicode.
    Outlook Message Format
  5. Tap the Save button to export PST to MSG format.
  6. Get an exported MSG file from a selected location.
    Extract PST to MSG

Note: This alternative way is only suitable for converting a single email from PST to MSG at once. For multiple emails, you will need to repeat the same steps multiple times.

What Are Manual Method Limitations

  • As we have seen above, the manual method of exporting PST to MSG files involves 2 different stages.
  • MS Outlook should be installed to export PST files to MSG format using a manual approach.
  • The manual way is capable to convert Outlook PST to MSG from a folder at once. Hence, this is not suitable for bulk conversion.
  • It requires technical knowledge of Outlook, inbuilt Import Export Wizard, and the Import and Export process.

Pro Way to Convert PST to MSG Format

Outlook PST Converter Software is the best and most reliable solution to batch convert PST to MSG format. This software supports PST files exported from Outlook 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2003, and old versions. It is compatible with ANSI and Unicode standard PST files.

This PST to MSG Converter comes with a free demo version that permits to export of 25 emails from each PST folder to MSG format. So, our respective customers can check its working process before grabbing license keys.

How to Convert PST Files to MSG without Outlook?

  1. First, start PST to MSG Converter and read the export instructions.
    PST to MSG Converter
  2. The software provides dual options for adding Outlook PST files.
    Dual modes to add PST file
  3. Next, select PST folders from the software panel to export.
    Mark required folder
  4. Now select MSG from the list of saving options.
    Select MSG option
  5. After that, choose the destination path and file naming option.
    Browse location
  6. Tap the Next button to begin extracting PST to MSG process.
    Convert PST to MSG
  7. Outlook PST to MSG conversion task has been completed successfully.
    Export PST to MSG files
  8. Last, the software opens the destination path having exported MSG files.
    Exported MSG files
PST to MSG Converter Outstanding Features
  • This software is authorized to convert PST to EML, MSG, MBOX, DOC, PDF, XPS, etc.
  • The tool also has a separate option to convert PST contacts to CSV and vCard.
  • PST to MSG extractor works with or without Outlook installation.
  • The tool offers several filters to extract specific emails from .pst to .msg.
  • It provides several file naming options to manage and rename resultant MSG files.
  • You can select only the required PST folder for the conversion process accordingly.
  • PST to MSG Converter is compatible with the latest Windows and Mac Operating Systems.
Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1: How to convert PST file to MSG file format?

Above we have disclosed three excellent ways to extract PST files to MSG file format. Use any method that is suitable for your requirements.

Q 2: Does your software allow to export multiple PST files to MSG files?

Yes, of course, the recommended software is a perfect choice to export multiple PST to MSG format.

Q 3: Is MS Outlook installation mandatory to extract PST to MSG manually?

Yes, the manual method requires Outlook installation to export PST to MSG files.

Conclusion

Now we believe that anyone can easily convert PST to MSG with or without using Outlook desktop client. Above we have explained three best practices to resolve this query. If you are a home user, then you can finish this task using the manual solution. If you are a business professional, then go with the suggested utility.