How to Import PST File to Exchange Online- Quick solutions

How is the Import PST to Exchange Online Mailbox Complex?

There are multiple scenarios requiring PST files to migrate into inboxes, including:

• Decommissioning legacy archive files
• Onboarding a new organization or team
• Or simply integrating mailbox data into a centralized system
• Migrating from an on-premises mailbox for better security and accessibility

Furthermore, as compared to email exports, migrating a PST file to Exchange Online requires the consideration of:

• Mailbox size quotas
• Retention policies
• Role-based permissions
• Network performance & throttling
• Compliance and auditing

When these factors are combined with the need for bulk import jobs or automated workflows using hybrid environments. The migration of a PST to a single user to an enterprise level becomes a challenge in a matter of days. But don’t worry, we have got you covered with simple and easy solutions, explained in the following section.

Absolute Methods to Import PST File to Exchange Online

Users can opt for a free solution or an automated method to perform the migration, whichever suits them best. While the manual process is free, it has some prerequisites and limitations. On the other hand, the tool is a trusted and verified solution by the experts that saves time and effort.

Manually Import PST in Exchange Online

This migration can be done using the Microsoft Network Upload method by the Security and Compliance Portal. The process is secure and cloud-native, but ensure you first complete these pre-requirements:

• Global administration and ImportExport role in MS Office 365
• The Azure AzCopy utility installed on your machine
• PST files exported from your Outlook and ready for import
• A CSV file for mapping PST to mailboxes in the Purview Compliance Center

Now, the complete process to import PST file to Exchange Online is divided as follows:

1. Export Mailboxes to PST

First, use Microsoft Outlook or eDiscovery (Compliance Center) to export the contents of your mailbox to .pst files.

2. Open Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal

• Go to: https://compliance.microsoft.com/
• Then, select Solutions ->> Information Governance
• Further, click Import under the “Import PST Files” card.

3. Generate New Import Job

• Now, click “+ New Import Job“
• Then, give it a name (say, PST_Import_July25)
• After that, once you press “Upload your data,” Microsoft creates the following resources:
• A unique SAS URL (secure Azure Storage URL)
• Link to download the AzCopy utility (if not installed earlier)

4. Upload PST to Exchange Online

• Open Command Prompt. You will use the following command structure:

Note: Make sure the PST filenames are unique to each mailbox, and that there are no special characters.

5. CSV File Mapping

• This CSV maps each PST file to the target Exchange mailbox. Below is the format:

In IsArchive: Put True if the file is archived, else False.

6. Import PST File to Exchange Online

1. Go back to the Microsoft Purview Portal.
2. After confirming files are uploaded, later, press “I have uploaded my files.“
3. Further, select “I will provide the CSV mapping file,” and upload your CSV.
4. Finally, click Validate to see if any mapping errors occur and click Submit to begin your import job.

7. Monitor Import Job

1. View the ongoing import job progress under Import PST Files.
2. There are logs and error reports to review.
3. Microsoft processes the PST files in the background, and the duration depends on the size and number of mailboxes.

Limitations of the Manual Method

• Complex setup with limited automation and no filters.
• Users can run into Microsoft API limits in bulk operations.
• No support for selective export and no scheduling for failed jobs.
• Slow and complex process that requires PowerShell and Azure AzCopy expertise.
• Non-time-critical migrations, only suited for small to medium PST batches.

For a large dataset, role-based constraints, and to bulk automate import PST to Shared Mailbox in Exchange Online, a professional tool is best.

Comprehensive Method to Import PST File to Exchange Online

Using a dedicated migration tool can dramatically enhance outcomes for IT administrators who are facing large volumes or time-sensitive projects. A reliable option is SysInfo PST to Office 365 Migration Tool, a dependable utility that enables direct mailbox mapping within PST files. Furthermore, it works with archive mailboxes, shared mailboxes, and user mailboxes. Moreover, it does not require Outlook, and it works quickly in Windows and Mac OS.

Quick Guide to Migrate PST to Exchange Online

1. Run the PST to Exchange Online Import Tool and tap Restore.
2. After that, continue to single or batch import PST files into the tool.
3. Click Next, and further, you’ll find Office 365 Exchange as the output type.
4. Sign in with your Exchange Online account by modern authentication.
5. Later, pick the filters from the unique interface and click on Next.
6. At last, choose your respective Exchange mailboxes and click Restore.

Isn’t this a lot simpler, straightforward, quick, secure, and efficient? Still, if you face any issues, contact our expert team; they are available 24*7. Or, first, try out the demo version for yourself.

Conclusion

To sum up, importing PST files into Exchange isn’t simply a task of migration. It is a strategic step for centralizing, securing, and complying with email management. While it is plausible to import PST file to Exchange Online using manual methods, the feasibility is limited for enterprise-level operations. An automated solution provides reliability, scalability, and audit-ready results for organizations with multiple or custom requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Suman Rawat

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.