How to Merge Multiple PST Files into One?

Why Merge PST Files?

Before we begin with the procedure, let us understand why users need to combine multiple PSTs into one:

• Merging PST files reduces the number of files you need to manage, thus, making it easier to organize data and find PST.
• This helps to consolidate all your emails, contacts, and calendar events in one place.
• Moreover, a single well-organized PST file helps improve Outlook’s performance.
• If you want to back up PSTs, first combine Outlook PST files. Because it’s a straightforward process with a single PST file.

Further, let us explore the different methods to combine PSTs into a single PST.

How Do I Merge Multiple PST Files into One?

In this section, we will discuss three prominent methods to add multiple PSTs into a single file. They are:

• With Outlook Import/Export Tool
• Using PowerShell
• An Automated Tool

Go through the steps thoroughly and find one that best fits your preferences. The first two methods are to be performed manually and are free of cost. However, the professional method is more reliable and simple to perform.

Way 1: Merge PST Files Using Outlook Import/Export Feature

Import/Export feature of Outlook allows you to extract PST from Outlook or import it to Outlook as well. We will use this to merge multiple PST Files, as shown below:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
2. Then, click on File in the top menu.
3. Select New and then Outlook Data File.

Note: If you cannot find this option, follow this: Open Outlook > Click on New items > More Items > Outlook Data Files.

1. Select the format for your new PST file (usually Unicode format is preferred for large files).
2. Now, give the new PST file a name and specify the location to save it.
3. Again, click on File at the top left, and click on ‘Open & Export’.
4. To begin to combine Outlook PST files, now choose Import/Export.
5. Select from the options ‘Import from another program or file’ and then, Next.
6. Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) from the given options, as the file type. Click Next.
7. After that, click Browse… and select the PST files you want to merge into one.
8. Pick the options for importing and choose the newly created PST file as the destination.
9. Click Next and then Finish to complete the merging of PST files.

This is a basic procedure, almost all users are familiar with Outlook’s Import/Export tool. However, the steps of the process may vary depending on which Outlook version you use. If you are looking for a better option, move further in the blog.

Way 2: How to Combine Outlook Data Files Using PowerShell?

Before starting the process, keep in mind that this process is more technical and not for a non-technical user. If you are familiar with command-line tools, use Powershell. Go ahead as the steps follow to merge multiple PST files faster:

1. Establish PowerShell with administrative privileges on your Windows.
2. You’ll need to load the Outlook module (If you haven’t already). Use the following command:
   
3. Use the following script to combine PST files:
   

Now, replace the paths with the actual paths to your target and source PST files. After that, run the script to merge PST files.

However, these manual processes are limited to some extent. Such as:

• You need to have access to the Microsoft Exchange Server.
• Requires proper technical know-how of PowerShell.

Therefore, we suggest one of the best software that will help you merge Outlook PST files, with no hassle.

Way 3: Use Automated Method to Merge Multiple PST Files

You must be wondering, what tool it is about. It is the PST Merge Tool, developed specifically for merging multiple PSTs into one. This tool requires no technical expertise, as well as it’s a straightforward process. It also helps you merge two calendars in Outlook. Follow the steps below to learn how to combine Outlook data files (PST using this tool:

1. Firstly, run the PST Merger and click on Add Files to add multiple PSTs.
2. Select the desired PSTs, click Open, and then Next.
3. In the preview, choose emails and folders to merge into One.
4. Select the Merge PST radio button.
5. Finally, select the item types to be merged.
6. If needed, you can use the Date Filter for more specific results. Click Next.
7. Choose either to Merge in New PST or Existing PST.
8. Also, opt for other options if needed and click on Join.

Hence, the tool will merge the selected PST files and save the merged file to the specified location. Isn’t it the easiest method of all? Moreover, it offers a simple interface, making it easy for anyone to use. The users can merge two email accounts in Outlook efforlessly.

Conclusion

Users generally need to merge multiple PST files into one to improve Outlook’s workflow and performance. It helps in easy data management. From the given solutions, you can either prefer the Import/Export feature, the technical approach with PowerShell, or the professional tool. Each of them is equally advantageous depending on your needs. Merge all PSTs into one and enjoy a more organized inbox!  

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