Explained: Difference Between OST and PST Files in Outlook

Being an email client MS Outlook stores all kinds of data like emails, attachments, calendars, journals, tasks, and so on. And OST & PST are the file formats used by Microsoft Outlook to save all your data mentioned above. Moreover, you can also convert OST to PST in Outlook by using different techniques.

What Is OST File?

OST is your offline folder in MS Outlook. These files make it possible for Outlook to be used even in offline mode and to sync automatically when connected to the internet. It is used in the Exchange environment by using the MS Exchange server. This feature enables users to read, compose, delete, and even reply to emails that too in offline mode. Download below to view OST files for free.

What Is PST File?

Whereas PST files are also known as Personal Storage Tables and are not used in the MS Exchange server. As mentioned earlier, it is stored on servers except for the Exchange server and on users’ hard disks. IMAP and even HTTP use PST file folders. So emails that are sent or received and attached to them are stored in PST format. Even your emails, calendars, journals, contacts, and other mailbox items that are locally stored are also saved in .pst format. Download below to view PST files for free.

Difference Between OST and PST (A Brief Summary)

1. OST is an offline storage folder whereas PST can be termed as a personal or online storage folder.
2. OST files can be used even when your Outlook is in online mode whereas PST is a Personal storage table used for locally stored data and files
3. OST files only support the Microsoft Exchange server whereas PST files can be used with Exchange setup but are not recommended. Apart from the Exchange server, it is also compatible with other servers.
4. OST files enable users the option to read, view, reply and compose emails even in offline mode whereas PST files don’t have this facility.

Conclusion

This guide describes all the major reasons for OST to PST conversion. Also, doing so will speed productivity and reduce the risk of OST file corruption resulting in often data losses. So, to protect your OST files and take other benefits of MS Outlook, you can change OST to PST. Moreover, using the professional tool suggested above will complete the task within seconds without risks.

About The Author:

Lovely Baghel

Lovely specializes in technical writing for SysInfoTools Software and has over 2 year of experience writing blogs, and articles about databases & backup, email recovery, email migration & management solutions. Her passion is researching and developing content that helps Office users, professionals, administrators, enterprises, and novices solve multiple problems.