Top 2 Methods to Import OST File to Office 365 with Attachments

OST (Offline Storage Table) file by MS Outlook is helpful as it keeps a local copy of all Exchange data. This file is sometimes required on the cloud server to access emails, contacts, calendars, notes, etc. Thus, users import OST file to Office 365 to effectively manage mailbox data. In this blog, an easy and quick method and an OST to PST Converter are provided. Through these, you can appropriately import OST files to Outlook 365.

Why Import OST to Office 365?

The significant reasons for which users upload OST to Office 365 are:

  • O365 can smoothly share all forms of mailbox data with ease.
  • Data from the cloud server can be accessed by other clients too.
  •  To avoid Exchange server downtime and other security issues
  • Recover crucial data if the OST file gets orphaned or deleted.
  • To eliminate dependency on the OST creation MS Outlook profile.

How to Import OST File to Office 365?

The OST file import has two major solutions, i.e., one using a manual method and another a dedicated tool. Find their step-by-step procedure, limitations, and advantages in detail below.

How to Migrate OST File to Office 365 Manually?

Generally, there is no direct method to transfer OST files into Office 365. However, there is an indirect route that involves two steps. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Convert OST to PST

  1. Firstly, make sure that your Exchange OST file is present in Outlook.
  2. Then, go to File, and in the left side options, click on Open & Export.
  3. In the displayed options, select the Import/Export icon.
  4. Further, in the new dialog, select the Export to a File. Click Next.
  5. Pick for Outlook Data File (.pst) and again tap Next.
  6. From the import folders list, select OST files/folders. Hit Next.
  7. After that, press Browse and search for a location to save the PST file.
  8. Lastly, click the Finish button to convert the OST file to PST.

Step 2: Import OST File to Office 365 After PST Conversion

  1. Start Office 365 Exchange Admin Center and choose Permissions.
  2. Later, press on Organization Management >> + >> Mailbox Import Export.
  3. Then, click Add >> Ok >> Mailbox Import Export >> Save.
  4. Now, move back to Admin Center and press Setup >> Data Migration >> Upload File >> New Import Job.
  5. In the dialog, enter the name and import description. Click Next.
  6. Subsequently, enter the date and click Next. You will get a SAS URL. Copy it.
  7. Next, download and run the Azure AzCopy Tool and provide the Network Path to import. Click Enter.
  8. Once the PST file is uploaded, create a CSV to map the PST file with M365 accounts.
  9. The Import window opens, select the options and click Next.
  10. At last, Select Mapping File >> Upload CSV >> Validate and click Save.

With this, the process to import Outlook OST to Office 365 for free is completed.

Shortcomings of the Manual Method

  1. The process is tiring and complex and needs technical expertise.
  2. High data loss is possible with no recovery options.
  3. Cannot bulk migrate OST files and complete mailbox data.
  4. Requires connection with Exchange Server the whole time.

Which Tool Effortlessly Import OST File to Office 365?

SysInfo OST to PST Converter is a commendable utility that allows bulk OST migration with no size restrictions. It easily converts OST to MBOX, and other file formats like PST, JPG, DOC, CSV, etc. Additionally, it works well on all OS and is user-friendly, so, no technical expertise is needed. Moreover, this excellent software provides users with many filters and features.

  • Removes Duplicates from OST file and filters data as per the Date Range.
  • Import OST File into Windows Live Mail and other desired email clients.
  • Preview and save data at a user-specified location with integrity maintained.

Steps to Import OST to Office 365

  1. Run OST Converter and pick an option for Files or Folders. Click Next.
  2. Click Open to add the OST files that you need to import. Hit Next.
  3. Furthermore, Preview all the mailbox data and select folders to continue.
  4. Press Next and from the list of File Formats, you need to choose PST.
  5. Subsequently, apply filters and then, provide a Path to Save.
  6. At last, hit on the Convert button to complete the OST migration.

Conclusion

To conclude, if a user has to import OST File to Office 365, it requires effort. The free manual method is available but it is not very reliable and feasible. Also, there’s a professional tool, i.e., an indirect solution with 100% accuracy and security. You can go for any of the methods you choose that seem convenient and less troublesome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I skip similar OST files while importing OST files into Outlook 365?

Ans- Yes, you can. Use the OST to PST Converter and easily remove duplicate OST files from the mailbox within seconds. You get different options to exclude similar emails based on To, From, Subject, Body, and Bcc.

Q. How do I save OST files in Office 365?

Ans- To import OST file to Office 365, follow these steps:
1. Launch OST to PST Converter and upload OST files to save.
2. Afterward, Preview and select folders to import and click Next.
3. Choose PST format and other additional filters. Hit Next.
4. Specify a Path to Save and finally, hit on Convert.

4.9/5 - (14 votes)

About The Author:

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.

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