Fast & Secure Method to Import PST to Office 365 Account

Email data isn’t always stored; it is shared across teams and platforms. For organizations, especially those migrating from legacy POP/SMTP environments or MSP-hosted mail systems, PST files are the default storage for MS Outlook communications. Yet, when switching to Microsoft 365, the focus is on the fastest and safest way to import PST to Office 365 without any disruption. This guide covers manual Microsoft solutions and a modern PST to Office 365 Migration Tool for individual users, IT teams, and enterprise leaders. 

Real-Time Query:

“We have 80 users currently using POP/SMTP email through an MSP host. Each user has around 4 local PST files (ranging from a few MB to 60 GB+). We decided to migrate to Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online) and are trying to locate the best way to handle these PSTs. We have an option to use Microsoft’s PST Import Service (AzCopy) or other alternatives, but that doesn’t seem right based on the mailbox size. So, is there any better approach to consider that works in this modern space, keeping our data secure during the migration?”

Common Reasons to Import PST File to Microsoft 365

PST files cannot survive longer in the modern workspace without MS Outlook. To ensure they remain accessible for the long term, it is necessary to import them into the O365 workspace. Some major factors supporting it are:

  • Eliminate standalone Outlook databases and reduce theft risk
  • Centralize emails across platforms together for audit and legal compliance
  • Improve forensic data accessibility across devices and locations
  • Reduce Outlook dependency and handle unorganized datasets
  • Provide long-term data scalability through Exchange ecosystems
  • Protect data from unforeseen situations through M365’s robust security

Who Requires PST to Office 365 Migration?

The following requires import PST to Office 365 to maintain data accessibility and governance:

Individual Users

  • Manage PST archives for old mailbox storage
  • Deal with small volumes (upto 10 GBs)
  • For basic compliance requirements

Businesses and SMBs

  • Multiple PSTs per user (1-4) from various sources
  • Ranging between a few MBs and GBs (preferably, 50-60)
  • A blend of current and historical PST emails

Enterprise Admins

  • More than 100s or 1000s of users’ PSTs
  • Central control, audits, reports, & forensics
  • User-driven data across files and servers

Different Methods to Upload PST File to Office 365

Below, we will discuss free methods and an ideal professional tool for migrating PSTs easily and securely. The manual method, however, is only preferable for a few files and can have some limitations. But with the automated tool, your conversion will be flawless and result in the desired outcomes achieved. 

Manually Import PST File to Microsoft 365

This process is divided into two different sections for easy understanding. You need to create an import job, then map CSV, and finally transfer PST to Office 365 account. Proceed with these steps: 

Section 1: Creating PST Import Job in Office 365 

  1. First, log in to Office 365 Admin Centre, and then open the Exchange Admin Centre.
  2. In the Exchange Admin Centre, go to the Permissions section, and then click on “Organisation Management“.
  3. Further, create a mailbox import-export job by clicking “Add (+)“.
  4. Then assign the “Mailbox Import Export” role and save. 
  5. Once completed, return to the Admin Centre and navigate to Setup >> Data Migration >> Upload PST File.
  6. Later, in the Data Lifecycle Management section, click on Import.
  7. After that, click on “Import PST Files” and select “New Import Job“. 
  8. Lastly, enter a name for the job, and for the import type, select Upload Your Data.

When you have created the import job, it’s time to map CSVs and finalize the process to import PST to Office 365.

Section 2: Upload PST with AzCopy Tool and Map CSV for Import

  1. Next, generate and copy the Network Upload SAS URL.
  2. Then download and install the Azure AzCopy Utility
  3. Furthermore, use the Azure AzCopy Utility to upload your PST files via the SAS URL.
  4. Finally, create a CSV mapping file to connect the PST files to the Office 365 mailboxes.
  5. Upload the CSV mapping file through the import wizard
  6. Once the mapping file is validated, save the import job and click Import.
Loopholes of the Method 
  • Time-intensive process with a need for technical expertise
  • Complex CSV mapping and no pre-migration validation 
  • Chances for errors and incomplete transfers 
  • Requires strong Microsoft familiarity and admin credentials 
  • Works only for small PSTs for a few user mailboxes 

Effortlessly Import PST File into Office 365 

Organizations that require speed, control, and accountability often look for a scalable solution. SysInfo PST to Microsoft 365 Migration Tool is one such go-to solution handling large data volumes like those from enterprises. It bulk imports single and multiple PST files simultaneously directly to the desired Office 365 mailboxes. Additionally, it offers advanced features that make it a capable choice for all individuals and business professionals. 

Note: Want to avoid all the hassle? One-Time Service by SysInfo covers a single, centralized import of existing PSTs directly to Microsoft 365 accounts with 100% precision. 

Working Guide to Import PST to Office 365 

  1. Get started with the dedicated PST to Office 365 Migrator and click Restore.Start the PST to Office 365 Migrator 
  2. Next, choose your PST files to upload, open them to save into M365, and click Next.Select your PST files to upload and click Next 
  3. Further, enter the credentials for your Office 365 account and click Sign In.Enter the credentials for your Office 365 account 
  4. Afterward, apply the filters as you require before the final import and click Next.Apply the filters and click Next 
  5. Finally, map the mailboxes where you want to save the emails and click Restore.Click Restore 

Key Benefits of Choosing the Specialized Tool 

  • Supports multiple large PSTs (50-100 GB+) for import at once
  • Folder-level precision and option to map mailboxes
  • Minimal user involvement and easy to use 
  • Secure OAuth Microsoft Authentication 
  • Works across all versions of Windows and Mac OS
  • Faster import completion and reduced data risks 
  • Predictable outcomes and better compliance 
  • No data storage and detailed migration logs

These features are the major reasons why enterprises choose it over the free import method. Moreover, it has a Demo Version to run a pilot test and migrate upto 50 PST emails per folder into Office 365 at no cost. 

Final Remarks 

In the modern environment, the process to import PST to Office 365 account is not just any data migration. It’s securing the Outlook email content for accessibility in the near future as well. As discussed in this blog, 

  • The manual method is only suited for small PSTs and those with less risk
  • Professional software is best suited for enterprises maintaining data fidelity 

Thus, in cases when you need to go the long way, trust an expert choice and get the dedicated software for your conversions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I import PST File into Office 365?

Ans. To import your PST into Office 365, you can either use Microsoft Exchange Admin Center or PowerShell cmdlets. But both methods are too complex and tricky, requiring high technical skills. Instead, the ideal approach is to get a PST to Office 365 Conversion Tool, which makes the process swift, quick, and reliable without limitations.

Q2. How long does it take to import PST files into Office 365?

Ans. The time for the import depends on the total file size, network bandwidth, and the method opted for. With manual, it may take hours to a few days, but with the software, it is completed in minimal time.

Q3. Which is the best tool to import PST to Office 365?

Ans. The best tool to upload PST to Office 365 is the PST to Office 365 Migration Tool by SysInfo. It has so many advanced capabilities and delivers results with full accuracy and data security. 

Q4. Is it possible to import multiple PST files to Office 365 at once?

Ans. Yes, you can import multiple PSTs with the expert PST to Office 365 Converter Tool. It has no restriction on the PST file size and count that you want to restore into Office 365.

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About The Author:

Simran Bhatia is a technical content writer engaged in writing clear, concise, and SEO-optimized content. With a background in computer science and a passion for writing, I thrive to deliver complex technical content in simple layman terms.

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