How to Import OST to Office 365 Easily

Organizations and individuals often need to migrate Outlook data to a cloud platform for better security. One common need is to import OST to Office 365. However, many users find the process difficult because OST files are offline data files linked to a specific Outlook profile. Direct import to Office 365 is not supported; users must convert the OST file to PST format. In this article, we will explain the most appropriate methods to import OST files in a hassle-free and secure way.

Understand About OST Files

An OST file is created by Microsoft Outlook when the mailbox is configured in cache exchange mode. An Outlook OST (Offline Storage Table) file is created when users configure Outlook with an Exchange account or IMAP account in cache mode. Moreover, this file stores a synchronised copy of mailbox data locally on the user’s system. It contains emails, attachments, contacts, calendars, notes, tasks, and journals.

The OST files allow users to access their mailboxes even when there is no internet connection. Once the system is reconnected to the server, Outlook automatically syncs the changes. However, the problems arise when users lose access to the original account. In such cases, accessing the data stored in the OST file becomes difficult.

Why Import OST Files to Office 365?

• Office 365 allows users to manage all mailbox data from a centralized cloud platform.
• It provides built-in security features such as encryption and advanced threat protection.
• Moreover, users can access their mailboxes from anywhere through a web browser.
• Cloud storage reduces the risk of data loss caused by sudden system crashes.
• Many organisations move to a cloud platform for better scalability and performance.

Proven Method to Convert OST to Office 365

There are two main ways through which you can perform the OST files to Office 365 migration.

1. Manual Method
2. Automated Software

Method 01: Manual Method for OST to Office 365 Migration

This method works only when the OST file is connected to its original Outlook profile or account. Now, follow the steps below to complete the migration process.

Step 01: Start Outlook

1. To begin the process, launch Microsoft Outlook on your system.
2. After that, make sure the Outlook account is active and the OST file is accessible.

Step 02: Export OST Data to PST

Since OST files cannot be uploaded directly to Office 365, you must first convert them to PST formats. Now, follow the steps:

1. Open Outlook, click on the File option, and then select Open and Export.
2. Thereafter, you have to choose Import/Export and click Export to a file.
3. Next, you need to choose Outlook Data File (.pst).
4. Select the folder you want to export & specify the destination to save the PST file.

After the completion of the export process, your mailbox data will be stored in a PST file.

Step 03: Import PST file to Office 365

After the conversion of the OST file to PST format, you can upload the files to Office 365. For this, you can import a PST file through the Microsoft 365 Import Service.

1. Subsequently, you need to upload PST files to Azure Storage.
2. Now, you need to create a PST import mapping file.
3. Then, you can start the import job from the Microsoft 365 admin center.

This method is suitable for administrators who perform migrations for multiple users.

Drawbacks of this Method:

• For this method, you need to have access to the original Outlook account.
• In this method, you cannot import orphaned OST files.
• If you have large mailbox files, then it may take a lot of time for migration.
• Moreover, this method is not suitable for bulk OST file migration.
• Furthermore, it increases the chances of data loss during the migration process.

Due to these limitations, many organizations prefer the professional solution.

Method 02: Automated Software to Import OST to Office 365

Alternatively, using a dedicated OST to Office 365 Migration Tool is the most efficient method. This software allows users to directly import OST file data to Office 365 without the need for Outlook. Also, it provides a secure migration of files with intact attachments and maintains folder hierarchy. Its embedded advanced features allow users to migrate the required OST file data without any loss. Moreover, this allows users to import data in bulk at once. Additionally, see the advanced features of this software and the steps for migration.

Features of the Above Automated Software:

1. It provides a preview of folders before users start the migration process.
2. This helps to remove duplicate emails to avoid the repetition of data.
3. Moreover, this software migrates emails along with other mailbox items.
4. Additionally, it enables batch migration for both single and multiple files.
5. Furthermore, it supports 10+ file formats and 10+ email clients for migration.

Simple Steps to Import Outlook OST to Office 365:

1. The initial step is to download and launch the OST to Office 365 Migration Tool.
2. After that, select the file or folder and navigate to the .ost file on your system >> open.
3. Then, you can preview the folders and view the attachments of the folder >> click Next.
4. Now, from the email client drop-down, select Office 365 as the output.
5. Thereafter, provide the credentials for Office 365 for secure authentication.
6. Next, for selective migration, enable the required features, like remove duplicate.
7. Finally, click Convert to start the OST file to Office 365 migration process.

In Closing

To sum up, we covered all the important reasons for OST file migration to Office 365. Along with that, we discuss the two most reliable migration approaches. You can choose any of them based on your requirement to import OST to Office 365. The manual method is suitable if you have a smaller number of files for conversion, as it has some limitations that we already discussed in the blog. Therefore, it is recommended to use professional software that provides a secure data migration. Also, it provides 24/7 technical support to help users whenever they want.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I import OST files directly to Office 365?

Ans. Technically, Office 365 does not support direct import of OST files. However, the OST to Office 365 Migration Tool allows users to directly migrate OST files to Office 365.

2. Is Microsoft Outlook required to import OST to Office 365?

Ans. Yes, if you use the manual method, then Microsoft Outlook is required, as it has to import the OST file to the PST file first. However, you can use the OST to Office 365 Migration Tool, which performs direct migration.

3. How long does it take to import OST to Office 365?

Ans. The time depends on several factors, such as time, size, etc. Therefore, the migration tool is faster than the manual method.

4. Can I import a corrupted OST file to Office 365?

Ans. Yes, the OST to Office 365 supports the corrupted files, so you should use this software for OST file importation.

5. Can I import OST from old Outlook versions to Office 365?

Ans. Yes, this OST to Office 365 migration tool supports all versions of Outlook for data migration.