How to Migrate PST Files to Office 365? Top Methods Explained
In this guide, we will provide in-depth knowledge of PST files and various methods to migrate PST files to Office 365 accounts. If you similar search query then follow the complete guide to know the step-by-step detailed explanation.
What is PST File?
The PST is the extension (file-type) of the Outlook database file which contains emails and other Outlook data such as contacts, calendars, tasks, etc. Originally .pst was known as a Personal storage table and is now referred to as a personal storage file or personal folder. This file is generated when users export their Outlook account data.
Reasons to Migrate PST Files to Office 365 Account
Due to changes in technology more and more organizations are switching from desktop-based applications to Cloud technology. The same goes for organizations using Outlook email clients looking for ways to switch to Office 365. However, switching from Outlook to Office 365 is not a difficult task, if the right method is known.
There are several reasons why many organization looks for methods to migrate PST files to Office 365, such as:
- Organization switching from Outlook email client to Office 365 Online.
- A user wished to import local PST into Office 365 account
- Transfer data from the shared PST file into your O365 account
- Importing converted PST file to switch over to O365
What are the Concerns With PST Files?
Nowadays, anyone with proper knowledge of computers can copy, move, and delete PST files. It’s not a wise thing to have a local copy of your important data on the device that anyone case access at will. Most users stores lots of PST files in local devices, network devices, and removable media. This makes the protection of data difficult therefore they look for a way to migrate PST files to Office 365.
Also, there is a chance of PST file corruption due to viruses or malware. It is recommended for business organizations to transfer PST file data into Office 365 accounts rather than keeping them locally. This helps in resolving the following issues with the PST file:
- Security: Not each and every PST file are password protected. Even if they are protected with a password, it’s not difficult nowadays to crack the password of such files. After unlocking it can be used by anyone to get the information crucial for an organization.
- Inefficient: There could be a chance of losing/corrupting data while trying to centralize PST using NAS and File servers.
- Cannot Recognize PST file Owner: In any organization, there could be many PST files that exist. It is not an easy task to see which file belongs to whom.
Methods For Migrating PST Files to Office 365 Outlook?
If you ask somebody “how can I import PST to shared mailbox Office 365“. The most common answer you will ever get is to use Drive Shipping or Network Upload.
Yes, Microsoft has provided its own in-built tool to migrate PST to Office 365 account. However, during the migration task, the person who is using these methods had to suffer from the complex process. As it’s not easy for everybody to handle such tasks because it requires high-level technical knowledge to use such a tool. Without much knowledge, the method could lead to the corruption of the PST file.
“Hello! I am Robbin Matthews. I looking for a way to migrate PST files into my Office 365 account only. Most of the people on Reddit and Microsoft forum told me to use the MS Azure AzCopy tool. After some research about that method, I understand that it is not easy to perform by the non-technical users like me. It’s there any simpler method to migrate PST files to Office 365 of a single user? Please, if there is any then let me know.”
Yes, there is no need to use such a complex method as MS Azure AzCopy software for uploading pst to Office 365. This task can be simply done by using the Outlook email client.
Following are the Steps to Migrate PST File to a Single Office 365 Using Outlook:
1. Open MS Outlook, and Go to Files >> Add Account
2. Fill up the details of the Office 365 account and Login
3. Now again, Go to File and click on Open& Export >> Import/ Export
4. From the opened window, choose the “Import from another program or file” option from the list.
5. Now choose “Outlook data file (.pst)” >> Next
6. Browse the PST file that you wish to migrate to Office 365
7. Choose the destination Office 365 account and click on Finish.
Note: If you don’t have Outlook installed or if you wish to migrate PST files to Office 365 account in bulk then the above method is not recommended for you.
Migrate Multiple PST Files to Multiple Office 365 Accounts Simultaneously
The fastest and safest method that is recommended by Microsoft MVPs to migrate PST file data into Office 365 mailbox is by using SysTools Office 365 Import Tool. This automated software provides the best way to transfer multiple Outlook PST files with ease. Additionally, the inbuilt filter of the tool provides more functionality to migrate only selective data from the PST file.
Office 365 Import Tool Purchase Now
Advance Features of Tool that Helps to Migrate PST Files to Office 365
1. Migrate multiple PST files simultaneously
2. Easily migrate PST files to multiple Office 365 accounts
3. Incremental import option to migrate only new or updated data from PST file
4. Comes with Category and Date Filter option
5. It also migrates PST to Office 365 shared mailbox account
Quick Steps to Migrate PST files to Office 365 Accounts
Step 1. First, visit the site, Download & launch the Import tool on your machine.
Step 2. Click on the ‘Is Admin’ button to login as Administrator (else, skip to step 3, if login without Admin).
Note: Administrative login doesn’t require the password of each user account and also allows to migrate PST to Office 365 shared mailbox accounts.
Step 3. Now Add the PST files into the tool using Add File(s)/ Add Folder option.
Step 4. Create a CSV file (click on sample CSV), for mapping between the PST file and Office 365 account.
Step 5. Choose the “Category” of data that needs to be migrated from the PST files & apply the Date Filter for each.
Step 6. Apply additional filters in the tool and finally, click on the Start button to begin migration.
Step 7. After the completion of migration, click on the Save Report button. Now, login into your account to migrate PST file data into Office 365 accounts.
Note: First try the free demo version of the tool, which allows migrating 25 items per folder from a PST file.
Also Read: What to do for GroupWise to Office 365 Migration? Let’s See
Conclusion
In this guide, we have explained the various methods to migrate PST files to Office 365 Online account. Also the problem and risk of saving PST files on a local computer.
It is not at all recommended to transfer PST files using Network Upload and Drive Shipping method. Whether you are a user who wishes to migrate PST to a single Office 365 account or an organization that needs to migrate multiple PST files into Office 365 mailboxes, we have provided a solution for both types.
