Transfer Outlook PST Files to a New Computer – Step-by-Step Tutorial

Brief About Outlook Data File

Outlook stores all your data, including emails, contacts, calendar events, tasks, and more. These data files are called Personal Storage Table files. In short, we denoted this as the PST file. These files contain all your Outlook data and are primarily used when you set up an email account that uses POP3, IMAP, or HTTP. Although it completely depends on your Outlook version, you might also encounter Offline Storage Table (OST) files. However, if needed, you can convert an OST file to a PST file.

Basic Reasons Why You Need to Transfer Outlook Data to New Computer

If a user decides to move their data to a new computer, then it is quite appropriate action to keep their email life uninterrupted. Here are some of the major benefits of performing this action:

• When you purchase a new PC or laptop, you want your Outlook mailbox ready to use.
• If you reinstall Windows, then the transferred Outlook data helps restore emails, contacts, and calendars.
• Professionals rely on past conversations, attachments, and schedules. So they have to keep a copy Outlook PST to new computer.
• If you want data accessibility, then it’s better step to keep a backup of your Old emails on your computer.
• This process is also helpful for backup purposes. Transferred Outlook file data acts as a secondary backup.

How to Transfer Outlook PST to New Computer

To make your Outlook data available on a new system, you need to move the PST file properly. Below are the most effective ways to transfer it without losing any emails or contacts.

Method 01: Move the PST File to New Computer Manually

Although this method is the most direct and works well if you already know where the PST file is stored. So, the basic point is you have awareness of where exactly your PST file is stored.

1. Open Outlook on your old computer.
2. Go to File >> Account Settings >> Account Settings>>Data Files.
3. After that, note the location of your PST file from the list.
4. Now, close Outlook and go to the folder where the PST file is saved.
5. Next, copy the file to a USB drive or external hard disk.
6. Move the drive to your new computer and paste the PST file there.
7. On the new computer, open Outlook.
8. Again, move to the File >> Open & Export >> Open Outlook Data File.
9. Select the copied PST file to move PST file to new computer.

Method 2: Export and Import PST File Through Outlook

If you want to choose specific folders or ensure a clean export, Outlook’s Import/Export feature is a good option.

1. On your old computer, open Outlook.
2. Click File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Select Export to a File > Outlook Data File (.pst).
4. Choose the folders you want to export to your new computer.
5. Along with that, set a location to save your file.
6. Copy the exported PST file to a USB drive or upload it to cloud storage.
7. On the new computer, open your Outlook application.
8. Next, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
9. Select Import from another program or file > Outlook Data File (.pst).
10. Lastly, browse your Outlook PST file and click Finish to import.

Method 3: Use Cloud Services to Move Outlook PST to New Computer

If a user has no any external storage, cloud storage is a simple way which will be helpful to transfer Outlook PST to new computer:

1. On your old computer, upload the PST file to OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
2. Log in to the same cloud account on your new computer.
3. Download the PST file from the cloud.
4. After that, open Outlook on the new system.
5. Navigate to File >> Open & Export >> Open Outlook Data File.
6. Browse and import PST file into Outlook on new computer.

How Aryson OST to PST Converter Can Be Helpful in This Situation

Sometimes, just moving a PST file is not enough. If your Outlook on the old computer was using an OST file (created when connected with Exchange, IMAP, or Office 365), you cannot copy it directly to the new computer. Outlook does not let you open OST files manually, which makes the transfer difficult.

In such cases, the Aryson OST to PST Converter is very helpful. It converts OST files into PST format. So that you can easily import into Outlook on your new system. This way, users can move all their emails, contacts, and other data without losing anything. Also, you do not have to worry about the compatibility. Because this is compatible with different OS and all versions of MS Outlook.

Simple Steps to Convert Your OST File to PST

• Open the Aryson OST to PST Converter, mark the select File/Folder option>>Next.
• From your system, pick that OST file which you want to convert to PST>>Open.
• Once the file is added, you can preview emails, contacts, calendars, and other items.
• Mark the radio button of File Format and pick PST file from the given drop-down.
• Assign the specific path to save the resultant PST and click on the Convert button.

Conclusion

If you want to keep your emails, contacts, and calendars safe, then it is important to move your Outlook PST file to new computer. As we discussed, this can be done in different ways, such as copying the PST file manually, using Outlook’s export and import feature, or moving it through cloud storage. These methods are useful but can become time-consuming or risky when handling large or damaged files. In situations where Outlook uses an OST file instead of a PST, manual methods are not enough. In that case, use the above-recommended software and transfer Outlook PST to new computer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

About The Author:

Rohan Wiese

Rohan Wiese is a Technical Content Writer at Aryson Technologies, specializing in databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He enjoys conducting research and generating information that assists database administrators, businesses, and novices in resolving issues with MS SQL Server, MySQL databases, Cloud Computing, and Microsoft Exchange.

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