How to Import PST to Exchange Online Directly – Effective Ways

Some users archive their emails in PST files to free up storage issues in their primary mailbox. Now, they might need to restore those emails into Exchange Online for easy access and management. But, what’s the best way to proceed? To restore lost emails, Microsoft offers a way to import PST to Exchange Online, ensuring email recovery and access from any device. For a seamless migration, the PST to Office 365 Migration Tool is another effective option. Keep reading to learn the best approach.

PST (Personal Storage Table) is a local storage file used by Microsoft Outlook. One can either backup or archive the user’s emails, and other information, and access them offline. On the other hand, Exchange Online is a cloud-based email service that provides access to emails, contacts, and schedules from anywhere. It ensures seamless availability, improved security, and centralized email management.

Why There’s a Need to Import PST File to Exchange Online?

Migrating PST files to Exchange Online ensures better email organization and improved accessibility. Here are the main benefits of this migration:

1. The ability to upload PST to Exchange Online helps users manage their emails by storing emails, contacts, and calendars in one secure location.
2. Exchange Online allows users to stay connected to their emails across all devices, anytime, anywhere.
3. PST files are vulnerable to data loss. Therefore, moving them to Exchange Online is a safer option. Exchange Online helps keep emails secure through its advanced security features.
4. PST files don’t have an automatic backup feature. However, importing them to Exchange Online ensures secure email backup.
5. By moving PST files to Exchange Online, it dismisses the need for updates, backups, as Microsoft handles all the maintenance.

How to Import PST to Exchange Online?

There are various approaches to import PST files to Exchange Online available on the web. The manual methods include Network Upload, Drive Shipping, and Outlook Import/Export. However, if you are not that good with the technicalities of manual procedure, use an automated PST to Office 365 Migration Tool. It provides a simple, faster and hassle-free solution.

Network Upload Method to Import PST File to Exchange Online Mailbox

For organizations, transferring multiple PST files to various user mailboxes, Network Upload is a practical and secure solution. This method ensures that the data remains encrypted and is stored in Azure. Now, follow these steps to transfer PST to Exchange Online:

Step 1: Copy the SAS URL

1. Visit the Microsoft Purview Portal.
2. Now, log in with your MS Office 365 account.
3. Navigate to Data Lifecycle Management > Microsoft 365 > Import.
4. Then, choose + New import job. Now, name the import job and click Next.
5. After that, go to Upload your data and click Next.
6. The import data page opens up. Copy the SAS URL and download Azure AzCopy.

Step 2: Upload the PST file to Office 365

1. Open the Command Prompt.
2. Run the below-mentioned command:

azcopy.exe copy “<Source location of PST files>” “<SAS URL>”

1. Now, go back to Microsoft 365 import process.
2. Choose “I’m done uploading my files” > “I have access to the mapping file” > Next.
3. Following the next screen, upload and validate your PST mapping file.

Limitations: When internet speed is slow or insufficient, this approach may not be effective. Slow speed can lead to significant delays in the upload process.

Drive Shipping Method to Migrate PST to Exchange Online

For users handling large PST files, this method is a great choice. With built-in hardware encryption, it ensures secure data transfer. Below are the steps to begin your import:

1. Navigate to the Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal.
2. Then, select Data Lifecycle Management > Microsoft 365 > Import
3. Then tap + New import job and name it. Click Next.
4. Choose Ship hard drives to one of our physical locations > Next.
5. Now, download the Azure Import/Export Tool. Copy the PST files to a Hard Drive.
6. After that, create a PST Import mapping file (CSV format).
7. Create an Import job in MS 365.
8. Lastly, ship your hard drive to the Microsoft Centre.

Limitations: Drive Shipping is not ideal for quick or urgent migrations. Physically transporting data may result in unexpected delays.

Outlook Import/Export Method to Upload PST to Exchange Online Mailbox

This is a convenient and faster method for importing only a few PST files into Exchange Online. Below is a step-by-step process to initiate the migration:

Step 1: Open Outlook & Log In to your Exchange Online Account

1. Open Outlook.
2. Then, go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings > New.
3. Now, log in with your credentials.

Step 2: Import the PST File

1. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
2. Choose Import from another program or file > Next.
3. Now, select the Outlook data file(.pst) > Next.
4. Browse the PST file that you want to import and then, click Next.
5. Choose your destination folder and click Finish.

Limitations: This method is not suitable for large or bulk migrations, as it requires manual effort and centralized control.

An Expert Tool to Import PST to Exchange Online

Searching for a quick and reliable solution to import PST files to Exchange Online? Cigati PST to Office 365 Migration Tool, simplifies the process. It lets you import multiple files at once, thereby reducing manual effort. It maintains the folder structure, attachments and emails. With its easy-to-use and highly compatible platform, transferring PST files has never been easier before.

Use this structured approach to seamlessly import PST file to Exchange Online:

1. Download and install PST to Office 365 Migration Tool.
2. Go to Restore > Continue.
3. Now, Select PST/OST and then, choose the PST option.
4. Choose from either Select Single File or Select Folder as per your need.
5. Then, choose Select File and browse through your PST file. Click Open.
6. Tap Next. Select Use Modern Authentication > Log in with your Microsoft 365 account.
7. Choose the additional features if needed. Then, select the mailbox in which you want to import.
8. Lastly, click Convert.

Conclusion

PST files are prone to corruption and you may end up losing important data. Therefore, importing it to Exchange Online provides better security. Here, we have discussed above the best methods to import PST to Exchange Online Mailbox. While manual migration is an option, it may be inefficient and complex. Choosing a PST to Office Migration Tool, eases the migration process, is a time-saving alternative, and needs no technical skills.

You May Also Read: Import PST to Online Archive

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Can I import a PST into Exchange Online? 

Ans – Yes, you can import PST into Exchange Online. The Import service within the Microsoft Compliance Portal allows you to efficiently bulk import PST to Exchange Online mailboxes.

There are three ways to do it manually:

1. Using Network Upload Method
2. By using Drive Shipping
3. Outlook Import/Export tool

While these are quite effective, but involve complex procedures. You can use a professional PST to Office 365 Migration Tool, for a simple, faster, and error-free migration.

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