How to Import PST to Outlook Web App in a Few Easy Steps?

What if you no longer have access to Outlook for Desktop but need to open saved PST files? Well, you can import PST to Outlook Web App as it eliminates compatibility issues and you can access your old emails. Outlook Web App does not directly import PST files and involves multiple steps. There are different ways of doing this including free manual procedures. A dedicated PST Converter Tool is also available. It has a few additional features that will simplify your task. Let’s determine the most effective method based on your needs.

Necessity to Open PST File in Outlook Web App?

Before going any further, let’s take a moment to understand why importing PST files to Outlook Web App is essential. This will help you access your emails and other data effortlessly from anywhere. The key points are given below that highlights the benefits of this process:

1. Users who were working on Outlook for Desktop transitioned into Outlook Web App due to work-related requirements.
2. Importing PST files to Outlook Web App keeps your data updated on all your devices.
3. Multiple PST files need to be merged into a single mailbox can be made possible by importing them to the Outlook Web App.
4. By importing PST to the Outlook Web App, users can securely store their emails in the cloud.

Head to the next section to find out how to Import PST Files into Outlook Web Application process.

Top Methods to Import PST to Outlook Web App

One can open PST File in Outlook Web App by using either manual methods or an automated method. The manual processes take time, and effort, and sometimes can be lengthy and complex too. An automated method simplifies the task and speeds up the process. It also provides an easy way to convert PST files to Outlook Web App with minimal hassle. 

Using the Import/Export Feature of Outlook

One can use this method when the PST file size is small & manageable. In a situation where you have to import just a few PST files to the Outlook Web App, go for this method. Take a look at the step-by-step approach:

1. Open Outlook.
2. Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Choose Import from another program or file > Outlook data file(.pst) > Next.
4. Search through the desired PST file you want to import. 
5. Lastly, click Finish.

Limitations: First of all, we cannot directly import PST to Outlook Web Access. If you are importing a large PST file size, then the process may take hours or a few days to complete. 

Using Network Upload Method / Azure AzCopy Tool

This method’s best feature is that it can import large PST files in bulk. Along with this, it provides centralized and secure migration. Given below is the process to import PST to Outlook Web App:

Step 1: Upload the PST File and create a PST Import Mapping File

1. Visit the Microsoft Purview Compliance Portal.
2. Log in with your Office 365 account. 
3. Now, go to Security and Compliance Centre > Data governance > Import.
4. An Import Wizard page opens up. Select + New import job > Copy SAS URL.
5. Now, download and install the Azure AzCopy Tool.
6. Open Command Prompt. Run this command:

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

1. Now, create a CSV file, that will help you move your PST Files to Office 365.

Step 2: Create PST Import Process

1. Again, go to the Import Wizard page.
2. This time, choose “I’m done uploading my files” and “I have access to the mapping file” > Next.
3. Now, choose Upload your data > Next.
4. Then, Select Mapping File. Add your CSV file > Validate.
5. Lastly, hit Save > Close.

Limitations: This process requires technical knowledge of PowerShell commands. Also, importing large PST files may slow the performance or might cause failures. 

Using the Drive Shipping Method 

This process is a controlled and secured migration. One only needs to have a basic technical understanding to use this process. Follow this step-by-step instruction to import PST files into Outlook Web Application:

Step 1: Download the PST Import Tool

1. Follow the same procedure as mentioned in the Network Upload method Step 1.
2. Once the Import Wizard page gets open.
3. Choose “Ship hard drives to one of our locations” > Next.
4. Now, download the Azure Import/Export Tool. 
5. Lastly, hit Save > Save As. Save the WaImportExportV1.zip file.

Step 2: Copy PST Files to the Hard Drive 

1. Open Command Prompt. Go to the directory where you have saved the WaImportExportV1.zip file.
2. Run this command:

WAImportExport.exe PrepImport /j:<Name of journal file> /t:<Drive letter> /id:<Name of session> /srcdir:<Location of PST files> /dstdir:<PST file path> /blobtype:BlockBlob /encrypt /logdir:<Log file location>

Step 3: Create PST Import Mapping File 

1. Create a CSV file.

Step 4: Create PST Import job

1. First, go through the same steps as given in Step 1 above. 
2. After the Import Wizard page gets loaded.
3. Select “I’ve prepared my hard drives and have access to the necessary drive journal files” and “I have access to the mapping file” > Next.
4. Click on + Select drive file > Validate > Next.
5. Choose + Select mapping file. Add your CSV file. Then, tap Validate.

Step 5: Ship the drive to Microsoft Centre

1. Microsoft uploads the data to a secured Azure storage location.
2. After several days, download the PST mapping file (CSV) from the portal.

Limitations: It can take several days to physically ship the hard drive while also associated with shipping cost. This process also requires technical understanding and Admin access.

A Dedicated Tool to Import PST to Outlook Web App

Cigati PST Converter Tool is a perfect solution for an easy and reliable way to open PST File in Outlook Web App. This is a versatile tool that converts PST to various formats and into numerous email clients. It offers bulk importing, mail and task filters, duplicate email filters, etc. Given below are the simple steps to initiate the process: 

1. Download and launch the PST Converter Tool.
2. Now, select between Single File/Multiple Files or Select Folder. Click Next.
3. Choose Select Files or Select Folder and add PST from your system.
4. After that, check the folders and preview your file. Then, click Next.
5. Go to Save/Backup/Migrate As > Email Client > Hotmail.
6. Then, enter credentials and log in to your Outlook for Web account.
7. Select additional features if needed. Then, choose the path to save your file. 
8. Lastly, click on Convert.

Conclusion

This blog delivered insights on the best ways to import PST files to Outlook Web App. We have highlighted the need to import PST to Outlook Web App and explored manual as well as professional approaches. Although manual methods are an option, they can be tedious and prone to mistakes. In contrast, the PST Converter Tool offers a seamless and reliable experience.

You May Also Read: Import PST to Windows Live Mail

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1 – How to Import PST files in Outlook Web App?

Ans – We can import PST to Outlook Web App by using Outlook, Network Upload, and Drive Shipping methods. Let’s discuss the Outlook method:

1. Launch the Outlook application.
2. Navigate to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
3. Now, choose Import from another program or file > Outlook data file(.pst) > Next.
4. Search the desired PST file that you want to import. 
5. Lastly, click Finish.

For an easy and quick migration, go for professional software. PST Converter Tool will solve all your problems by simplifying the tasks.

Q2 – How do I back up my Outlook Web App emails?

Ans – Follow this process:

1. Open Outlook and log in with your credentials.
2. Open an email that you would like to back up.
3. On your right corner, click on the three dots icon.
4. Now, click Save As to download your Outlook Web App email.

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