How to Import OST File into Office 365: Proven Methods

author Written By Rohit Singh
author Approved By Sonika Rawat
Updated on 03th Jan 2025
Reading Time 8 minutes

Summary

OST (Offline Storage Table), an Outlook data file, is very beneficial, especially for offline data access. However, there are circumstances when these files may encounter errors and users cannot view or edit data. Having them stored at a different location like Microsoft Office 365 comes in handy at such times. Thus, here you will find reliable and easy solutions to import OST to Office 365. Either cost-free or with an OST to Office 365 Migration Tool by experts.

Why Import Outlook OST to Office 365?

There are many substantial reasons for users to decide to migrate OST emails into Office 365 accounts. The major one is the shift from an Exchange to a cloud-based platform. Additionally, reduction in downtime and cost are other important factors. Moreover, who doesn’t require absolute security for their data? So, to take advantage of Microsoft Office 365 advanced features and services, importing Outlook OST files is an ultimate option.

How to Migrate OST File to Office 365 Account?

Different effective ways prevail for the Outlook OST migration into the M365 email client. However, we must opt for the best solutions that create less hassle and enable a smooth migration without data loss. Therefore, this section explains a professional tool and some free manual ways to streamline the migration process.

Which Tool is an Ideal Solution to Import OST to Office 365?

Cigati OST to PST Converter is a full-fledged and flawless software for the migration of OST mailbox data. It is a high-performance utility that easily operates on any OS, Windows, or Mac. In addition, the self-intuitive interface is helpful for novice users. Moreover, with this excellent software, users can convert data into formats or directly transfer to email clients in bulk. Thus, it is an effortless solution for importing OST files.

Steps to Upload OST to Office 365

  • Start the OST Converter software and select an option. Click Next.
  • Choose the File/Folder option and locate and choose OST. Click Open to add and tap Next.
  • Preview the folders and subfolders and select OST files to import. Hit Next.
  • Further, from the Email Client drop-down, pick the Office 365 saving client.
  • Select Modern Authentication and Sign In O365 with your credentials.
  • Afterward, pick the filters and M365 mailbox where to save the OST file data.
  • At last, click Convert to complete the import for Outlook OST.

With this, the process is completed successfully and your data is backed up securely.

What Techniques to Use to Import OST to Office 365 Manually?

The manual method has two different ways for this import, but before that, you need to change the OST file. These are explained in detail as follows:

Converting OST to Outlook PST for Migration

  • Foremost, start the Import/Export wizard in Outlook. (File-Open & Export-Import/Export)
  • Then, select the option Export to a File. Press Next to opt for PST and Next.
  • Now, choose the folders and subfolders to change OST to PST. Press Next.
  • Assign the saving path for the new PST file and hit Finish to convert OST.
  • Advanced filters to enhance and improve the resultant file in Gmail.

Way 1: Upload OST to Office 365 Through Azure AzCopy Network Upload

  • Make sure that you have the admin credentials. Next, save the MS Azure AzCopy file on the system and ensure to copy the SAS URL.
  • Then, import your Outlook PST file and using the Import Job Configuration option, create a mapping file.
  • Finally, specify the filters to use and your converted OST file will be uploaded.

Way 2: Import the OST File to Office 365 Through Drive Shipping

  • Copy the converted OST file into a hard drive with the Azure Import/Export.
  • After that, build a PST import by mapping the CSV file.
  • Next, create a new import job for the PST file into Office 365.
  • Now, export the hard drive containing tracking details to the Microsoft account.
  • Lastly, filter the data of your PST file and hit Start Import to begin the process.

Are there any Drawbacks to These Methods?

Yes, the manual methods to import Outlook OST to Office 365 are free but has some cons:

  • Very difficult for non-tech or novice users to execute these steps.
  • Repetition of steps for multiple number of OST files.
  • The file size is limited up to 35 MB and the process is costly.
  • Tricky, time-consuming, and high risk of errors and data loss.

Conclusion

It must be clear now that the process of importing OST to Office 365 has various solutions. The manual methods provided are mainly suitable for technical users or users who need technical assistance. On the other hand, for a secure, risk-free, and quick migration, use a professional tool. It will save you time and cost and provide an instant migration of the OST data.