{"id":39840,"date":"2026-01-28T00:15:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T23:15:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/?p=39840"},"modified":"2026-01-31T11:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-31T10:54:33","slug":"top-methods-to-convert-ost-to-pst-in-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/2026\/01\/28\/top-methods-to-convert-ost-to-pst-in-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Methods to Convert OST to PST in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; display: inline; float: left;\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/07\/Office1.jpg\" width=\"55\" height=\"60\" align=\"left\" \/><em>Sponsored post<\/em> &#8211; OST file \u2013 a cached copy of your mailbox items \u2013 is automatically generated when you configure Outlook profile with Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, or IMAP account. <\/span><span class=\"tm9\">At times, situations arise when you need to open the OST file in another account, or migrate it to another Outlook, or take a backup. In such situations, you need to convert the OST file into PST format, which is easily accessed\/imported into any Outlook profile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"tm9\">As mentioned, a OST file \u2013 a cached copy of your mailbox items \u2013 is automatically generated when you configure Outlook profile with Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, or IMAP account. This file is by default encrypted with MAPIEntryID GUID key and linked with the profile in which it is created. As a result, you cannot access or open it any other Outlook account or profile. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"tm9\">At times, situations arise when you need to open the OST file in another account, or migrate it to another Outlook, or take a backup. In such situations, you need to convert the OST file into PST format, which is easily accessed\/imported into any Outlook profile. In this article, we will discuss the top methods of converting OST to PST with or without Outlook.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"tm10\"><span class=\"tm11\">Top Methods to Convert OST into PST<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">Below, we will be listing some reliable and secure methods for converting OST file into PST format.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm13\">1. Using Outlook Import\/Export Wizard<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">One of the best methods to convert the OST file into PST format is by using the in-built utility in Outlook &#8211; Import\/Export Wizard. With the help of this utility, you can export your emails, contacts, and other items to PST file. Below are the steps to do this:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Open your Outlook on your device.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"tm15\">Go to <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">File<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> and click on the <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Open &amp; Export<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> option.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-39842\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image.png\" alt=\"File menu\" width=\"640\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image.png 640w, https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-300x254.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Select the <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Import\/Export<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> option.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"tm15\">Now, select the option &#8211; <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Export to a File<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Listenabsatz\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-39845\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1.png\" alt=\"Export format\" width=\"435\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1.png 436w, https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-1-300x227.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 435px) 100vw, 435px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Click on <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Next<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"tm15\">Select <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Outlook Data File<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> and click <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Next<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Export to file\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-2.png\" alt=\"Export to file\" width=\"433\" height=\"332\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Select your main mailbox folder or folders you want to convert to PST, check the <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Include subfolders <\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">box<\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">,<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> and click <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Next<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Listenabsatz\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" title=\"Folder Name\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-3.png\" alt=\"Folder Name\" width=\"428\" height=\"321\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"tm15\">Give a name your PST (e.g. Data_Backup_Jan2026.pst) and choose a save location.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"tm15\">Click <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Finish<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm13\">2. Using Outlook Archive Feature<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">Another way to convert your OST file is by using Archive feature in Outlook. This feature is essentially used to move older mail items to a separate PST file. Follow the steps given below to convert your OST file items into PST format using this feature: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Navigate to <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">File<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> &gt; <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Tools<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> &gt; <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Cleanup Old Items.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-4.png\" alt=\"Office Account Information\" width=\"640\" height=\"552\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Select <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Archive this folder and all subfolders<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> and then choose the folders you want to convert to PST.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Set a date for items older than that you want to archive (e.g., Archive items older than: 10\/1\/2025).<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Choose a location for the archive PST.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Click <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">OK.<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> Outlook will create a PST containing all the items older than the selected date.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm13\">3. Using Drag &amp; Drop Method <\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">There is another way you can follow for converting OST file items into PST format. In this, what you have to do is first create a new PST file, and then drag and drop the items you want to convert from the OST file (mailbox) into it. Here's how to use this method: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">In your Outlook, go to the <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Home<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> menu.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Click <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">New Items<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> &gt; <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">More Items.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Click on <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Outlook Data File<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\"> to create a new PST file.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Listenabsatz\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-5.png\" alt=\"Select menu item\" width=\"484\" height=\"577\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">Select a location and name the PST file (e.g., My Name_PC.pst). Click <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">OK.<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm14\"><span class=\"tm15\">A new blank PST file will be created and appear in the left pane in your Outlook window.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Listenabsatz\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-6.png\" alt=\"Select item\" width=\"541\" height=\"686\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Normal_Web_ tm14\"><span class=\"tm9\">Now, you can <\/span><span class=\"tm9\">drag and drop the required folders into this PST file. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><strong><span class=\"tm13\">4. Using a Professional OST to PST Converter Tool<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">Outlook's built-in features, like Import\/Export wizard and Archive are only helpful when you can access your Outlook profile. But if your OST file becomes inaccessible or Outlook is not working, then these methods will not be feasible. In such situations, the best way is to use an advanced <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/convert-ost-to-pst.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\">OST to PST converter<\/a> <span class=\"tm9\">tool, like <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm13\">Stellar Converter for OST. <\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm9\">This is one of the reliable methods to convert your OST file, even if it is inaccessible or orphaned. This tool can covert convert OST file of any size into Outlook importable PST file by maintaining original folder hierarchy and structure. Also, you can save the converted data in several other formats, like MSG, EML, RTF, HTML, PDF, etc. Here's how you can use this tool: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/convert-ost-to-pst.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\">website from Stellar<\/a>, d<\/span><span class=\"tm15\">ownload and install the tool on your Windows device. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">Open the tool. You will see two options: <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">List Profiles <\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">and <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Choose Manually. <\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Listenabsatz tm22\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-7.png\" alt=\"List Configured Files\" width=\"486\" height=\"207\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">Click on <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">List Profiles. <\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">This will automatically list all your Outlook data files associated with your Outlook profile. Select Choose Manually if your OST file is inaccessible or located at a different location. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">After choosing the OST file, click on <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Convert<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Listenabsatz tm22\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-8.png\" alt=\"Select option\" width=\"486\" height=\"392\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">After the conversion process is complete, your mailbox items are listed in a three pane preview window. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Listenabsatz tm22\"><a href=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-9.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone \" src=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-9.png\" alt=\"File\" width=\"606\" height=\"316\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">Select all or any of the items you want to convert to PST file.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">Click on <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">Save converted file <\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">and choose the PST file format.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"Listenabsatz tm21\"><span class=\"tm15\">Select the desired location to save the PST file and click <\/span><strong><span class=\"tm17\">OK<\/span><\/strong><span class=\"tm15\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">The converted file will be saved at the location selected by you. As you've seen, converting OST file to PST by using this specialized OST to PST converter tool requires minimal efforts and time. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p class=\"Normal tm8\"><span class=\"tm9\">In this article, we have mentioned different methods for converting OST file into PST. Converting OST file using Import and Export wizard and Archive feature in Outlook is feasible if your OST file is accessible and your profile is active. If this is not the case, then the only and best option is to use a professional OST to PST converter tool, like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stellarinfo.com\/convert-ost-to-pst.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener sponsored\">Stellar Converter for OST<\/a><a id=\"aGoBack\"><\/a>.<span class=\"tm9\"> This tool can extract all the items from OST file of any size and in any state (orphaned or inaccessible) and save them to PST file.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sponsored post &#8211; OST file \u2013 a cached copy of your mailbox items \u2013 is automatically generated when you configure Outlook profile with Exchange Server, Microsoft 365, or IMAP account. At times, situations arise when you need to open the &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/2026\/01\/28\/top-methods-to-convert-ost-to-pst-in-2026\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1319,1547],"tags":[54,1544],"class_list":["post-39840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general","category-software","tag-general","tag-software"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39840"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39840\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39856,"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39840\/revisions\/39856"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/borncity.com\/win\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}