How to Change OST to PST in Outlook? [A Detailed Guide]

Are you wondering how to change OST to PST in Outlook? This is easy to do. In fact, there are several methods to try, and we’ve run through 3 of the best for you.

Read ahead for a look at them and more.

How Do You Change OST to PST in Outlook?

As mentioned, there are a couple of tricks to try, but the three main solutions would be to either export or archive your mailbox, or use a third-party software like Kernel. Kernel is especially useful, as you don’t need an Exchange account for it.

We’ve taken a look at each of these methods in-depth below.

Method 1: Exporting Mailbox as a PST file

From all the methods available, this is the easiest. You’ll have to sign in to Outlook using the Exchange account that you used to create your OST files, and then export your mailbox.

All you do is:

• Launch Microsoft Outlook
• Click on the Files button
• Go to the Open & Export section
• Click on Import & Export
• Select Export a file, and then tap the Next button
• Click on the second option on the screen – Outlook Data file (.pst(), and then hit the Next button
• Select the folder that you want the file to be exported to (keep in mind that you can include subfolders too)
• Go to the location where you want the file saved and confirm

If you want more solutions, read the below section.

Method 2: Use ‘Archive Option’ to Save OST Emails to PST

Using the Archive option to save OST emails is quite popular. It’s a great way to keep your mailbox at a manageable size. All your old messages will be stored in ‘archive’ until you know what you want to do with them.

Let’s talk about how to enable auto-archive:

• Launch the Outlook app
• Go to the File option
• Select Options
• Head to the Advanced menu
• Click on Auto Archive Settings
• Select the number of days you want auto-archive to run for
• Finally click on the folder you want the archived files to be saved in
• Tap OK to finally confirm

Now, your mailbox items will be transferred to the PST file depending on your archive settings.

Solution 3: Without Using Exchange Profile/ Server Connectivity

Lastly, there is a special software you can use to get the job done – Kernel. In case you’re wondering, no, you won’t have to pay for it. You’ll be able to convert OST files to PST files for free.

The software converts inaccessible OST files without the Exchange profile or Server they came from. If you don’t have access to the Exchange account, this makes the software a good solution.

Even if you’re a tech newbie, using Kernel is easy. You can even recover deleted files with it, and convert them to the PST format.

Here’s an added benefit – it has an advanced filtering and saving option that we appreciate.

Let’s talk about how to use it:

• Download the Kernel software
• Open the OST to PST file
• A wizard will open where you’ll be able to select single or even multiple OST files. You’ll have to select the file you want to convert from its location
• Choose a folder and view its contents once the tool shows the OST file content
• Tap the Save button (on the toolbar) to convert the file into the PST format
• Click the PST file as the output type once you’re done
• Select and apply the required filters
• You can split the PST file if it’s at a certain size. Remember to provide the required details properly
• Browse the file destination and then click Ok to confirm
• The tool should show a message once everything’s done

How Do You Change OST to PST in Microsoft Outlook?

Changing OST to PST in Outlook is not difficult. As discussed in our article, there are 3 methods to try. If you don’t have access to the Exchange account or server, you can use the Kernel software. However, keep in mind that using it is can be complicated.

Hopefully you found all of the points discussed useful. So, what do you think?