Accessing Outlook .pst files in New Outlook

Jeff Isler and Monica TS -

Thank you for continuing to press on this issue. Sadly after Eben's initial reply to my question which started this thread, no one from Microsoft has responded to the follow-up questions. Most seem to deal with the same fact pattern: lots of data in .pst files such that moving all that back to the root email is not practical. I did note that there was a post earlier which said that Microsoft WAS NOW going to support .pst files in the new Outlook. But no details and no real guidance fo folks like us with lots of data in multiple .pst files with folders, subfolders, attachments.

I really wish Eben Ezer Tres (the Microsoft Community Moderator who responded to my first question) would jump back into the fray here.

Many thanks,

Amin No

Hello  Amin Nosrat,

Good morning!

Thank you for publishing in Microsoft Community. We are happy to help you.

I understand that you have concerns about accessing your .pst files in New Outlook.

Firstly, I would like to clarify that New Outlook for Windows does support .pst files. You can import your .pst files into Outlook using the old Outlook ( classic Outlook).

Typically you need to switch back to the classic outlook to move everything from .pst files into folders within your "root" Outlook email

By migrating your .pst files back into your Outlook account, organizing your emails effectively, and implementing proper backup procedures, you can continue to access and manage your valuable email history in the new Outlook environment.

If you have been using .pst files in Outlook to store important emails and historic records, it's crucial to ensure that you can continue to access and manage this valuable information.

Here are some insights and steps to help you address the changes in Outlook's support for .pst files and effectively manage your email data:

1. Outlook's Transition Away from .pst Files:
     - As Microsoft transitions away from .pst files in favor of more modern data storage solutions, it's important to adapt your email management practices accordingly to ensure continued access to your email data.
2. Migration Options:
     - One option is to migrate the contents of your existing .pst files back into your Outlook mailbox or folders. This will bring all your emails back into your "root" Outlook email account, making them accessible within the new Outlook interface.
3. Importing .pst Files:
     - To import the contents of your .pst files back into Outlook, you can use the import feature within Outlook. This process allows you to select the .pst file you want to import and choose the destination where you want the data to be imported. Reference: Import contacts to Outlook for Windows - Microsoft Support
4. Considerations for Importing:
     - Keep in mind that importing a large amount of data (such as 4.5GB of emails) into your Outlook mailbox may impact performance, especially if your mailbox size reaches or exceeds the storage limits set by your email provider or your Admin.
5. Organizing Emails in Outlook:
     - Once you have imported the emails back into Outlook, you can organize them using folders, categories, or tags to maintain a structured and easily accessible email archive. Consider organizing emails based on topics, projects, or time periods to facilitate efficient retrieval of information.
6. Backup and Archiving:
     - As you make changes to your email management strategy, ensure that you have adequate backup and archiving procedures in place to safeguard your important email data. Regularly back up your Outlook mailbox to prevent data loss.

you can continue to access and manage your valuable email history in the new Outlook.

However if there is any issue kindly provide us your old outlook version

We look forward to your reply. This requested information will help us narrow down the scenario and find the right troubleshooting. We will continue to assist you based on the information you provide. I sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation.   SincerelyEben Ezer Tres | Microsoft Community Moderator

Agree completely this is what I had asked in my earlier questions about having you know 5G or more in multiple PST files that I’m now going to have to load into a single outlook file. That was a problem 20 years ago and that’s why I created multiple PST files.

What are the plans for supporting PSTs?

Will New Outlook allow PSTs to be placed on cloud storage. I understand that the big problem is latency between on box storage and any form of Network storage,

I have organized my personal email around PST storage.

I appreciate your response but i'm still left with my question unanswered. What do i do to prepare for the EOL? will there be no way to access the data in the .pst files? What would someone suggest as a way to still use Outlook to access this information?. Any assistance would be appreciated.