This write-up will help you to open OST file in Outlook 2016 & 2019. Here, we will discuss a simple approach to read OST file data in Microsoft Outlook. If you are one of the users who want to import OST to Outlook then keep continuing and get the easiest way to do it.
OST stands for Offline Storage Table which Outlook uses to store a local copy of mailbox data on the mail server. It allows users to access emails, contacts, calendars, and other mailbox items without an internet connection. When you again connect to the internet, the OST file synchronizes with the mail server and saves all changes. OST file is created when you set up an Exchange account with Outlook. If Outlook gets corrupted the OST file associated with this profile becomes orphaned or inaccessible. As a result, you are unable to open OST file in Outlook. However, you can not directly open OST mailbox items in Outlook 2019, 2016, etc. To do it, you need to convert OST files into PST format. After converting them into PST format, you can import PST file in Outlook profile and read OST mailbox data in Outlook.
How to Open OST File in Outlook 2016 & 2019?
Using the Outlook import/export feature, you can export mailboxes into PST format and access them in Outlook.
Follow the below given steps to import OST file to Outlook 2016 & 2019.
1. Open Outlook application and click on File tab.
2. Click on Open & Export and select Import/Export.
3. Choose Export to a File and click on Next.
4. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and press Next.
5. Choose the mailbox folders and subfolders and tap Next.
6. Click on Browse to select destination path and click on Finish button.
7. Once the conversion is complete, open Outlook 2016 & 2019.
8. Navigate to File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export.
9. Choose Import from another program or file and press Next.
10. Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and tap Next.
11. Browse and add above exported PST file.
Hence, you can open OST file data in Outlook 2019, 2016, etc. However, this method only works if your Outlook profile is active. If your OST file gets orphaned or inaccessible then you can not export it into PST format. In that case, you can use a third-party tool for converting orphaned, inaccessible, corrupted OST file.
Conclusion
Importing OST file into Outlook is a typical task. Users cannot directly open OST OST file in Outlook 2019, 2016, and all below versions. Here, we have discussed effective ways to read OST file in Outlook. If your Outlook profile is active then you can manually do it. While if you have an inaccessible OST file then use a professional solution to complete this task.