How to Open OST File in MS Outlook? – Best Updated Solutions

Jamie Kaler ~ June 8, 2022 ~ 7 Minutes Reading

This article will show you how to open the OST file in Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010 & 2007 all previous versions of Outlook. There is no question that Outlook is the most widely used email service in use today. The majority of Outlook users are acquainted with the phrases OST and PST; nevertheless, there is a couple of things to understand about the OST file format.

MS Outlook 2019 is the latest version launched by Microsoft, featuring a variety of new options and enhancements. As many users upgrade their older accounts to this new version, questions about how to open OST files in MS Outlook 2019 arise. Here, you will learn how to do this with ease.

What is Outlook OST File Format?

When you set up Outlook to work with Exchange Server, it creates an Offline Storage Table (OST) and stores it on your local hard drive. This allows you to view your Outlook emails, notes, and calendars even when you are not connected to the Internet.

When it comes to Outlook users, I believe that OST files are essential. Users may be prompted to import emails from an OST file into Outlook 2019 or another version on many occasions.

Reasons to Add OST File to outlook

  • OST files store data locally on your device and it allows you to access emails, contacts, and calendars, even when you are not connected to the internet. Opening the OST file in Outlook enables offline access to the data.
  • If your Outlook profile becomes corrupted or you lose access to your Exchange server, opening the OST file may help recover crucial data such as emails, attachments, and contacts that were synchronized with before the issues occurred.
  • You can often recover your emails or items that you have deleted but available in the file. This is particularly useful when recovering crucial email messages or data that you have lost accidentally.
  • It allows you to work offline and synchronize changes later when you are connected to the Exchange server. It ensures that your emails sent, drafts created, or other changes made while offline are updated once reconnected.
  • In cases where there are network issues or the server is incompatible, you can continue working interrupted with access to your emails, calendar, and contacts in the OST file. This is vital for maintaining productivity in critical business operations.

How to Read OST File in Outlook Using Archive Feature?

To perform an archive feature you must ensure that your email account associated with the OST file is connected to the OST file. Now, You can follow the instructions as we have stated below:

  1. First, open Outlook and click on the file.
  2. Select Tools and browse and clean up old items.
  3. In the Archive window, select the folder or mailbox items from the OST file.
  4. Choose a date to archive items older than specific date and time.
  5. Provide a location to save the PST file.

Manual Method to Open OST File in Outlook

If you want to open a connected Outlook OST file that is linked to your account in the default storage location, you can use the manual method to add OST File to Outlook 2019.

  1. Open Outlook email client.
  2. Now hit the “File” tab >> “Open & Export” >> “Import/Export” options from the screen.

    Open & Export

  3. After that, select the “Export to a file” option from the list.

    Export to a file

  4. And then, choose “Outlook Data File (.PST)” and hit the “Next” icon.

    Outlook Data File

  5. Now select the required data, that you want to export and open.

    required data

  6. Lastly, choose the saving option and hit the “Finish” icon to open the OST file in Outlook.

    saving option

Limitations of Manual Methods

  • If you want to export large data in PST format, then there is a risk of corruption.
  • Also, orphan and corrupted OST files will not open using manual methods.
  • It takes a lot of time and high technical knowledge.
  • If the OST file doesn’t synchronize with the server, you may lose that data during the export process.
  • This method can be cumbersome, especially for those users unfamiliar with the Outlook imterface or those with large datasets, making the time-taking process.

Easiest and Simplest Solution to Open the OST File in Outlook 2019

If you have an orphan, corrupted, and damaged OST file, then you have to take help from automated tools like Jagware Microsoft OST to PST Converter. This software can easily export in PST format because we all know Outlook is also compatible with PST file format, which is easily accessible with Outlook. This software has many highly advanced and sophisticated features, like bulk and selected email conversion. The software also provides many amazing features, which we will describe in the upcoming section.

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Premier Attributes of the Professional Solution

  • Easily convert multiple OST files in one shot to PST format
  • The tool ensures to keep the folder structure of the OST file is intact
  • It can easily convert of any size OST file without facing any limitations.
  • Emails, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes, everything will migrate
  • Zero risk of data loss and 100% guaranteed data conversion
  • This software export UNICODE PST file to easily access in all the version of Outlook.

Steps to Open Outlook OST file in Outlook All Versions</h4

  1. Download and install the software on your computer.software to Open Outlook OST file in Outlook
  2. Click on the upload icon to add the OST file to the application.upload the OST file

  3. Specify the output file location where you want the converted file to be saved.saving location
  4. Click the convert button to begin the conversion process.start the live procedure
  5. Once the conversion is complete, the software will display a completion message. Click ‘OK’ to close it, and the software will redirect you to the output folder location.confirmation message
  6. Now You can easily import PST file in any version of Outlook.

Time to Say Goodbye

With all these benefits, it becomes a lot simpler for anyone to save the OST file into PST file format without any hassle. On the other hand, the manual conversion not only takes ample time to perform the conversion but can also be risky as you might lose your data while trying to open the OST file in Outlook. Moreover, you need enough technical expertise to migrate data from each mailbox one after the other with 100% accuracy. Taking all these points into account, we always suggest that OST file holders choose a reliable third party to perform such conversions.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can an OST File Import into Outlook?
OST file cannot directly access in Outlook. You can use automated software to export the linked Exchange account to PST format, making it easy to import into Outlook.


How do I Access emails in the OST File?
To access emails in an OST file, open Outlook with the linked account. For standalone access, you can use Free OST Viewer.


How can I Read OST File in Outlook?
To open an offline data file in Outlook, use the linked Exchange account. For standalone access, export it in a PST file to easily import in Microsoft Outlook.