How to Open OST File in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024?
Christopher Plummer | November 5th, 2024 | Data Conversion, Outlook
Summary: Have you ever been stuck trying to open OST file in Outlook but couldn’t figure out how? You’re not alone, many users face this challenge when dealing with Outlook’s offline data files. OST files are great for offline access, but opening them directly can be tricky due to account restrictions. In this blog, we’ll simplify the process for you and explore all possible ways to open OST file in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, etc regardless of your Outlook version.
OST files are used by Microsoft Outlook to store mailbox data offline. This allows users to access emails, contacts, and calendar events even without an internet connection. OST files are automatically created when Outlook is configured with an Exchange or IMAP account.
Why can’t you open OST files directly in Outlook? Unlike PST files, OST files are tied to a specific account configuration and cannot be opened directly in Outlook. If you try to import or open an OST file, Outlook will reject it due to encryption and dependency on the original account. To open an OST file in Outlook, you must convert it into PST format or reconfigure the original account.
So, let’s discuss some of the challenges you may face while importing OST files into Outlook. And you must be aware of it to avoid any data loss issues.
Challenges When Importing OST Files to Outlook
Before going into the solutions, let’s discuss some of the major challenges that users face while importing OST file in Outlook.
- Data Integrity Issues: There’s a risk of losing or corrupting data during the import process if not done correctly.
- Compatibility Problems: OST files might not be easily compatible with Outlook without proper configuration.
- Technical Complexity: The process can be technically challenging for users who are not familiar with file conversions.
- File Access Restrictions: OST file can only be accessed with its specific Outlook profile. It’s making it harder to import directly into another Outlook setup.
Understanding these challenges is important before you proceed with the methods to import OST files into Outlook.
How to Open OST Files in Outlook Free?
If the original account that created the OST file is still active, you can do it manually. Follow the below steps to access OST file data in Outlook;
- Launch Microsoft Outlook.
- Go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Click New and add the original account credentials.
- Outlook will sync the mailbox, allowing you to access the OST data.
Note: This method works only if the original account is functional and accessible.
How to Import OST File in Outlook 2016, 2019, and 2021?
Check out Advik OST File Converter software for Windows. The software is the best tool to open OST file in Outlook. You can access OST file and copy it in Outlook just by converting this file into .pst file format. MS Outlook imports data in PST file type. Hence, you have to convert OST to PST file using this advanced software. With this software, you can add multiple .ost files into Outlook in a single attempt.
Now, download the software and try it for free.
Note: You can add OST files in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2014 with this software.
Steps to Open OST File in Outlook Profile
1. Launch software on your Windows PC.
2. Click Select File and add OST file into software.
3. Browse and add Outlook OST file from your system.
4. Select mailbox folders of OST file.
5. Choose PST as saving option from software.
6. Select a target location to save resultant file.
7. Finally, Click on the “Next” button.
8. Once the software successfully converts .ost file into PST then open Outlook.
9. Select Import/Export Wizard option and click Import from another program file.
10. Next, select “Outlook Data File(.PST)” from the drop-down menu.
11. Click Browse and add .pst file that the software just converted.
Click the Finish button. This is how you can open OST file in Outlook safely. By following the above solution, no data loss will take place. You can view entire emails from OST file in Outlook with attachments.
Watch How to Add OST File in Outlook
Remarkable Features of the Software
- Import OST files into Outlook 2016 with all attachments.
- Open OST files without Outlook by converting them to 20+ formats.
- Recover corrupted OST files using the “Use Recovery Mode” option.
- Supports all OST types: encrypted, password-protected, and large files.
- Convert OST to PST, MBOX, EML, and other formats easily.
- Maintain folder structure and email properties during conversion.
- Extract emails, contacts, and calendars from OST files.
- Split large OST files into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Batch process multiple OST files at once to save time.
- Import OST data into Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2007.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we discussed the easiest and flawless solution to open OST File in Outlook 2016/2019. The good thing about the application is that you can read OST file emails in MS Outlook with attachments. The user interface of the application is very easy and even any non-technical person can perform the conversion without facing any issues.
