How to Move Emails From Outlook to Onedrive?

Having a backup of Outlook emails is always advisable, as Microsoft provides a built-in cloud storage option, i.e., OneDrive, for better accessibility, backup, freeing up Outlook inbox space, and archiving purposes.

However, there is more than one way to do this. Read the upcoming section to know more about this:

Can I Move Emails from Outlook to OneDrive?

Yes, you can move Outlook emails to OneDrive using several built-in and third-party methods. The fastest approach for most users is to drag and drop individual emails directly from the Outlook desktop app into a synced OneDrive folder on your computer this typically takes under a minute per email and requires no additional software. For bulk transfers or full mailbox backups, exporting a PST file and uploading it to OneDrive is the most reliable option.

It is important to understand that OneDrive is file storage, not an email server. When you move emails there, they are stored as files in formats such as .msg, .eml, or .pdf rather than remaining live, searchable mailbox items. This makes OneDrive an excellent archive or backup location but not a replacement for an active Outlook mailbox. If you need to re-open and reply to archived emails, you will need to download them back to Outlook first.

The method that works best for you depends on three factors: the volume of emails you need to transfer, whether you want the process to run automatically on a schedule, and which version of Outlook you are using (desktop, web, or mobile). The sections below cover every scenario in detail.

How to Save Outlook Emails to Onedrive?

• Drag and Drop
• Export Emails as PST File
• Save Emails as PDF and Upload to OneDrive
• Outlook Migration Tools

Simply set up your OneDrive account and follow the steps listed under the method of your choice to store Outlook emails on Onedrive:

1: Drag and Drop

Drag and drop the email directly from Outlook into OneDrive into your OneDrive folder.

Alternatively, you can also use the “Save as” feature in Outlook:

• Select the emails in Outlook and click File > Save As.
• Choose a location in your OneDrive folder.
• Select the file format (usually .msg) and save.

2: Export Emails as PST File

• Open Outlook, Go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.

• Choose Export to a file and select Outlook Data File (.pst).

• Select the emails, folders, or entire mailbox you want to export.
• Save the .pst file on your computer.
• Upload the PST file to OneDrive, so you have a backup of your emails.

To access the PST files: Download the PST file from OneDrive when required and open it in Outlook by going to File > Open & Export > Open Outlook Data File.

3: Save Emails as PDF and Upload to OneDrive

• Open the email in Outlook, Press Ctrl+P
• Click on Print and Save the email as a PDF on your computer.

• Upload the PDF file to OneDrive.

4: Outlook Migration Tools

If you are facing any difficulties or looking to simplify the whole process of moving Outlook emails to OneDrive then Outlook migration tools can be very helpful.

With Outlook transfer tools you can efficiently move Outlook configurations and emails from one environment to another with accuracy, customization, and flexibility.

We recommend you try the Rikvr Transfer for Outlook as it complies with all Outlook versions including Microsoft 365.

Steps to use Rikvr Transfer for Outlook to move Outlook emails to OneDrive

• Close Outlook and related applications, open Rikvr Transfer For Outlook and click on Backup.

• choose the backup option: Select Advanced Backup.

• Select Backup Now.

• Create a profile and click on Next.

• Outlook items will be displayed, select the Outlook emails.

• Select a destination location and click on Next.

Now Upload the backup file in OneDrive. Additionally, You can also transfer Outlook settings to another computer.

Automate Saving Outlook Emails to Onedrive

1: Create a Shared Mailbox

• Create a shared mailbox and assign appropriate permissions to users.
• Create a new folder in OneDrive and grant the shared mailbox permission to access it

2: Microsoft Power Automate: Create a Power Automate flow that automatically saves email attachments to OneDrive

3: PowerShell knowledge and Microsoft Graph API: Create a PowerShell script to automate the process of exporting emails and uploading them to OneDrive.

Method Comparison: Which Way to Move Outlook Emails to OneDrive Is Best?

With four distinct methods available, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs. The table below summarizes each approach across the key decision criteria so you can identify the best fit at a glance before diving into the steps.

Method	Best For	File Format	Speed	Technical Skill	Cost
Drag and Drop	Moving 1–20 individual emails	.msg / .eml	Fast (manual)	None	Free
PST Export & Upload	Full mailbox or folder backup	.pst	Slow for large mailboxes	Low	Free
Save as PDF & Upload	Archiving readable email copies	.pdf	Slow (one at a time)	None	Free
Power Automate Flow	Ongoing automatic archiving	.html / attachment files	Real-time (automatic)	Medium	Free (M365 required)
Migration Tool (e.g., Rikvr)	Bulk transfer with full metadata	.pst / proprietary	Fast (bulk processing)	Low	Paid

For most home users or small teams moving a manageable number of important emails, the drag-and-drop method is the quickest starting point. For IT administrators or anyone needing to archive outlook to OneDrive on a recurring basis across an organization, Power Automate combined with a scheduled PST export covers both real-time and bulk needs without additional software costs. If metadata preservation and exact formatting fidelity are critical for compliance or legal hold purposes a dedicated migration tool is the safest investment.

One frequently overlooked consideration is OneDrive storage limits. A standard Microsoft 365 Personal plan includes 1 TB of OneDrive storage, while business plans vary. A PST file from a heavily used mailbox can easily exceed 5-10 GB. Check your available OneDrive storage at onedrive.live.com before beginning a large transfer to avoid mid-upload failures.

Considerations and Practices Before Moving Outlook emails to OneDrive

• Test Your Method: Before moving large quantities of emails, test your chosen method with a small batch to ensure it works as expected.
  
• Privacy and Security: Be mindful if you are moving sensitive emails to cloud storage.
  
• Organize Before Moving: Create a folder structure in OneDrive that mirrors your Outlook folders for easy navigation.
  
• Check File Formats: Check the file format you choose (.msg, .eml, etc.) is compatible with how you intend to access the emails later.
  
• Regular Maintenance: Set up a system for regularly moving emails to avoid buildup in your Outlook account.

Conclusion

Moving emails from Outlook to OneDrive can significantly improve your email management and accessibility. Whether you choose a simple manual method or opt for an automated solution.

By following this guide and considering the best practices outlined, you can efficiently transfer your important communications to OneDrive, ensuring they’re organized, accessible, and secure.

Remember, the method you choose may depend on factors such as the volume of emails, frequency of transfers, and your technical skills. Don’t hesitate to combine methods or adjust your approach as your needs evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions