How to Open Outlook PST File on Mac? | Best Solutions

PST files from Outlook are where all your Outlook data like emails, calendars, and contacts of your Outlook profile is saved. Additionally, they can be accessed without the internet and can be used for archiving as well.

While Mac computers use the OLM file format for Outlook data, they cannot directly open PST files, which are primarily used on Windows systems. However, if you want to open PST files on a Mac, follow the upcoming sections where we explain some effective solutions in detail.

Methods to Open PST Files on Mac

Choose a solution that best fits your needs and follow the steps to open and access the .pst file on your Mac:

• Import PST Outlook File on Mac
• PST Viewer Software
• Convert the PST File Format
• Use IMAP to Transfer Emails

Method 1: Import PST Outlook File on Mac

If you have an Outlook for Mac installed, then you can manually import the .pst file into it.

Step 1: Export the PST File From Windows

• Open Outlook on your Windows and click on File > Open & Export > Import/Export > Export to a file.

• Select Outlook Data file (.pst) and click on Next.

• Choose all the folders and files that you wish to transfer.
• Now choose a destination for the exporting PST file and click on Finish.

Step 2: Copy the exported PST file on Mac.

Step 3: Import the PST File on the Mac

• Open Outlook on Mac and click on File > Import.
• Select Outlook for Windows Data file (.pst) and continue.
• Now choose the exported PST file and click Import.

Now wait till the importing is completed. Click on Done and access all your files present on my computer on your Mac.

Method 2: PST Viewer Software

Opt for specialized software like PST Bridge or any other PST viewer software designed to view PST files on Mac without importing them. These tools will allow you to read emails, contacts, and other items from your PST files. Additionally, these tools can also offer features like exporting to different formats, searching, filtering, etc.

It is recommended to take a backup of your PST file before proceeding with any third-party software. Make sure you choose reputable software that has good reviews and also ensure it supports the PST file format and size.

Method 3: Convert the PST File Format

Other than manual transferring and PST viewer software, You can convert the PST file to HTML, PDF, TXT, or MBOX format, which is compatible with many Mac email clients.

While there are several online services available to do so, Using a dedicated desktop software for PST conversion on your Mac is generally a safer and more reliable option.

Some of the popular ones include MacUncle PST Converter, MailVita PST to EML Converter for Mac

Remember: Some conversion or import processes could result in data loss or corruption.

Method 4: Use IMAP to Transfer Emails

This method can transfer emails from PST files, other data like calendars, contacts, or tasks will not be transferred.

Step 1: Set up an IMAP Account on Your Windows

• Open Outlook on your Windows PC and click on File > Add Account.

• Select Manual setup or additional server types.
• Select IMAP and click Next.

• Enter your email address, incoming and outgoing mail server settings (find these details from your email provider)

• Enter a username and password.
• Click Next to test the account settings.

Step 2: Export Emails from PST to IMAP

• Create a new folder in your IMAP account to move the emails.
• Open the PST file you want to transfer and select the mails you wish to move.
• Drag and drop to copy the emails to your IMAP folder.

Step 3: Set Up and Access the Emails on Your Mac

• Open the email client on your Mac and enter your IMAP account credentials.
• Once the IMAP account is set up is completed, you should be able to see the emails you transferred from the PST file.

Also Read: How To Repair Outlook? for streamlining your Outlook workflow.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed the best methods to open PST files on a Mac. We hope you found this information helpful. To prevent data loss during the transfer process, we recommend always taking a backup of the PST file before proceeding.

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