Here’s How to Import PST to OWA

You may choose to import a PST file into Outlook for various reasons, such as accessibility, migration, or backup, since OWA itself doesn’t support direct import of PST files. We will take a slightly different approach to importing the PST file into OWA:

Before initiating the PST import process ensure to follow these precautions for a smoother OWA PST import process:

Precautions Before Importing PST Files into OWA

Backup: Take a backup of the PST file in a secure location and use a copy of the PST file during the import process.

File Size: Check the file size of the PST file before importing, large .pst files may need to be split.

File Integrity: Verify the PST file for corruption issues using Outlook’s built-in Inbox repair tool (scanpst.exe)

Permissions and Security: Ensure you have all the necessary permissions on your OWA/Office 365 account to perform imports and unlock all the password-protected PST files.

Ways To Import PST Into OWA

• Using Outlook Desktop Application
• Azure AzCopy Tool
• Outlook Transfer Tool

Follow the upcoming section for methods that can help you import .pst in OWA

Method 1: Using Outlook Desktop Application

Step 1: Install Outlook desktop application on your device.

Download and install the Outlook desktop application, then link it to your Office 365 account to import the PST file

Step 2: Import PST into Outlook Desktop

• Open Outlook Desktop, File > Open & Export > Import/Export

• In the Import and Export Wizard, choose Import from another program or file and click Next.

• Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.

• Browse for your PST file, select it, and choose the appropriate options to replace duplicates.

• Click Finish.

Step 3: Sync and Access PST Data to OWA and

After importing the PST File into Outlook desktop, all your Outlook data will sync with your Office 365 mailbox. After the syncing process, you can access the imported data by logging into Outlook Web App (OWA) via your browser.

All the Outlook data will be available in the appropriate folders (e.g., Inbox, Contacts, Calendar) within OWA.

Method 2: Azure AzCopy Tool

This method is particularly useful for larger organizations or when dealing with multiple PST files:

Step 1: Download & Install Azure AzCopy Tool

• Login into Microsoft Office with Office 365 global administrator credentials.
• Navigate to Security & Compliance Center > Data Governance > Import.
• Download and Install the Azure AzCopy tool and launch it
• Type the following command to upload the PST file:
  Use the AzCopy.exe /Source:<PST_file_location> /Destination:<SAS_URL> /V:<log_file_path> /Y

Step 2: Create PST Import Mapping File

Once the PST file is uploaded to the Azure location, create a CSV file mapping user mailboxes to PST files. This file will be used when creating the import job.

Step 3: Create PST Import Job in Office 365

• In the Import Data wizard, check the options I’m done uploading my files and I have access to the mapping file.
• Upload your CSV mapping file and click Validate CSV file.
• Set the filters if required or choose No, I don’t want to filter anything to import all data.
• Click on Import data to start the import job.

Method 3: Outlook Transfer Tool

Try using an effective Outlook transfer tool to migrate all OST files to OWA without juggling too many options to import and export Outlook data files.

We recommend you try Rikvr Transfer for Outlook as the tool has a simple UI to import PST files from all outlook versions into OWA within a few simple clicks without any data loss.

Close Outlook and all related applications and follow the steps to import PST files into OWA using Rikvr Transfer for Outlook

Step 1: Download the Rikvr Transfer For Outlook tool and click the Transfer option, select the recently generated backup file, and click Next.

Step 2: Select the PST file and Next

Step 3: Click on Finish to import the PST file into OWA

Now you can access all the PST files data in your Office account in the appropriate folders.

Conclusion

Importing a PST to OWA provides several advantages, including easy access to emails, free local storage, and enhanced search functionality. We hope this article has helped guide you to the best solution for your needs make sure you choose the method that suits you best and ensures a seamless experience.

For more advanced users, PowerShell commands are another option for importing PST files into Office 365 or Outlook Web app though they can be more technical.

Frequently Asked Questions