How to Import Outlook OST to Office 365 in Batches?

Summary: If you are looking for methods to import Outlook OST to Office 365 in batches, here are the solutions. It is often challenging for users to manage emails and other data, especially when migrating from one platform to another. Therefore, we will discuss some effective methods for you including Outlook Import/Export, Drive Shipping Method, and Network Upload Method. Apart from that, you can also explore a more convenient and easy-to-go OST to PST Converter online. Let us get started with a quick overview!

What is OST File and Office 365?

You might be well aware of Outlook data files. Outlook uses two data files to store its mailbox data- OST and PST. OST or Offline Storage Table is for offline access to Outlook data, a local copy of your mailbox. This means you can read and view emails, contacts, and calendars, but cannot send them without the internet connection. As soon as you turn online, changes are synced automatically with the server.?

On the other hand, Office 365 is a complete package of Microsoft applications,? including the emailing service Outlook 365. So, basically, if you import OST into Office 365, it is saved in Outlook 365. It is enhanced by some of the amazing features such as 50 GB mailbox storage. Moreover, Office 365 is a cloud platform, providing better accessibility to mailbox data. But, have you ever wondered why users need to import OST to Office 365 ??

Why Import Outlook OST to Office 365?

Based on various queries from users, here are some of the reasons why users look to migrate OST files to Office 365:

• Users prefer migrating to a Cloud platform for easy data accessibility across different systems.
• Office 365 offers diverse mailbox size limits depending on the subscription plans.?
• Outlook offers a limited mailbox size, often causing errors like OST has reached maximum size .
• Many users also import offline OST to Office 365, for backup and recovery purposes in case of accidental data loss.
• Additionally, another possible reason could be consolidating multiple user accounts or offline data files.
• O365 offers strong security features, thus, users also import OST into Office 365, to keep data secure.

How do I Import Outlook OST to Office 365?

Do you know-

If you can still access the source email account, the one that created the OST file, you don't need to import it. The reason is that the emails are already stored on the server. Thus, you can avoid the need to remove duplicate emails from OST .?

You can also go for the following free manual solutions:

• Outlook’s Import/Export Option
• Drive Shipping Method, and
• Network Upload Procedure.?

On the contrary, if you do not have access to the original email account, use professional solutions such as OST to PST Converter. As you cannot directly add an orphan OST file to Office 365.

Method 1: Use Import/Export Wizard of Outlook

This is one of the simplest methods performed in Outlook to migrate OST files to Office 365 for free. First, you need to convert OST to PST and later import it to Outlook 365. Follow the steps:

Step 1: Export OST to PST File

1. Firstly, open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Ensure you are connected to the Exchange server.
3. Go to the File tab, click on it, and then, Open & Export.
4. Now, click on the Import/Export icon to proceed.
5. Import/Export wizard opens, choose Export to a file > Next.
6. Now, select the option Outlook Data File (.pst) > Next.
7. Select a folder or mailbox to export and click Next.
8. Set a destination path to save the PST file and click Finish.

Step 2: Import PST in Outlook 365

1. Now, open the Outlook 365 application of Microsoft.
2. Again, open File and choose Open & Export.
3. Select the Import/Export feature of Outlook.
4. Scroll to select Import from another program or a file. Click Next.
5. Import a File window opens. Choose the Outlook Data File (.pst) option > Next.
6. Click on Browse, add a recently saved PST file, and click Open.
7. Lastly, click Next and then click on Finish to complete.?

Hence, this was a simple and easy process to import Outlook OST to Office 365. For better results, you can also opt for the following solutions.?

Method 2: Microsoft Network Upload Process?

This procedure works with Azure AzCopy to import Outlook Data File (.ost) to Office 365. Here are the steps:

1. Download and get the Azure AzCopy file on your system.
2. Now, use the provided SAS URL to upload your Outlook file.
3. See and check the list of all PST files that you’ve uploaded (optional).
4. After that, make a mapping file (CSV format) with the import job configuration.
5. Set up any filters and start the import process to Outlook 365.

Note: These points are just highlights of the complete method. It involves multiple sub-steps to be followed as per Microsoft.?

Restrictions of Network Upload Process

Firstly, the process requires too much effort to accomplish import. Other restrictions of the method are:

• The process cannot import PST larger than 20 GB and email larger than 35 MB.
• You have to repeat the same process for each data file you want to import.
• You might find the complex to perform as well as need proper guidance.

Subsequently, you can go for another process that is through drive shipping.

Method 3: Drive Shipping Procedure

Another process that most users prefer to reduce time and effort is Drive Shipping. This process to import Outlook OST to Office 365 involves sending PST files to Microsoft. Let us see how:

1. You can use the Azure Import/Export Tool and copy your PST file to a hard drive.
2. Create a proper mapping CSV file with all the details of the import.
3. Next, make a new PST import job in the Office 365 Import service.
4. Following the proper guidelines, send the hard drive to Microsoft and mail tracking information.
5. After the Drive is received by Microsoft, filter the data. After that, start to import Outlook PST to Office 365.

However, this procedure might not be as easy as it seems. It also has certain limitations.

Limitations of Drive Shipping Method

• You need to send the Hard Drive (containing the PST file) to Microsoft.
• This process charges around $2 per GB or $2000 per TB.

All the manual methods discussed yet need to convert OST files to PST and then import PST to Office 365. Therefore, you can opt for another reliable procedure that migrates multiple OST files to Office 365 at once. Many experts suggest this cost-effective and straightforward software.?

Method 4: Direct Method to Import Outlook OST to Office 365

This method involves using professional software OST to PST Converter by SysInfo. Broadly, it has four easy and quick steps to import bulk OST files to Office 365. You simply need to select OST files, choose Office 365 as the destination, log in to Office 365, and Convert. This is an unbeatable procedure.

Moreover, the tool also offers to save OST files as PST. The choice is yours. Apart from delivering fast results, the tool offers security to your crucial data.?

Steps to Import OST into Office 365 in Detail

Follow the step-by-step procedure for a better understanding of the tool:

1. Download the tool on your PC. Install and run it.
2. Click on Select Files and add all OST files to import.
3. The tool shows the mailbox preview. To migrate select the folders.?
4. Now, choose Office 365 as the saving email client. Choose saving mailbox.?
5. Login to Office 365 (Office 365 must be logged In to your system).
6. Choose any appropriate filter, if required. Click Convert to start import.

Hence, this is how conveniently you can import Outlook Data File (.ost) to Office 365.?

Conclusion

We have provided you with multiple solutions to import Outlook OST to Office 365. It might be quite a challenging task to perform. However, from the given manual and professional solutions, you can choose the best for you. You can also compare the pros and cons of all the procedures for a better understanding. Also, the expert-suggested tool is multi-featured providing you with accurate, and compact results.?