How to Import PST to Online Archive Mailbox? Complete Guide

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Published on
March 4th, 2025


5 minutes Read

Summary: Managing multiple PST files can be risky and challenging for users. To address this, importing PST files to the Online Archive provides additional storage space. The process to import PST to Online Archive helps users offload older or less frequently accessed emails from their primary mailbox while keeping everything organized within the Online Archive. However, performing this task smoothly can be tricky for both technical and non-technical users..

Further, we will provide an Outlook PST to Office 365 Migration Tool and a traditional solution to complete this process quickly and effectively. Before we discuss it, read the reasons why users want to import their PST files into the Online Archive. Afterwards, understand the 

Why Users Migrate PST to Online Archive? 

Here, we will describe different advantages of keeping your emails in the Online Archive of Microsoft Office 365. 

  • Users can store less-accessed emails in the Online Archive in an organized manner to avoid unnecessary use of Office 365 storage space. 
  • This process helps to improve the performance of MS Outlook. 
  • Saving PST files locally can lead to corruption or loss, but importing them into the Online Archive ensures better security. 
  • Additionally, transferring PST files to the Online Archive allows for easy access from anywhere, unlike local PST files.

Move further, you will know about the different techniques to perform this task easily. 

How Do I Import PST Files into Online Archive?

To do this process, you can choose any solution that fits best. Here, we will discuss all the techniques along with the steps. Besides, we will help in choosing the most reliable solution among them. 

#1 Manually Upload PST to Online Archive – For Windows and Mac

If you want to learn about the free solution, read this section carefully. Here, we will provide a manual method for both Mac and Windows users. 

On the Windows Operating System 

  1. To start, open Outlook – move to File – -> Open and Export. 
  2. Later, tap Import/Export – – > Import from another program or file – – > Outlook Data file (.pst).
  3. Afterwards, search and add Outlook data files. 
  4. Thereafter, select the Exchange Online account – -> Import items into the same folder. Hit Finish.

On the Mac OS

  1. First of all, run Outlook on MacOS. 
  2. Then, tap File – -> Import.
  3. After that, choose the PST file to import.
  4. Next, assign the location to save PST files into Office 365 Online Archive. Click Finish

Thus, the above manual technique is effective for a few file imports. Additionally, it is suggested for technical users only as a technical error may arise during the processing. In that case, we have an alternative approach to perform this task hassle-free. 

#2 Automated Tool to Import PST into Online Archive

MacSonik PST to Office 365 Migrator is an advanced software which is especially designed for importing PST files into Office 365. Using this utility, users are free to move single or multiple PST files at once. Other than this, it allows users to import PST to Online Archive effectively and efficiently. Additionally, it enables you to exclude duplicates from the migration. If you want, users can import emails without attachments. Besides, there are more incredible features to ease the processing.

Detailed Steps to Migrate PST to Online Archive

In this guide, we will provide detailed steps to do this task in no time with complete data security. 

  1. To begin PST to online Archive migration, install and open PST to Office 365 Migration Tool.
  2. Later, navigate to Restore – -> Continue.
  3. Thereafter, tap Single File or Select Folder to add PST files. Hit Open
  4. In the next screen, select the folder that you want to import into the Online Archive. Hit Next
  5. Now, provide Office 365 email address and password to login. Click Sign In
  6. Afterwards, select Online Archive as the destination mailbox from the given option.
  7. In the end, press the Convert and the tool will automatically migrate PST  to Office 365 Online Archive.

Also Read – Import PST to Horde Mail

Conclusion

Once you read this blog, your migration-related doubts will be cleared. It explains two ways to import PST files to an Online Archive: manual and automated methods. While the manual approach works for a few PST files, it carries a risk of data loss and requires careful handling. On the other hand, professionals prefer automated solutions for their efficiency and security. So, read both the solutions and choose the right approach wisely. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. How do I import PST files into online archive?

To import PST files into an online archive, these are the steps to do it for free. 

1. Run Outlook – File -> Open and Export ->Import/Export -> Import from another program or file -> Outlook Data file (.pst).
2. Then, locate and add Outlook data files. 
3. Next, tap Exchange Online account -> Import items into the same folder -> Finish

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