How to Convert PST Files to ICS Format ?

Jamie Kaler Contribution

Rollins Duke Approved By

Published On September 9th, 2025 • 5 min read

Want to access the calendar from Outlook data files with ease? Try the process of changing the file format to a more flexible format. To convert PST to ICS with the help of the article mentioned here.

Why the ICS file format? ICS is a universally accepted format for calendars, which allows users to easily share and import the file across different applications such as Google Calendar, Apple Calendar and other web services. Whereas PST files are Outlook data files that store the information, such as emails, contacts and calendar events.

The guide explores all the methods for converting calendar data, helping to choose the appropriate methods for specific needs.

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Understand the Reasons to Convert PST to ICS Format

Let’s discuss why users want to convert PST calendars to ICS files anyway. It’s simple, they want to get the calendar data locked inside the Outlook PST files and need to access it in a more flexible, universal, and compatible format.

A few of the reasons are

Data Portability: PST files are often large and not designed to be shared. Even if shared, it can be accessible in any application other than Outlook. By converting the files to ICS, users will get files that contain the calendar data. Which, thereafter, makes it easy to
Backup and Archive: Converting the Outlook PST to a universal ICS format serves as a great backup option.
Cross-platform migration: Simple as it is, it is the most common reason. Users who want to move the Outlook calendar to a different application, convert PST to ICS, like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar(iCal), or a mobile device (Android, iPhone) which doesn’t support the PST files.
Access Orphan PST files: When you have just the PST files without the native Outlook application, the only way to access the file is by converting it to the appropriate file format. For the calendar, it is in the ICS format.

Also Read | How to Open PST files in Browser?

Method 1: How to Convert PST to ICS Format with Microsoft Outlook

It is the ideal method if you only have a small number of calendars to convert and have Outlook pre-installed on the computer. It is a free and straightforward process, but it comes with significant drawbacks, such as not being able to handle large or multiple files at once.

How to work on the conversion:

Launch the Outlook application.
Click on the Calendar icon to switch to calendar view.
In the left pane under “My Calendar“, select the specific calendar to export.
Go to the File table and click on Save calendar.
Click on the Save As option and enter a file name.
Ensure the file type is set to iCalendar Format(*.ics).
Click on More Options to specify the data range and level of detail for exported events.
Click Ok and then save to export the calendar.

The ICS file will be saved to the location.

Limitations: You have to export each calendar individually. The manual method to convert PST to ICS requires Outlook installations. More than that, any manual error could lead to missing events or incomplete data

Method 2: Export PST Files to ICS Format – Simple and Direct Method

For those who want to convert multiple PST files, large calendars, and do not have Outlook installed, use the PST Converter by MacUncle. The most reliable and efficient solutions for handling bulk file conversion of PST files to ICS format.

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Why Choose the Software to Convert PST to ICS?

100% Data Integrity: The tool is built to maintain the originality of the PST calendar files, including formatting, appointments, reminders, and all other calendar details, without any data loss.
Batch File conversion: As said before, it can process numerous PST files and convert them to ICS in a single, effortless process.
No Additional application: Perform the whole conversion without the need for Outlook installation, add PST and convert to the desired ICS file format with ease.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed for users with or without technical knowledge. With its intuitive interface, you can effortlessly add and convert files without needing any help. The converted files are then conveniently stored in your preferred location.

Additional Tip | Use the same tool to import PST to AOL mail Account Directly

Steps to Convert PST Calendar to ICS Format

After installation, start the software on the system.
Use the ADD options to load PST files to convert. Press the Next button.
Choose ICS as the Saving Option.
Select a naming option from the list and a location to save the ICS file.
Press the Export button to start the process.

Conclusion

Whether you are an individual or an organisation wanting to migrate a large volume of data, the decision to convert PST to ICS is a crucial step to get flexible or portable files. The guide has given two of the best ways to export the PST file to ICS or simply convert the files to ICS format. Choose the desired method after carefully going through the procedure. Use the manual methods for free single-file extraction methods, but it comes with the limitation that it requires handling multiple files, large data sets, etc. For a quick, robust and reliable solution that ensures data integrity and supports batch file processing, by understanding the need, select the method that best helps to unlock the calendar data.