How to Import PST File to New Outlook?

Migrating old or archived Outlook data to a new email client is a common practice. And when it comes to the new version of Outlook, as it has an updated interface and features, it requires a clear understanding of how to import PST into New Outlook. Therefore, we have constructed a blog that will give the complete procedure for transferring PST files into the new Outlook application without causing any data loss.

Microsoft has been rolling out the New Outlook as the modern replacement for the classic Outlook. While it brings a refreshed interface and other performance improvements, many veteran users find it different in the import process of the PST file, as it is handled differently than before.

The new Outlook’s PST support has evolved significantly through 2026. Microsoft has announced native importation in stages–initially email, then calendars and contacts, then Mac support, but when you get access still varies by platform, cloud tenant, and whether Classic Outlook is installed as part of your Microsoft 365 service.

Considering all this, we have constructed an article to explain how we can still move the PST files to the new Outlook with the proper procedure. The guide has each step in a structured manner, ensuring the process is easy to follow for non-technical users.

PST Files and Why Import PST to New Outlook

A PST file is a file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store a user’s mailbox data on the local computer. It can be said that the PST files are a digital container for all the information associated with the Outlook account. PST files are comprehensive and store a wide range of data, such as emails, contacts, calendar, tasks, and notes. It is one of the most reliable sources to back up the email data.

PST files are the go-to format for transferring Outlook data from one computer to another or from one version of Outlook to another.

There are a number of reasons why users want to import PST to new Outlook. Migrating these files into the new Outlook or simply wanting to access the orphan PST files, this data would otherwise be inaccessible. Therefore, importing these files is the only way to effortlessly transfer and integrate the old Outlook data into the modern, synced mailbox, ensuring you have all the old and new data in the account.

Check out: For users deciding whether to stick with Outlook or try Apple Mail, our Outlook vs Apple Mail comparison helps clarify the key differences and advantages.

New Outlook: A Brief Understanding

The new Outlook is a reimagined and updated version of the classic desktop application. It offers a more simplified interface and cloud-based features. The important things to understand about the new Outlook are that it is a web application wrapped in a native Windows application. That is, its user interface and functionality are very similar to Outlook on the web.

While it brings many improvements, the process of handling PST files depends on the build and platform you’re working from. The Windows, Mac, and government-cloud versions each have their own separate rollout schedule for PSTs.

This version enables Microsoft to provide new features and updates more quickly and reliably across all platforms, including Windows, Mac, and the web.

How to Import PST to New Outlook Application?

Outlook has a built-in feature to move the PST files into Outlook. However, the new Outlook uses a different approach for importing data compared to the old version.

Method 1: Import PST Data into New Outlook Using EML Files

Note: If you want to directly add a PST file to a new Outlook, go to Settings > General > Outlook Data Files. And add PST files.

Here, you may need to change the file format for the first method using the PST to EML Converter.

• Launch the new Outlook application.
• Go to settings. In the settings tab, search for Import or Export. Select Bulk Importer.
• Press the Start Import button.
• Choose the EML file from the system.
• Add the Files to Outlook.

The new mailbox will be added to the Outlook application.

Also read | Import PST to cPanel Mail 

Method 2: Import/Export option via classic Outlook.

1. Start the New Outlook.
2. Go to the Help option from the menu and click Go to Classic Outlook.
3. Follow the steps and switch back to the old Outlook.
4. Now, go to File > Open & Export > Import/Export.
5. Select Import from another program or file.
6. Choose the Outlook data file (.pst) and click on Browse.
7. Then select the data to be imported into the new Outlook.
8. Finally, switch to the new Outlook, either by launching a new Outlook or using the toggle.

Limitations: The method is time-consuming and requires reverting to the old Outlook version. Also, the Import Export Option greyed out in Outlook; issues can occur more often than expected.

Import PST to New Outlook – A Direct Method

To move the older Outlook PST into the new Outlook account, use the PST File Converter. A direct and advanced approach to importing PST to New Outlook account. The tool overcomes the confusion of manual import or data format conversion and preserves folder structure, attachments, and metadata. Using this method, we can migrate any number of PST files to the opted email account, where it automatically syncs with the Outlook application.

In 5 Steps, Import PST into a New Outlook Account Directly

1. Launch the software after downloading the appropriate version.
   
2. Add the PST file to the interface using the Add button. Press Next.
   
3. Select the IMAP from the options.
   
4. Enter IMAP details and New Outlook account login details.
   
5. Press the Export button to start the process.

With this, you can directly import PST to new Outlook without the need for any additional conversion.

FAQs

Q) Does New Outlook support importing PST files yet?

A) Yes. The New Outlook for Windows now has native PST import. The feature can be used under Settings > Data files > Import, then select your PST file, and if desired, select the items (mail, contacts, calendars, tasks, notes) and folders to import and the target mailbox.

Q) Is there a maximum size that the PST file I’m importing can be?

A) Yes. In Outlook, the default maximum size of a Unicode PST file is 50 GB, and you can increase it by changing the Registry values, but it might slow down the Import process. For older ANSI format PST files, the size limit is only 2 GB. For enormous PST files, it might be easier to split the archive into several smaller ones.

Q) Will my contacts and calendar transfer along with email?

A) Yes. New Outlook for Windows allows you to import mail, contacts, and calendar items from a PST file. When you import the file, you’re given the option to select folders to import and to include subfolders. Ensure your PST file has the contacts and calendar information you’re trying to move.

Q) Will a PST import result in data loss?

A) Importing a PST will typically copy the contents into the designated mailbox without deleting the original PST. It is best practice to retain a copy of the original PST prior to migration, especially in the case of critical mailbox information.

Q) Can I import a PST without installing Classic Outlook?

A) Yes. There is a native import option for PSTs in New Outlook for Windows, so there is no need for Classic Outlook in the regular import flow.

Q) What’s the difference between opening a PST and importing one?

A) Open PST file with Outlook as a separate data file, so you can access it and its contents separately from your main mailbox. Importing a PST copies the data to a destination mailbox and folder.

Conclusion

Importing PST files into the new Outlook is not a straightforward process, but with the right workaround in place, it becomes much simpler and easier to manage. The write-up above has described how you can use the new Outlook’s built-in import features or use the classic Outlook for a traditional approach. Follow the steps to ensure the simple migration of important data. Any limitations in the manual method can be overcome with the recommended tool for direct migration.