Import PST files to Outlook Web Access (OWA)

Joy Fred Updated on October 11, 2024

Are you looking to import an existing PST file into Outlook Web Access (OWA)? You’re not alone! Millions of users rely on Outlook to manage their emails, and while many prefer the desktop version, OWA is a powerful option for accessing your emails online, especially for Office 365 users.

In this Article

Why do User Import PST Files into OWA?
Step-by-Step Guide to Import PST Files into OWA
Export Outlook Mailbox Items to PST
Using Microsoft AzCopy to Upload PST Files
Frequently Asked Questions

Why do User Import PST Files into OWA?

PST files are personal storage table files that contain emails, contacts, and calendar events. However, if you’ve switched to OWA or need to access your emails from anywhere, importing your PST files into OWA is a must. So, what’s the best way to do this? Let’s explore!

Scenarios for Importing PST Files

1. Local PST File on Your System: If your PST file is saved locally, you can use the Microsoft AzCopy tool to transfer it directly into your Exchange Online account.
2. PST File in Your Default Account: If you’re working with a PST file already configured in your Outlook account, you’ll first need to export your mailbox data into PST format using the Import/Export Wizard.

Step-by-Step Guide to Import PST Files into OWA

Export Outlook Mailbox Items to PST

Let’s kick things off by exporting your mailbox items:

Open Outlook on your computer.
Click on the File option in the top menu.
Select Open & Export and choose Import/Export.
In the wizard, select Export to a File, then choose Outlook Data File (.pst).
Select the mailbox items you want to import into OWA.
Browse to select a location on your computer to save the PST file.
Click Finish to begin the export process.

Now that you have your PST file ready, it’s time to move on to importing it into OWA.

Using Microsoft AzCopy to Upload PST Files

You’ll need to install Azure AzCopy and create a SAS URL. Here’s how:

Navigate to Microsoft Security & Compliance Center.
Log in with your Office 365 credentials.
Go to Security & Compliance Center > Data Governance > Import.
Launch the Import Wizard and select New Import Job.
Choose Upload your data and download the latest version of Azure AzCopy.
Use Command Prompt to run the command:

FAQ

Ques1. What is the process to import a PST file into Outlook Web Access?

Ans. To import a PST file into OWA, you first need to upload the PST file to Azure using the Microsoft AzCopy tool. Then, create a CSV mapping file for your mailbox and use the Import Wizard in Office 365 to complete the import process.

Ques2. Can I access my emails in OWA without importing PST files?

Ans. Yes, you can access your emails in OWA without importing PST files if your emails are already stored in your Office 365 mailbox. PST files are typically used for backup or data transfer purposes.

Ques3. What if my PST file is corrupted?

Ans. If your PST file is corrupted, you may need to repair it using the Inbox Repair Tool (Scanpst.exe) provided by Microsoft before attempting to import it into OWA. After repair, you can proceed with the import process.

Ques4. Are there any size limitations for PST files when importing to OWA?

Ans. Yes, there are size limitations for PST files. Generally, the maximum size for a PST file is 50 GB for Office 365 users. If your PST file exceeds this limit, you may need to split it into smaller files before importing.

Ques5. How long does it take to import a PST file into Outlook Web Access?

Ans. The time it takes to import a PST file into OWA can vary depending on the size of the file and the speed of your internet connection. Smaller PST files may take just a few minutes, while larger ones could take several hours.