Free Methods to Export OST to MSG Files

Outlook doesn’t have a built-in option to export multiple OST emails as MSG files at once. So, you’ll either need to try manual methods or use a professional tool. In this blog, we’ll show you some free ways to export OST to MSG, like drag-and-drop and using Save As. We’ll also look at a trusted tool for those who want a faster and simpler solution.

Key Differences Between OST and MSG Files

After going through the above-mentioned difference table, you can see why people export OST to MSG.

Why Many Users Prefer MSG Over OST

MSG files are often preferred because:

• They save only what you need, there is no bulky mailbox, just one message per file.
• Easy to move, copy, or email to others without exporting entire mailboxes.
• No need to stay connected to a mail server – MSG files open in Outlook directly.
• Great for legal, business, and backup use, where individual email tracking is important.
• Faster to search, sort, and store, especially for organizing project or client-based emails.

How to Export OST to MSG – 3 Methods Explained

There are three free ways you can export Outlook OST emails to MSG format:

1. Using Outlook’s Drag-and-Drop feature
2. Using the Save As option in Outlook
3. Using OST to MSG Converter

Method 01: Drag and Drop Method to Convert OST File to MSG

The Drag and Drop method is a simple manual approach that lets you save individual Outlook emails (from an OST file) as MSG files on your system. It’s a useful trick if you only need to convert a few emails, not the whole mailbox. Here are the steps to export OST to MSG: 

Prerequisites:

• Microsoft Outlook must be installed and configured with the OST file.
• The OST file must be accessible (i.e., not orphaned or disconnected).

Steps to Convert OST to MSG Free

• Open Outlook with the profile that’s linked to your OST file.
• Now, navigate to the folder where your emails are located.
• After that, click on the specific email you want to convert.
• Open the folder on your computer where you want to save the MSG files.
• The next step will be to drag the selected email(s) from Outlook.
• Drop them into the desired location in the File Explorer window.

Each dragged email is automatically saved in MSG format with its subject as the filename.

Limitations of the Drag and Drop Method:

• Works only if Outlook is connected to the original OST.
• Cannot be used for orphaned or corrupted OST files.
• Time-consuming for large numbers of emails.
• Doesn’t support batch export with folders and metadata.

Method 02: Convert OST File into MSG with Save As Option

Another manual way to convert OST file emails into MSG format is by using Outlook’s built-in Save As feature. To perform this method, Microsoft Outlook must be installed on your system. Follow the given steps to export OST to MSG files:

• Make sure you’re logged into the Outlook profile that’s connected to the OST file.
• Navigate to the email folder and click on the specific email you want to convert.
• Go to the top-left corner of the Outlook window. Click on File >>select Save As.
  
• In the “Save as type” dropdown, select Outlook Message Format – Unicode (*.msg).
  
• To complete the process, choose the folder where you want to save the file and click Save.
  

• The email is now saved as a .msg file at your chosen location.

Limitations of the Save As Method:

•  Cannot be used with orphaned or inaccessible OST files.
• Time-consuming if you need to convert multiple emails one by one.
• May not retain all metadata if the email contains attachments or complex formatting.

Method 03: Simple & Reliable Solution to Convert OST to MSG

When it comes to converting OST files to MSG format, accuracy, speed, and data integrity are key. The DRS Softech OST to PST Converter Tool is a trusted solution designed to handle these tasks effortlessly. It offers a smooth and secure way to extract individual messages from bulky OST files and save them in MSG format. Hence, it is perfect for users who want to manage, archive, or share emails separately.

• Easily convert multiple OST emails to MSG format in one go without data loss.
• Along with MSG, this utility will also help to convert OST to PDF, CSV, HTML, DOC, DOCX, and others. 
• Maintains the original structure, meta properties, attachments, and formatting of each email.
• Allows you to view email content before converting, so you can select only the items you need.
• Use filters based on Date Range, To, From, Subject, etc., to extract specific emails.
• The tool works even if Outlook is not installed on your system.
• Designed with a user-friendly layout suitable for both technical and non-technical users.
• Supports all Outlook versions and runs smoothly on Windows 11, 10, 8, and earlier.

Simple Steps to Transfer OST Files to MSG

• Download and open the DRS Softech OST to PST Converter Tool on your system.
• Click the “Select Files” button to browse and load the required Outlook OST files.
• From the displayed folder list, pick the emails or folders you want to convert>>Next.
• Now, choose the OST as your preferred file format and click the Path to save button.
• Lastly, click on the Convert button to convert OST to MSG Mac & Windows OS. 

Important Note: If you frequently work with the MS Outlook application, you can convert OST to PST. It will make your task easy within the Outlook. 

Conclusion

For users with active Outlook profiles, free methods like drag-and-drop, Save As, or VBA scripting can work just fine. However, if you’re dealing with bulk emails, orphaned OST files, or need a quicker way to export OST to MSG files, then using a professional tool is a smart move. Choose the method that suits your needs and keep your emails accessible in a reliable and flexible format.

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Author:

Adom James

I’m Adom james, a skilled content strategist with a focus on technical writing. With in-depth knowledge in Email Backup, Data Recovery, and Email Migration, I specialize in providing expert solutions and addressing technical challenges for both individuals and businesses, especially in the areas of Cloud Backup and seamless email transitions.

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