How to Open OST File in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019?

Written By Mark Herry
Updated on May 9th, 2025

Summary: Many users find it difficult to open OST File in Outlook of different versions. When you use Outlook with an Exchange, IMAP, or Office 365 account, it creates OST files. However, these files are profile-specific. So, you can’t open it directly in another Outlook profile or system. If you’re going through this issue, this blog will walk you through several methods to open your OST files in Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019. We’ll also show you how the OST to PST Converter will help you to accomplish the task with ease.

Quick Solutions:

Download win Buy Now for win Download Mac Buy Now for Mac

Table of Contents

Why do Individual want to Open an OST File in Outlook

An individual may need to import OST to Outlook for several important reasons. From the batch of reasons, we will go through some of them here:

To recover mailbox data after Outlook or Windows fails.
When moving Outlook data from one PC to another.
The original account linked to the OST file is deleted or no longer accessible.
When converting to another platform or Outlook version.
To retrieve old emails, contacts, or calendar items stored in an OST file.

Since OST files can’t be opened directly in Outlook without their original configuration. Users often convert them into PST format to ensure smooth access to their emails and other data.

Best Methods to Open OST File in Outlook

There are a few effective ways to access the data stored in an OST file. By the way, it depends the original Outlook profile is available or not. Below are the top methods you can use to open an OST file in Outlook easily.

Method 01: How to Import OST file in Outlook Office 365 Manually?

In cases where Outlook is working with the original profile and account, you can manually extract and import data from the OST file by exporting it to a PST. Follow the steps below to open OST File in Outlook:

Open Outlook and ensure it is connected to the correct email account.
Go to the File tab, click Open & Export, then select Import/Export.
In the wizard window, select Export to a file, then click the Next button.
Choose Outlook Data File (.pst) as the export format and click Next.
Select the mailbox or specific folder and check Include subfolders.
Click Browse, choose where to save the PST file, and click Next.
In the last step, click Finish to open ost file into Outlook 365

Why the Manual Method May Not Work

The manual method to import an OST file into Outlook is helpful only in specific cases. However, there are several reasons why it might not work for everyone:

You must have access to the same Outlook profile and active server connection.
If the OST file is disconnected from the original account, this method won’t help.
When you export a large mailbox, it can be slow and prone to errors.
Manual export may skip large attachments or incomplete folders.
Not suitable for beginners or users unfamiliar with Outlook settings.

Note: If you’re unable to access your OST file using manual steps, don’t worry. When the original Outlook profile is no longer available, the best way to open your OST file is by using a trusted and efficient automated method.

Method 02: Automated Method to Open OST File in Outlook

The CloudMigration OST to PST Converter is a reliable solution for users to open OST file into Outlook Windows. It easily converts OST to PST format without the original Outlook profile or server connection. It ensures safe and efficient conversion of orphaned or inaccessible OST files. It supports bulk conversions, preserves data integrity (including emails, attachments, calendar items, and contacts).

Also, it is compatible with multiple Outlook versions, including Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Office 365. With a simple user interface, it’s easy to convert OST files even without technical expertise. Now, go through the given steps to open OST File in Outlook.

Simplified Steps to Import OST File into Outlook

Download and run the OST to PST Converter on your PC.
Next, click Select File/Select Folder to add the OST file data.
Now, preview the selected data associated with OST file>>Next.
Later, choose PST from the given list and enter a path to save it.
Opt for built-in feature and click Convert to convert an OST file to a PST file.

Note: Once the process completes, open the PST file in any Outlook version using:

File >>Open & Export >> Open Outlook Data File.

You can access your entire OST mailbox content in Outlook regardless of version or system.

Note: If you prefer to save your OST file as a PDF, you can find detailed steps to convert OST to PDF with ease.

Conclusion

Choose the method that suits your needs to open OST File in Outlook and access valuable email data quickly. The manual method works in some cases, but it requires access to the original account and consumes time. CloudMigration OST to PST Converter offers a more reliable solution. It helps access OST files without issues. Along with that, it preserves important data across different Outlook versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can I open OST File in Outlook?

Ans: The OST to PST Converter Tool support all version of MS Outlook. So, follow the given steps to open your OST file in Outlook 8 or any other version accordingly.
1. Download and install the CloudMailMigration OST to PST Converter Tool.
2. Select the OST file and click Open to add OST Files.
3. Preview the mailbox items within the software interface.
4. Choose PST as the output format.
5. Select the destination location for saving the converted file.
6. Click Convert to open OST File in Outlook.

Q2. Is it possible to access OST file items in Outlook?

Ans: To regain access, you must convert the OST to a PST file using the recommended solution, which can then be imported into any Outlook version, including 2010, 2013, 2016, or 2019.

About The Author:

Mark Herry