Among all, MS Outlook ranks as the most trusted and widely used email client. The majority of Outlook’s data is saved as PST and OST, which are the two most common file formats used with POP and IMAP accounts. In Outlook, the OST file saves a copy of all its data files, which you can access offline and does not need the correct connection to communicate with the server.
You can also use Outlook offline and when Outlook is connected with the server, it will apply all changes to the OST file that you worked on. However, there are many reasons why OST files may become corrupted. OST files are a data file type of Microsoft Outlook for saving offline versions of Exchange email data. However, if you have recently moved to Gmail or simply want to access Outlook emails on Gmail, it is easy to import OST files to Gmail. So migrating OST files to Gmail is a more convenient solution for users. In this blog, we will be discussing methods on how to import OST files into Gmail.
Why need to import OST files to Gmail?
Remote accesibility: Importing OST files to Gmail allows you to access your emails from any device with internet connectivity, as Gmail is cloud-based.
• Centralized Management: Migrating OST files to Gmail combine your email data into a single platform, making it easier to manage and organize.
• Backup and Recovery: By importing OST files to Gmail, you ensure that your emails are backed up and also protects it from any data loss or corrupted files.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Gmail offers robust collaboration features, such as shared labels and Google Workspace integration, which can enhance productivity and teamwork.
• Cost-Effective: Gmail provides a significant amount of free storage, which can be more economical compared to maintaining multiple email accounts or additional storage solutions.
Manual Methods to Migrate OST to Gmail
There is no direct method to import OST files to Gmail hence, converting them to PST format is considered better. By following a manual process, you can migrate OST to Gmail in a length manner; hence the manual procedure is divided into three steps. The following are the process steps should be followed.
Step 1: Find your OST Files
• To begin with, you shall launch and open Outlook on your computer, and then navigate to the File tab.
• Next, select File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- After that, click on the Data Files tab.
• Select an OST file, and click on ‘Open File Location’ to easily find the folder location.
Note: If you are facing a problem, you can try searching for it, C:\Users\user\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook OST file can be found here.
Step 2: Convert OST Files into PST Format
It is now a simple process to export the OST file to PST once you know where the OST file is located. PST files can be used for migrating, sharing and backup. Let’s look at some simple ways to export OST files to PST.
- Open the MS Outlook again and Click on the File tab > Open & Export > Import/Export.
· In the Import and Export Wizard, choose Export to a file and click next.
· Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click next.
· Choose the email account and the data item that you want to export to a PST file and click next.
· Click on Browse option to select the destination folder where you would like to save the PST file and click Finish.
Step 3: Import PST to Gmail using the GSMMO Tool (G Suite Migration for Microsoft Outlook tool)
· Download and install the GSMMO tool on your system, and when you are ready to proceed, open the tool and log in using your Gmail account.
· When GSMMO requests verification of access, click ‘Allow’ to grant the application access to your Google account. After you have granted access, click source as the the PST file.
· Select the appropriate PST file path for migration.
· Make sure all data is also selected to migrate from that file, if you want the contents of the file to migrate.
· Begin to configure migration setting and start the migration.
· After completion migration process you will receive confirmation notification.
View your Outlook OST file in your Google account.
Limitations of manual method:
Although manually importing OST files into Gmail is free, but there are some limitations. This process can take a long time especially large files or many emails. They often lack advanced features such as maintaining a large files hierarchy or batch conversion. Manual methods also risk data loss or corruption. Overall, it may not be suitable for transferring complex or large email data.
How to Import OST Files to Gmail: Expert Tips
WebbyAcad OST TO PST Converter Tool is an expert-verified solution that lets you upload / import OST to Gmail, having all the data. In addition, the software can process and upload orphaned/ damaged corrupted OST files into Gmail account.
The solution has numerous advanced features and functions that make it the best possible choice for the user. This single application makes it very easy to transfer OST file into desktop clients, email formats, document formats, and email servers.
The demo edition of the software is available to test the software functionality. So, click download the below link and follow the steps to import OST file into your Gmail.
Steps to Import OST to Gmail:
· Download & Launch WebbyAcad OST Converter Software on your system.
· Now add OST file having extension .ost then select next option.
· After selecting next option select required folders from OST & click on inbox button containing all data files from the root folder and click next.
· You can also preview the files/folder in the preview panel by double clicking the mails.
· Next, select the Import OST to Gmail option from the dropdown list.
· Fill the required Gmail login details with host and port number.
· Finally, click the “Convert/Export” button to start adding the OST file to the Gmail account.
Final Thoughts:
To export OST into Gmail, the manual process involves several technicalities and requires third Party supportive applications such as GSMMO Tool. The professional approach is a stand-alone application with no third Party support. The most important feature of this tool is that it has a completely upgraded function and a user-friendly graphical interface that makes the whole process of exporting OST files into Gmail a more reliable process. Furthermore, it includes a live chat option of support while performing every step.
