How to Move Outlook PST File to Cloud? A Step-Wise Guide to Follow

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Written By Mohit Jha
Anuraag Singh
Approved By Anuraag Singh
Published On December 19th, 2023
Reading Time 6 Minutes Reading

Synopsis: This write-up deals with the user query i.e. How to Move Outlook PST File to Cloud? Learn the top two ways described in this guide to quickly and safely move Outlook data file to cloud without any data loss. Without any further ado let’s get started!

The COVID-19 situation has changed the way of growing business. Now, online platforms have come into more major existence than ever before. During this time duration, several queries arose regarding a suitable method to move Outlook PST file to cloud. They either wish to shift mailboxes to Microsoft 365 or to Gmail from Microsoft Outlook profile.

Uploading email folders, address book items, meeting schedules, etc., from on-premises PST files to the cloud, isn’t a simple task. People have to go through several technical configurations to accomplish the project in a successful manner.

Now the question arises –

  1. What are These Server Configurations?
  2. Are They Suitable for All Types of Computer Users?
  3. What If We don’t have Outlook on our PC but, have Orphaned PST files? Will These Server Configurations Still Work?

5 Easy Steps to Move Outlook PST File to Cloud

  • Step 1. Install and Run the Software on your PC.
  • Step 2. Choose Outlook & Office 365 as Source & Destination.
  • Step 3. Choose Required Mailbox Items to Move to Cloud.
  • Step 4. Select the Source Location of PST Files & Validate.
  • Step 5. Create Mapping, Choose Users & Click on Restore.

Well, raising such sort of queries is genuine, because being a normal computer user, it’s a big responsibility. He or she has to move all items from Outlook to cloud without compromising data integrity and security. Each and every bit of process information is important to have.

Already stressed? But why?

Don’t think too much! Give a pause to all queries that you have in your mind and read this write-up. We are delivering simplified methods for moving Outlook data files (.pst) to the cloud of Microsoft and Gmail. The approaches that we are going to tell you, will require only a few clicks to complete the entire work.

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  1. Automatically Move Outlook PST File to Cloud
  2. Move PST to Cloud Via IMAP Configuration

Solution #1: Smart Way to Move Outlook PST File to Cloud

If you are switching to a cloud platform such as Microsoft 365, then surely you need to migrate emails to the cloud platform. And this can be directly done with the help of an expert trusted application, named as SysTools Cloud Backup & Restore. Not only this you can also move Outlook data file to G Suite using this software.

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It has been designed with the latest machine learning algorithms in it. These algorithms help in moving Outlook data files to the cloud without manipulating existing data content and protection level. So, let’s begin by reading the steps for the same operation.

Must Read: How to Migrate from GoDaddy to Microsoft 365? Complete Guide

Software Working Guide to Move Outlook Data File to Cloud

Step 1. First, download the tool and install it on your system.

Step 2. Launch the software and click on Activate button for activation of the demo or full version of the tool

Step 3. Switch to the Restore option & select the migration source as Outlook and destination Cloud platform.

move Outlook PST file to cloud

Step 4. Scroll down to the workload section and select the category of items to move from the Outlook PST file.

Step 5. Next, in the Source tab, browse the location of the PST file. Once the PST file path is provided, click on Validate button for the authentication.

Step 6. Next, go to the Destination tab and enter the Cloud Admin Email, Application ID, & p12 file (click on Project Settings in the tool window to know how to create the application id and p12 file). Once done, click on Validate button for the authentication of entered details.

Step 7. In the User tab, you can choose the option for mapping the PST file:

  • Fetch User: This method will automatically fetch all the folders with a user account and list them in the tool window for mapping with the destination account.
  • Import CSV File: Using this option you can import a CSV file containing the folder name and destination Google account.

Step 8. Once the mapping is finished, click on the Validate button for the authentication of user accounts.

Step 9. Finally, click on the Start Migration button to move Outlook PST file to cloud.

Software Features That Make It First Choice of Users for Moving Outlook Data File to Cloud

  • Allows to Move Outlook Data File to Cloud Platform Such as Office 365, G Suite.
  • Enables Users to Move Emails, Contacts, Calendars, and Documents to Cloud
  • Offers Date and Category Filters for Selective Data Transfer from Outlook PST to Cloud.
  • Provision to Set Priority, Which Helps in Prioritizing User Accounts to Migrate First.
  • Comes with a Bult-in Dashboard to Track and Monitor the Data Transfer.

Solution #2: If You Want, You Can Use IMAP Configuration As Well to Move Outlook PST File to Cloud

Although the above-recommended tool is MVP verified, sometimes specialists of Microsoft Outlook don’t rely on third-party tools due to pricing issues. They decided to upload PST file content via IMAP configuration. Well, below listed are the steps to move Outlook PST file to cloud manually:

Beware – Installation of Microsoft Outlook with (IMAP) Exchange server configuration is mandatory. This particular measure will not work if any one of the platforms is unavailable.
  • Step 1. Launch your MS Outlook profile on your computer and check your internet connection.
  • Step 2. Use the ‘Add Account’ option to configure Microsoft 365 / Google accounts in the profile.
  • Step 3. Next step is to import the Outlook PST file by using the Import/Export wizard of MS Outlook. In order to do this follow the below steps:
    • Open Outlook >> Click on File >> Select Open & Export > Import/Export.
    • Choose Import from another program or file, >> click Next. Pick Outlook Data File (.pst) >> click Next.
    • Browse >> .pst file you want to import. Under Options >> choose how you want to deal with emails and contacts, then >> Next.
    • Apply required settings >>Choose Finish.
  • Step 4. Later, delete the configured account (if not in use), for security concerns.

Also Read: Know How to Migrate Emails From Outlook to Office 365

Last Few Suggestions

IMAP configuration is suitable for migrating Outlook PST to a single user account. But, when the user needs to move Outlook PST file to cloud admin account of Microsoft / Google then, this solution isn’t feasible. Not to mention the time taken by the tool for synchronizing cloud accounts with Outlook.

It is so because this idea might consume a day, a month, or even a year to finish exporting a bulk amount of mailboxes from Outlook to the cloud. Therefore, the professional-recommended technique is to use the above mentioned software.

  author

By Mohit Jha

Mohit is a Microsoft-certified expert who has assisted thousands of clients with Outlook & Microsoft Office 365 issues. He enjoys writing on email clients as well as data migration. He is always excited about giving troubled readers the most up-to-date knowledge, explanation, and refinements.