The arena of work communication is fast changing. Corporates are running away from the Outlook desktop versions. Microsoft 365 is the new buzzword in the domain of work communication. The robust security features of O365 are worth mentioning. Secondly, this cloud-based platform prompts to better team coordination. Thirdly, it enhances productivity. However, migrating from old Outlook version to Microsoft 365 is a challenging process. Individual users as well as businesses need to import PST to O365 to ensure a smooth transition.

PST migration can be done manually using built-in methods. There are automated solutions as well. The manual functionalities are perfect for small migration, while the PST migration tool offers faster and safer resolution. Manual methods are time-consuming too. On the contrary, Outlook Migrator solutions are equipped with efficient migration capabilities. In this post, we will uncover “5 Best Methods to Import PST to Office 365.”

Why Migrating from Old Outlook to Office 365 is Beneficial?

Let’s understand this with below pointers:

• The Cloud Factor: O365 is a cloud-based platform. A user can access the entire mailbox data and the PST file from anywhere, on any device.
• The Security Factor: It is undoubtedly one of the safest platforms. Strict compliance policy and encryption are to compelling to be ignored by any organization.
• The Manageability Factor: No manual PST handling, the storage is easily managed. 
• The Compatibility Factor: O365 is compatible with Microsoft core tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.).

How to Import PST to Office 365: Step-by-Step Methods

This task can be done by utilizing Outlook’s built-in features. The user can also utilize Network Upload method. Additionally, there are several third-party Outlook Migrator tools as well to perform this task. Check the below guide:

Method 1: Utilizing the Import/Export Wizard (Best for Small File Migration): It is the most common approach to import PST to O365. Every Outlook user is aware of this method. It is perfect for importing small PST files. Also, it is apt for importing a single mailbox. Follow the below steps:

• Launch the Outlook app
• Go to File
• Browse Open & Export
• Then go to Import/Export
• Choose Import from another program or file
• Then click Next
• Select Outlook Data File (.pst)
• Then browse for your file
• Choose the required folders (the user can select the entire mailbox as well)
• Select Import items into the current folder
• After this press Finish to conclude

Pros:

• Simple steps
• Doesn’t require any admin rights

Cons:

• Time consuming method
• Not perfect for large files

Method 2: The Drag-and-Drop Approach (Perfect for Small File Transfer): This method is the quickest way to perform this task. Any user with Outlook desktop client syncing with O365 can perform this task. Follow the below guide:

• Launch Outlook
• Browse File
• Navigate to Open & Export
• Go to Open Outlook Data File to view the PST contents on your left sidebar
• Choose the desired emails or folders
• Drag and drop them directly into your Office 365 mailbox folders.

Pros:

• Faster approach
• Ideal for transferring selected emails or folders

Cons:

• Doesn’t meant for transferring larger files or emails
• May miss mailbox data

Method 3: Transfer Utilizing Network Upload in Microsoft Purview (Perfect for Bulk Transfer): This is the Microsoft-recommended way. It enables administrators to import multiple PST files over the cloud. For the full walkthrough, see our complete guide to the Network Upload method.

Requirements of this Method:

• Microsoft 365 Subscription
• Admin rights
• Stable internet connection
• Properly accessible PST files
• Sufficient Office 365 storage space

The step-by-step process is listed below:

• Access Microsoft Purview portal
• Choose Information Governance > Import
• Create a new import job to get the network upload SAS URL
• Download the Azure AZCopy tool
• Use the command prompt to upload your PST files into Microsoft Azure storage
• Create a CSV mapping file linking each PST file to its respective Office 365 user mailbox
• Submit the import job to push data directly into Office 365

Pros:

• Microsoft recommended method
• Perfect for bulk/enterprise grade migration
• Uses Azure Storage with SAS URLs, ensuring security
• Seamlessly integrates with Office 365 mailboxes

Cons:

• Requires technical expertise
• IT/Admin access required
• Requires stable internet
• Needs accessible PST files

Method 4: Drive Shipping via Microsoft Purview (Best for Bulk Migration): In case an organization hold massive offline data, it can opt for this method. It involves several stages. Firstly, the user needs to copy PST files onto encrypted hard drives. After this, the user requires to ship these encrypted hard drives to Microsoft data centres. After receiving the hard drive, MS will upload the data into Azure Storage. Then the data will be mapped to O365 mailboxes. For the full process, see our complete guide to Drive Shipping.

Follow the below steps:

• Firstly, the user needs to copy data files (PST) to a BitLocker-encrypted hard drive
• Navigate to the Microsoft Purview portal
• Create a PST Import job
• Ship the hard drive to the regional Microsoft data center
• Microsoft team will upload the data to Azure, allowing you to import via CSV

Pros:

• Best for organizations with terabytes of PST files
• Drives are encrypted before shipping, ensuring data safety
• Microsoft takes responsibility for data set uploading

Cons:

• It involves physical shipping
• This method is slower than the Network Upload
• It involves shipping cost
• Not suitable for frequent migrations

Conclusion:

We have explored 5 different approaches to import PST to O365. We started from Outlook’s built-in functionalities—The Import/Export Wizard and Drag & Drop Method. But these methods are perfect for small transfers of folders. We have also explored Microsoft’s Network Upload and Drive Shipping methods. These methods are recommended for enterprise-grade transfer. But they involve complex steps. Additionally, they are time consuming. For corporates, who seek speed as well as reliability, PST Migration Tool is the best choice. Such software is easy to use. It preserves hierarchy, metadata, and attachments.