Windows 11 Importing a 1.4 GB PST File into New Outlook: Need Guidance

[Curious]

Hello,

I already receive some news of the new outlook, because the old oulook is going to be deactivated. Because of this and to try the NEW OUTLOOK, I have a .pst file with about 1.4 GB of lenght. How I can work with this file in the NEW OUTLOOK because i don't want to loose all the mails i have in that file belonging to OLD OUTLOOK.

Thank you and best regard

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Curious,
Transitioning to the new Outlook while ensuring your existing emails are preserved is definitely a wise approach! Here’s how you can work with your .pst file and import it into the new Outlook:

Steps to Import a .pst File into New Outlook​

1. Open New Outlook:
   • Launch the new Outlook application.
2. Access the File Menu:
   • In the new Outlook interface, look for the “File” menu or icon, usually located at the top left corner.
3. Choose ‘Open & Export’:
   • Select “Open & Export” from the left-hand sidebar.
4. Import/Export:
   • Click on the “Import/Export” option. This will open the Import and Export Wizard.
5. Import from Another Program or File:
   • Choose “Import from another program or file” and click “Next.”
6. Select File Type:
   • Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
7. Browse for the .pst File:
   • Click on “Browse” to select your .pst file. Navigate to the location where your .pst file is stored, select it, and hit “Open.”
8. Choose Import Options:
   • You can choose to replace duplicates with items imported, allow duplicates to be created, or not import duplicates at all. Make your selection and click “Next.”
9. Select the Destination Folder:
   • Choose where you would like to place the imported emails. If you want them to remain in their own folder, select the top-level folder (usually your email account) and ensure the option to include subfolders is checked if needed.
10. Complete the Import:
    • Click “Finish” and wait for the process to complete. Depending on the size of the .pst file, this may take some time.

Verify Your Emails​

After the import process, check your folders to ensure that all emails have been successfully imported and are accessible within the new Outlook interface.

Important Notes:​

• Backup: It’s always a good idea to back up your .pst file before performing an import, just in case something goes awry.
• File Size: A .pst file of 1.4 GB should generally be manageable, but if you encounter any issues, consider archiving or splitting the .pst file if the new Outlook struggles with the import.

If you run into any specific issues or have further questions along the way, feel free to ask! Best of luck with your transition to the new Outlook!

 

[Mike]

There is no PST support in New Outlook. Check this out: Microsoft 365 Roadmap | Microsoft 365

Outlook: Initial version of PST support in new Outlook for Windows

The initial version of PST support in new Outlook for Windows will enable users to open ".pst" files (a.k.a. Outlook Data Files), read all e-mail messages within the ".pst" file, and search e-mail messages within the ".pst" file. This initial support is limited to Mail items and is read-only. All Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks data saved in the "*.pst" files are still there, but they cannot be accessed in this initial version. #newoutlookforwindows

Feature ID: 399467
Added to roadmap: 6/6/2024
Last modified: 6/6/2024
Product(s): Outlook
Cloud instance(s): Worldwide (Standard Multi-Tenant)
Platform(s): Desktop
Release phase(s): General Availability

The best you could do is probably load the PST in Old Outlook, move all the e-mails over from the PST, and then switch to New Outlook.

 

[Curious]

Dear Chatgpt,
When I am in Classic Outlook, which is what I am using, in the upper right corner I have a message that says "Try the new Outlook".
When I click on this option I receive a message (PHOTO 1).
When I choose the "Switch" option I receive a page with the New Outlook (PHOTO 2) that does not have any "File" option or any other that refers to recovering my .pst file.
In other words, As you can see, the PHOTO 2 screen, which is what I get when I switch, does not have any of the options mentioned in your answer:

"Steps to Import a .pst File into New Outlook
Open New Outlook:
Launch the new Outlook application.
Access the File Menu:
In the new Outlook interface, look for the “File” menu or icon, usually located at the top left corner.
Choose ‘Open & Export’:
Select “Open & Export” from the left-hand sidebar......"
What's up Mr. Chatgpt, where do we stand?

 

[Curious]

Hello Curious,
Transitioning to the new Outlook while ensuring your existing emails are preserved is definitely a wise approach! Here’s how you can work with your .pst file and import it into the new Outlook:

Steps to Import a .pst File into New Outlook​

1. Open New Outlook:
   • Launch the new Outlook application.
2. Access the File Menu:
   • In the new Outlook interface, look for the “File” menu or icon, usually located at the top left corner.
3. Choose ‘Open & Export’:
   • Select “Open & Export” from the left-hand sidebar.
4. Import/Export:
   • Click on the “Import/Export” option. This will open the Import and Export Wizard.
5. Import from Another Program or File:
   • Choose “Import from another program or file” and click “Next.”
6. Select File Type:
   • Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” and click “Next.”
7. Browse for the .pst File:
   • Click on “Browse” to select your .pst file. Navigate to the location where your .pst file is stored, select it, and hit “Open.”
8. Choose Import Options:
   • You can choose to replace duplicates with items imported, allow duplicates to be created, or not import duplicates at all. Make your selection and click “Next.”
9. Select the Destination Folder:
   • Choose where you would like to place the imported emails. If you want them to remain in their own folder, select the top-level folder (usually your email account) and ensure the option to include subfolders is checked if needed.
10. Complete the Import:
    • Click “Finish” and wait for the process to complete. Depending on the size of the .pst file, this may take some time.

Verify Your Emails​

After the import process, check your folders to ensure that all emails have been successfully imported and are accessible within the new Outlook interface.

Important Notes:​

• Backup: It’s always a good idea to back up your .pst file before performing an import, just in case something goes awry.
• File Size: A .pst file of 1.4 GB should generally be manageable, but if you encounter any issues, consider archiving or splitting the .pst file if the new Outlook struggles with the import.

If you run into any specific issues or have further questions along the way, feel free to ask! Best of luck with your transition to the new Outlook!

Hello,
I already start the new Outlook APP in Windows and I don't see the Option you said named "File"
You can see in the picture I send where he is!!!

• Access the File Menu:
  • In the new Outlook interface, look for the “File” menu or icon, usually located at the top left corner.

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Curious,
Thanks for sharing the screenshot! It looks like you're navigating through the new Outlook interface, but the "File" menu is indeed not visible in the same way as in the traditional Outlook desktop application.
In the new Outlook for Windows, Microsoft has streamlined the interface, and the traditional menu options have been replaced or integrated differently. Here’s how you can manage your .pst file in this new design:

How to Import a .pst File in New Outlook​

1. Check for Settings:
   • In the new Outlook app, look for the Settings gear icon () usually located in the upper right corner.
2. Import Feature:
   • In the Settings menu, look for options related to Mail or Accounts. Depending on your version, there may be a “Manage Accounts” section.
   • If available, there might be an option within the account settings that specifically says Imports or mentions importing data from another program/file.
3. Using Outlook on the Web:
   • If the new Outlook app does not allow you to import a .pst file directly, consider using the Outlook Web App instead.
   • Sign in with your account and check if there is an option to upload or manage your email files there.
4. Feedback Option:
   • If you struggle to find the import option, consider sending feedback through the app. Microsoft often updates these interfaces based on user feedback.

Alternative Method​

If you have access to the previous version of Outlook, you can temporarily install it and perform the import from there, subsequently syncing your emails back to the new Outlook once done.

Important Note​

Keep an eye on updates from Microsoft, as they frequently refine the interface and functionality of the new Outlook, which may change how importing files works in the future.
If you’ve still got questions or need more clarity, feel free to ask! Best of luck in getting your emails into the new setup!

 

[Curious]

Hello Curious,
Thanks for sharing the screenshot! It looks like you're navigating through the new Outlook interface, but the "File" menu is indeed not visible in the same way as in the traditional Outlook desktop application.
In the new Outlook for Windows, Microsoft has streamlined the interface, and the traditional menu options have been replaced or integrated differently. Here’s how you can manage your .pst file in this new design:

How to Import a .pst File in New Outlook​

1. Check for Settings:
   • In the new Outlook app, look for the Settings gear icon () usually located in the upper right corner.
2. Import Feature:
   • In the Settings menu, look for options related to Mail or Accounts. Depending on your version, there may be a “Manage Accounts” section.
   • If available, there might be an option within the account settings that specifically says Imports or mentions importing data from another program/file.
3. Using Outlook on the Web:
   • If the new Outlook app does not allow you to import a .pst file directly, consider using the Outlook Web App instead.
   • Sign in with your account and check if there is an option to upload or manage your email files there.
4. Feedback Option:
   • If you struggle to find the import option, consider sending feedback through the app. Microsoft often updates these interfaces based on user feedback.

Alternative Method​

If you have access to the previous version of Outlook, you can temporarily install it and perform the import from there, subsequently syncing your emails back to the new Outlook once done.

Important Note​

Keep an eye on updates from Microsoft, as they frequently refine the interface and functionality of the new Outlook, which may change how importing files works in the future.
If you’ve still got questions or need more clarity, feel free to ask! Best of luck in getting your emails into the new setup!

OK. I'm going to try this. Now another question:
Where are emails archived in New Outlook?

 

[ChatGPT]

Hello Curious,
Great to hear you’re moving forward with the new Outlook! Regarding your question about archived emails, here's how the new Outlook handles email archiving:

Where to Find Archived Emails in New Outlook​

1. Check the Sidebar:
   • In the new Outlook, there’s typically a sidebar on the left where you can see your folders. Look for a folder labeled "Archive". This is where archived emails are generally stored.
2. Using Search:
   • If you don’t see an Archive folder, you can also use the search feature at the top. Just type “Archived” into the search bar, and it should direct you to any archived emails.
3. Email Management:
   • If you originally archived emails through the old Outlook or if you used different settings, the new Outlook should automatically sync and display those archived emails as needed.
4. Settings and Preferences:
   • If you wish to change how archiving works or manage archived emails further, check the Settings gear icon () in the new Outlook and look for options related to Mail or Folders.

Additional Notes​

• Auto-Archive: If you used an auto-archive feature in the old Outlook, make sure it's set up similarly in the new Outlook to ensure emails are archived as per your preferences.
• Syncing: If you experienced any syncing issues, give it a moment, as sometimes the new Outlook may take a little while to update all your folders after making changes or after the initial setup.

If you run into any problems finding your archived emails or have further questions, feel free to ask!

 

[Curious]

OK. I'm going to try this. Now another question:
Where are emails archived in New Outlook?

Nothing of this you explain work. I can't see any option to import from a .pst file that I have working in the Classic Outlook (Old Outlook).
I send to you the screen of the Classic Outlook when I open it in Windows.
The Version and build of this Outlook is: Version: 2409 (Build 18025.20160 Click-to-run).
Thanks for your help, but I think it will be very dificult the transition to the New Outlook as the things are at this moment.
I think too, that you must first analise quite well as the transition is going to be made, instead of giving "tips" that doesn't work.

 

[Curious]

Hello,

How, if it is possible, to define a password in a E-mail message or in a Outlook Foler?
Thanks

 

[ChatGPT]

Thanks for sharing, Mike! This is a critical point for anyone looking to transition to the New Outlook for Windows. The current read-only PST support in the initial version means users relying heavily on *.pst files for their Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks won’t have a complete experience just yet.

---

Key Takeaways:​

1. Limited PST Support in New Outlook:
   • .pst files can be opened to read and search for emails, but modifying or accessing Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks data isn’t supported in this phase.
   • This limitation could be problematic for those who heavily depend on .pst files for complete data management.
2. Future Updates (Roadmap ID: 399467):
   • Microsoft is likely to expand support in future iterations, as noted in their Microsoft 365 Roadmap.

---

Recommended Workaround:​

For now, loading .pst files in the current/old Outlook and transferring emails to online folders (e.g., Exchange or Outlook.com) is the most practical method to ensure your data remains accessible:

1. Open Old Outlook:
   • Load your .pst files directly in the legacy application.
2. Export or Move Emails:
   • Use Exchange or IMAP accounts to move the emails from your .pst into online folders (accessible via the New Outlook).

---

While the New Outlook continues to roll out improvements, sticking with or complementing it with Old Outlook for .pst file management seems to be the best path forward for users who rely on those files. Let me know if further assistance is needed with the migration steps!