How to Import PST File to Exchange Online?

Summary: Many users want to import PST to Exchange Online because it’s a cloud-based email account. Therefore, in this article, we will look over the multiple ways to migrate emails from PST file to Exchange online account. If you also have the same query, this blog is going to be very useful for you.

However, since Exchange Online does not support direct PST imports, you need a proper method to move your data safely. There are three common ways to import PST files into Exchange Online that we are going to discuss in the below sections. Go through one by one and choose the one that suits best your needs and requirements.

How to Open PST File in Exchange Online Account Free?

Microsoft provides a built-in method to import PST files using the Microsoft 365 Compliance Center.

Step 1. Log in to the Microsoft 365 Compliance Center.

Step 2. Go to Information Governance > Import and create a new import job.

Step 3. Download and install the Azure AzCopy tool provided by Microsoft.

Step 4. Use AzCopy to upload PST files to Microsoft’s cloud storage.

Step 5. Map PST files to specific user mailboxes in Exchange Online.

Step 6. Start the import process and wait for the data to sync.

Once the process is complete, all your Outlook PST emails will be available in Exchange Online.

Note: If you’re not familiar with technical processes, it’s best to avoid this method. It could lead to data loss or confusion.

How to Import PST to Exchange Online Mailbox Using PowerShell?

PowerShell can be used to import PST files into Exchange Online mailbox efficiently. Below are the step-by-step instructions to complete the process.

Before using PowerShell, ensure you have:

• Global Admin or Compliance Admin rights in Microsoft 365
• The PST file(s) ready for import
• The Azure AzCopy tool installed (required for uploading PST files)

You need to assign the correct permissions to perform a PST import.

Step 1. Open the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and go to the Exchange Admin Center (EAC).

Step 2. Navigate to Roles > Admin Roles > Organization Management.

Step 3. Click + Add Role Group and ensure Mailbox Import Export is assigned.

Step 4. Assign this role to your admin account and save the changes.

Step 5. Next, download and install Azure AzCopy from Microsoft’s website.

Step 6. Open Microsoft 365 Compliance Center (https://compliance.microsoft.com).

Step 7. Go to Information Governance > Import and create a new import job.

Step 8. Download the SAS URL (Azure Storage URL) for uploading the PST files.

Step 9. Use PowerShell to upload the PST file: AzCopy.exe copy “C:\Path\to\PSTfile.pst” “Your_SAS_URL” –recursive

Replace “C:\Path\to\PSTfile.pst” with the actual PST file location.

Replace “Your_SAS_URL” with the URL copied from Microsoft 365.

Step 10. After uploading, create a CSV file to map PST files to user mailboxes.

Step 11. Example CSV format (Save as PSTImport.csv):

Workload,FilePath,Name,Mailbox,IsArchive,TargetRootFolder

Exchange,,User1.pst,user1@domain.com,FALSE,/
Exchange,,User2.pst,user2@domain.com,FALSE,/

Step 12. Now, use PowerShell to start the import job; Connect to Security & Compliance PowerShell

Connect-IPPSSession

Step 13. Start the PST import job

New-MailboxImportRequest -Mailbox user1@domain.com -FilePath “Azure_Storage_URL/User1.pst”

Replace “Azure_Storage_URL/User1.pst” with the correct file path.

Step 14. Monitor the import process

Get-MailboxImportRequest

Step 15. Check detailed status

Get-MailboxImportRequest | Get-MailboxImportRequestStatistics

Step 16. Remove completed import requests

Get-MailboxImportRequest | Remove-MailboxImportRequest

How to Migrate PST Files to Exchange Online Automatically?

Since Microsoft doesn’t provide a direct solution to import PST File into Exchange Online. In that case, one needs to go with the following automated tool that we have explained here. Advik PST Converter software will help you to transfer complete mailbox data from PST File to Exchange Online account. Also, it maintains a complete folder hierarchy of PST folder and imports the same into the Exchange Online mailbox.

Click on the Free Download button and analyze the working process.

 

Steps to Import PST to Exchange Online Account

Step 1. Run the software and click Select Files.

Step 2. Browse and locate the Outlook PST file.

Step 3. Choose mailbox folders to migrate.

Step 4. Choose Exchange Server as a saving option.

Step 5. Fill in Exchange Online account credentials & click Convert.

Now this will start transferring emails from PST file to Exchange Online account.

Once completed, login to your Exchange Online account and check all the transferred emails there.

Watch How to Upload PST File to Exchange Online

Final Words

Therefore, we are now done with the reliable and effortless way to Import PST File into Exchange Online. You can use the given solutions and complete the PST to Exchange migration without any hassle. Hope this article will be helpful for you and able to solve your issues.