How to Export Gmail to PST File? – Updated 2026

Jim Backus | January 8th, 2026 | Gmail

Archiving emails in a .pst file is the best approach for a backup plan. Gmail is undoubtedly the best email service provider worldwide. One thing that it lack a built-in option to export Gmail to PST format. Many users or organisations face challenges when they need to archive mailboxes or to import data to an exchange based enviornment.

This guide explains why exporting Gmail emails to PST neccessory. In addition, you will be shown how you can export Gmail mailboxes to PST with and without Outlook.

Why Need to Export Gmail to PST File?

The reasons for exporting Gmail emails to PST format can differ for each person. However, there are some common reasons why users want to export PST from Gmail. Here are a few main reasons:

  • You can access your emails without an internet connection.
  • PST files help you keep your emails well-organized and stored in one place.
  • It simplifies the process of moving your emails to a new computer or email service.
  • Having a PST backup ensures that you can recover your emails if something goes wrong with your Gmail account.
  • You can easily view and manage your Gmail emails in Microsoft Outlook.
  • Exporting to PST can free up space in your Gmail account that will help you manage storage limits.
  • PST is a single file that consists of a large number of emails, contacts, calendars, and any other data.
  • Storing emails in a PST file can provide an additional layer of security through password protection.

These are some key reasons for converting Gmail emails to PST format.

Now, let’s look at different methods to backup Gmail to PST file format.

how to export gmail to pst

How to Export Gmail to PST With Outlook?

By configuring your Gmail account with MS Outlook, you can export Gmail to PST format.

Follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Outlook application on your Windows PC.
    Launch Outlook Application
  2. Configure your Gmail account in Outlook.
    Add Gamil account in Outlook
  3. After successful configuration, click File Menu > Open & Export.
    gmail export to pst
  4. Select Import/Export Option.
    how to export gmail to pst
  5. Select “Export to a file” and then click the Next button.
    Export Outlook Emails
  6. Select “Outlook Data File (.pst)” again and hit the Next button.
    gmail to pst
  7. Select the account and click Next button.
    convert gmail to pst
  8. Select the Output path and click on Finish.
    gmail export to pst

Finished! In this way, you can manually export Gmail emails to PST file. However, this is a lengthy process and Outlok must be instllaed on your system.

How to Export Gmail Email to PST Without Outlook?

Advik Gmail Backup Software can easily convert Gmail to PST in just a few simple clicks. It will export emails and its folders to PST file with the same folder hierarchy. During the process, the software preserves email headers, signatures, hyperlinks, attachments, and other information as well. The tool also offers an “Advanced Email Filter” option to export only specific emails.

Download the software and install it in your Windows machine. Afterthat, follow the instructions for the rest solution.

   

Steps to Export Gmail to PST File

Step 1. Launch the software and sign in with Gmail credentials.

gmail export to pst

Step 2. Select mailbox folders to convert into .pst file format.

gmail to pst

Step 3. Choose PST from the saving option list.

create pst file from gmail

Step 4. Click Filter Options to apply email filters (Optional).

gmail to pst converter

Step 5. Click Change to set a target location to save the PST file.

convert gmail to pst

Step 6. Now click the Backup button to start the email export process.

export gmail to pst

The software will start exporting emails from Gmail to PST automatically. Once the process is finished, the software will display a successful pop-up notification with a log report.

gmail export to pst

Watch How to Export Gmail to PST Quickly

Both the above methods are workable and are recommended for exporting Gmail to PST file. However, if people want to save data more precisely by opting out of some unwanted emails, in that case automated solution is suggested. MS Outlook doesn’t provide an email filter option. Below are a few additional benefits you will get from the software.

Why Choose Advik Gmail Backup Solution?

The automated method makes exporting Gmail messages to PST much easier and more efficient.

Here’s why it’s the best choice:

  • Supports 30+ Export Formats: Unlike Outlook, which only saves emails in PST and CSV, this tool lets you export Gmail emails to PDF, EML, MSG, HTML, and more.
  • Select Folders Before Exporting: It offers to choose specific folders to save time, while Outlook does not allow this flexibility.
  • Batch Export Gmail Emails: It easily create PST file from multiple Gmail accounts in one attempt, whereas Outlook requires manual setup for each account, making it time-consuming.
  • Apply Email Filters: You can select specific emails for export and skip unwanted ones. Outlook 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2007 do not offer this option.
  • Preserve Folder Structure: The software keeps the original structure of mailbox folders while Gmail export emails to PST file.
  • Extract Email Addresses: Also, you can save email addresses from Gmail and export them to an Excel file.
  • Download All Attachments: Offers to extract and save all attachments from Gmail emails in a single step.
  • Lifetime Free Technical Support: You will also get continuous support and future updates at no extra cost.
  • Backup Gmail Emails to Mobile: Supports downloading Gmail emails in mobile-supported file format. So that anyone can easily access them on iPhone or Android devices.
  • Transfer Gmail Emails to Other: Allows to migrate Gmail emails to Thunderbird, Zimbra, Office 365, Yahoo Mail, Windows Live Mail, Lotus Notes, Zoho Mail and more.
  • Compatible with Windows OS: It works smoothly on Windows 11, 10, 8, and earlier versions.
  • Simple and User-Friendly Interface: It is designed for both technical and non-technical users to perform the process easily.

Would you like to test the automated solution before purchasing?

Download the Free Trial Now!

Concluding Words

In this article, we have discussed how to export Gmail to PST with or without Outlook. You can choose any of these methods depending on your needs and convenience. Also, one must go through the merits and demerits of both methods. However, if you want a simple, direct, and faster solution, then we recommend that you use the automated tool to export PST from Gmail smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. How to export Gmail emails to PST in bulk?

Ans. The professional tool i.e. Advik Gmail to PST Converter allows you to export all emails from Gmail to PST in one attempt.

Q 2. Which option allows me to convert selected emails?

Ans. There is no such option in the manual. But you can apply email filters in the software.

Q 3. What will be the difference between the Trial and the Licensed version software?

Ans. You can export only 25 emails from each folder with the demo edition. On the other hand, you can export unlimited emails and folders from Gmail to PST. There are no limitations.

Q 4. Can I export Gmail to PST without Outlook?

Ans. Yes, the software is completely standalone and doesn’t require any supporting application.

Q 5. Which is the best way to export all emails from Gmail?

Ans. The automatic solution i.e. Advik Gmail to PST export tool is the best approach. You will get multiple advanced features that will assist you in exporting Gmail messages to PST with accurate results.