How to Open OST File in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021 & 2024?
To open OST file in Outlook, you have three options depending on how the OST file was created and whether the original Outlook profile is available:
- Access the OST file through its original Outlook profile if the account and profile are still active.
- Use Outlook’s AutoArchive feature to access archived email data.
- Use specialized software like Advik OST Converter to view and access OST file data when the original Outlook profile is unavailable.
In this guide, we will discuss all three methods in detail. If you need to view an OST file in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2024 then keep reading.
Table of Contents
- Can Outlook Import OST File Directly?
- Which Method Should You Use?
- Where is the OST file located?
- Method 1: Through its original Outlook Profile
- Method 2: Using AutoArchive
- Method 3: Using Specialized Software
- How to Open the Converted PST in Outlook
- Watch Video Tutorial
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Words
Can Outlook Import OST File Directly?
The Answer is No. It’s so because OST is associated with the Outlook account and profile that created it. And, it cannot be used as a portable Outlook data file to open OST file in another computer or application without it’s configured Outlook profile.
In short, if the original Outlook account is still available, then you can access it. And, if you have an old or orphaned OST file that is disconnected from it’s created Outlook profile then it’s not possible to view OST file without any specialized application.
Which Method Should You Choose to Open OST File in Outlook?
The right method depends on whether the original Outlook profile is still available and how you want to access the OST data.
| Method | Best for | Original Outlook Profile Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Original Outlook Profile | Opening an OST file that is still linked to an active Outlook account | Yes |
| Outlook Auto-Archive | Accessing older emails that have been archived in Outlook | Yes |
| Advik OST Converter | Viewing OST file data when the original Outlook profile or account is unavailable | No |
Where is the OST File Located?
On Windows, Outlook OST files are usually stored in one of these locations:
For Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024 and Microsoft 365:
C:\Users\<Username>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Outlook\
You can quickly open the folder by pressing Win + R and Enter
%localappdata%\Microsoft\Outlook
and click OK.
You can also find the exact OST location from classic Outlook:
File -> Account Settings -> Account Settings -> Data Files -> Select the account -> Open File Location
Note: OST files are normally associated with an Outlook account/profile, so simply locating the .ost file does not necessarily mean Outlook can open it as a standalone data file.
Follow the methods below and choose as per your situation to open a .ost file in Outlook.
Method 1. View OST File in Outlook through its Original Profile
If your Outlook profile is still active and the OST file is accessible, you can open it using these steps:
- Open Outlook and go to File > Account Settings > Account Settings.
- Select your email account and click Change > More Settings.
- Navigate to the Advanced tab and click on Offline Folder File Settings.
- Check the file path of the OST file.
- Open File Explorer, go to the OST file location, and make a backup copy.
Note: This method works only if your original Outlook profile is still connected to the OST file.
Method 2. Open OST File in Outlook via Auto-Archive Feature
- Open Outlook and go to File > Options > Advanced.
- Under AutoArchive Settings, enable the auto-archive feature.
- Set the destination folder for archived emails.
- Wait for Outlook to create a PST file with the archived data.
Note: This method only transfers emails and does not restore contacts, calendar entries, or attachments.
Method 3. Import OST to Outlook with All Data
If you have an orphaned, corrupted, or inaccessible OST file, manual methods will not work.
In such cases, the best solution is to use Advik OST File Converter. This software lets you easily access emails, contacts, calendars, and other data from OST file without any trouble. Since Outlook only supports PST files, you need to convert OST to PST using this tool. It also allows you to add multiple OST files to Outlook at once while keeping the folder structure intact throughout the process. With this utility, you can open OST file without Outlook profile.
Now, download the software and try it for free to open Outlook OST file.
Steps to Open OST File in Outlook 2016, 2019, 2021
Step 1. Launch the software on your Windows PC.
Step 2. Click on Select Files or Select Folders to add OST files.
Step 3. Select mailbox folders of OST file.
Step 4. Choose PST as a saving option from the software.
Step 5. Select a target location & click on the Next button.
The software will start converting OST file data into PST format.
How to Open the Converted OST Data in Outlook?
Once the OST file is converted into PST format, you can open it in Outlook by importing or opening the resulting PST file.
Follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Outlook on your system.
- Go to File -> Open & Export -> Open Outlook Data File.
- Browse to the location where the converted PST file is saved.
- Select the PST file and click OK.
- Outlook will add the PST file to the left navigation pane.
- Expand the PST file to access emails, folders, attachments and other converted mailbox data.
You can view the converted OST data directly within Outlook without needing the original OST file or its associated Outlook profile.
Watch How to Access OST File in Outlook 2016/2019
In this video, you will learn a step-by-step process to open OST file in Outlook. It will guide you on how to convert OST to PST and import it into Outlook easily. You will also see how to access emails, contacts, and calendars from an OST file, even if it is orphaned or inaccessible.
Final Thoughts
In this tutorial, you learned how to open OST file in Outlook manually or using an automated tool. While manual methods can help if Outlook is working, they do not support orphaned, corrupted, or inaccessible OST files. In such cases, using Advik software is the best option. It allows you to safely convert OST files to PST and access them in any Outlook version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I open an OST file in Outlook?
Ans. An OST file is strictly tied to the specific email account and user profile that created it. If the original account is deleted or you try to open an old OST file from a different profile, Outlook will block access. To view its data, you must convert it into a PST file format.
Q2. Why is Outlook unable to open OST file in Outlook?
Ans. Outlook may fail to open an OST file due to corruption, sync issues, or if the associated email account is no longer active. In such cases, recreating the OST file or converting it to PST format can help.
Q3. How to read a .ost file without Outlook?
Ans. To read an OST file without Outlook, you can use Advik Software. This tool allows you to open and access emails, attachments, and other mailbox items without using Outlook.
