How to Import PST to Gmail Account? Step-by-Step Guide

Method 1: How to Migrate PST to Gmail Using GWMMO Tool?

Here, we will use the GWMMO tool for importing.

Note: Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Outlook (GWMMO) is Google’s free migration utility that you need to download and install separately.

Step 1. Visit Google’s official download page for Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Outlook (GWMMO). Download the installer, run the .exe file and complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

Note: GWMMO is a free migration utility provided by Google. It is a separate application and must be download and install on your Windows computer.

Step 2. Open the GWMMO application and enter your Gmail address where you want to import the PST data. A secure Google sign-in page will appear on your screen.

Step 3. Sign in with your Google account and complete the authentication steps. If asked, review the requested permissions and click ‘Allow’ to authorise GWMMO to access your mailbox.

Note: Modern versions of GWMMO use Google’s OAuth 2.0 authentication, so you don’t need to enter Gmail IMAP settings or manually configure server details. Also, no app password is required for GWMMO.

Step 4. After authentication, choose the option to migrate data from your Outlook PST file. Click Browse, locate the PST file stored on your computer and select it.

Step 5. Select the mailbox data you want to import, such as email messages, calendar, contacts.

Step 6. Review the items you have choose and click Migrate to start importing your PST data into your Google account.

The migration time depends on factors such as your PST file size, number of mailbox items and speed of your internet connection.

Keep the application open until the migration completes.

Once the migration finishes successfully, sign in to your Gmail account and verify that your emails, folders, contacts and calendar items have been imported correctly.

Important: Before starting the migration, you might want to repair a corrupted PST file with Microsoft’s Inbox Repair Tool (ScanPST.exe) and check that your Gmail account has enough free space for the imported data.

This is how you can add your PST file in Gmail using GWMMO Tool and the Outlook application.

Method 2: Import Outlook PST to Gmail Using Classic Outlook (IMAP Sync)

PST import isn’t currently supported in the New Outlook for Windows. To import a PST file, switch to Classic Outlook and follow the steps below.

Since January 2025, IMAP is enabled by default on personal Gmail accounts, so you can skip enabling IMAP in your Gmail account and go straight to adding it in Outlook.

Step 1. Open Classic Outlook on your Windows PC, then go to File >> Add Account.

Step 2. Here, enter your Gmail address and click Connect.

Step 3. A Google sign-in window will pop up automatically. Login with your Gmail account and follow the OAuth 2.0 authentication steps. Click Allow if asked and let Outlook access your mailbox.

Note:  Most current versions of Classic Outlook connect to Gmail through Google’s OAuth authentication. If you are using an older Outlook version or a configuration that doesn’t support OAuth, you may be prompted to use an App Password after enabling Google’s 2-step verification.

Step 3. Once you configure your Gmail account, go to File >> Open & Export >> Import/Export option.

Step 4. Next, select ‘Import from another program or a file’ in the import/export wizard.

Step 5. Select a file type to import as Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next.

Step 6. Click Browse to find your PST file and click Next.

Step 7. Choose folders to include in your PST file and click Finish.

Step 8. It has started importing PST file, once complete check it in your Outlook mailbox folders pane.

Step 9. In Outlook, open the imported PST. Select the emails or folders you want to transfer and drag them to required folders in your Gmail account.

Step 1. Now, Outlook will upload the emails to Gmail using IMAP. Keep Outlook open and connected to the internet until synchronization is complete.

Step 1. Lastly, log into Gmail using your web browser and check that your emails and folders have transferred correctly.

Method 3. Import PST to Gmail Without Outlook Using a Migration Tool

The manual methods are helpful for importing, but if you face any issues with them and you want a simple and direct solution then using the automated tool is an amazing choice. One such tool is the Advik PST File Converter. This standalone PST to Gmail migration tool is able to import PST to Gmail without Outlook. It can also upload PST files in batches without facing any technical difficulties. Apart from this, it will preserve and maintain the complete folder hierarchy of PST mailbox throughout the process. Thus, it is an ideal way to import emails from PST to Gmail in a few simple clicks.

Download this tool for free and check its working and features.

Steps to Import PST Files into Gmail Account

1. Run the suggested PST to Gmail Migration Tool on your Windows PC.
2. To add .pst file into the software panel click on Select Files or Select Folder and then press Next.
3. Choose the necessary folders and subfolders to import and click Next.
4. From the multiple saving options, choose Gmail.
5. Sign in with your Gmail address through the tool’s Google (OAuth) sign-in, then click Next.
6. Now, the tool will start importing PST files to Gmail account.

Note: The software primarily uses Google OAuth 2.0. If your Google account still requires an App Password, you can use that instead.

Your selected PST data will now be imported directly into Gmail in minutes. You will be notified when the import is complete.

Now, let’s have a look at the video guide to understand the whole process more easily.

Final Words

To conclude this article, for the above technical topic “how to import PST to Gmail account”, we have discussed the best 3 methods. However, which method you will choose depends on your PST file size and whether you have Outlook installed. If you have a small & healthy PST file and already Outlook set up, GWMMO or the Classic Outlook IMAP method will do the job for free. But you have to wait for account syncing and manage the 25 MB per-message limit. If you don’t have Outlook, you have large PST files (10 GB+) or you need the original folder structure preserved reliably, a dedicated PST to Gmail migration tool is the more reliable route.