How to Open or Import PST files in new Outlook.
Since, many users are looking for a way to open or import PST files in new Outlook, in this guide you'll find all the available ways to do it.
If you use the new Outlook app as your email client, you may have already discovered that the classic ways to open or import Outlook .PST data files, like with classic Outlook, are not available. This is because, in the new Outlook, Microsoft removed the ability to import Outlook PST data files or open PST files without a Microsoft 365 subscription.
More specifically, to open .pst files in the new Outlook* you must meet the following requirements:
- Microsoft Office 365 must be installed with a Microsoft subscription.
- Outlook Classic must be installed.
* Important: Outlook Data Files (.pst) isn't supported with the ARM version of new Outlook.
Additionally, you cannot import PST files directly into the new Outlook and must use classic Outlook to do so.
So, based on the above, if you have Outlook data files (.PST) that you want to view or import, you must first install the classic Outlook and then to do one of the following, as per your decision:
- Open the PST files in new Outlook if you own a Microsoft 365 subscription.
- Use Outlook classic to open PST files and then continue to use it as your primary email client.
- Use Outlook classic to import PST files, and then switch to Outlook new if you want to use it as your primary email client.
How to Open Outlook PST files in the new Outlook if you use a Microsoft 365 subscription.
If you have installed Microsoft Office with a Microsoft 365 subscription and you are not running an ARM version of the new Outlook, do the following to add the Outlook PST data files in new Outlook:
1. In the new Outlook app, lick on Settings 
icon on the top-right and then go to General > Outlook data files tab.
2. Click Add file* and then from your PC select the Outlook PST file that you want to mount in new Outlook.**
* Notes:
1. If the "Add file" button is grayed out, then proceed to download and install Outlook classic (direct link), because Outlook Data files needs the classic Outlook to open.
2. Keep in mind that according to Microsoft, the initial phase of PST (Outlook Data File) support in the new Outlook for Windows will offer read-only access to the mail items within .pst files. This means that users will be able to open .pst files and read or search for email messages stored in them, but will not be able to view Calendar, Contacts and Tasks data. Future updates will enhance PST support with additional features.
How to Open/Import Outlook PST files in new Outlook without a Microsoft 365 subscription?
As mentioned above, there is no way to open or import PST files in the new Outlook without having a Microsoft 365 subscription and without using Outlook classic.
So, if you don't have a Microsoft 365 subscription switch to classic Outlook*, and then do one of the following according your needs:
-
- Open PST file(s) in classic Outlook and continue using it as your email client.
- Import PST file(s) in classic Outlook and then switch to new Outlook and use it as your email client.
* Notes:
1. To switch in classic Outlook in new Outlook, look at the top right to see if there's a "New Outlook" switch. If so, set this switch to OFF to open Outlook classic.
2. If the "New Outlook" switch is not there, download Outlook classic from Microsoft (direct link)and then open/run the "OfficeSetup.exe" file to install it. Then, either switch to classic Outlook as instructed above, or type "outlook" in Search and open Outlook (classic) form the results.
How to Open Outlook PST files in classic Outlook.
To open your Outlook data files (*.PST) in Outlook classic and then to use it as your primary email client.
1. Open or switch to classic Outlook.
2. Click on File menu, go to Open & Export and then click Open Outlook Data File.
3. Then, select the Outlook Data file (*pst) that you want to open and click OK.
How to Import Outlook PST files in new Outlook.
To open your Outlook data files (*.PST) in Outlook new and to use it as your primary email client.
1. Open or switch to classic Outlook.
2. Click on File menu, go to Open & Export and then click Import/Export.
3. Choose Import from another program or file, and click Next.
4. Then, select Outlook Data File (.pst) and click Next again.
5. Finally, click Browse to select the PST file you want to import and click OK.
6. When the import is completed, set to ON the Try the new Outlook switch, to open the Outlook new app if you want to use it as your primary email client.
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open PST files in the new Outlook without a Microsoft 365 subscription?
No, opening PST files in the new Outlook without a Microsoft 365 subscription is not possible. You must use Outlook classic to open or import PST files.
What are the requirements to open PST files in the new Outlook?
To open PST files in the new Outlook, you need a Microsoft 365 subscription and Outlook classic installed. Additionally, the ARM version of new Outlook does not support PST files.
How do I add PST files to the new Outlook with a Microsoft 365 subscription?
In the new Outlook app, click on the Settings icon, navigate to General > Outlook data files tab, and click 'Add file'. Select the PST file from your PC to mount it in new Outlook. Ensure you are not using the ARM version for compatibility.
What should I do if the 'Add file' option is grayed out in the new Outlook?
If the 'Add file' button is grayed out, download and install Outlook classic because you need it to handle Outlook data files before mounting them in the new Outlook.
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