HomePST to Office 365Import PST to Office 365 Directly – New Verified Method by Google

Import PST to Office 365 Directly – New Verified Method by Google

  • Written By  

  • Updated on April 25th, 2025

Nowadays, businesses have owned a trend to switch to cloud platforms like Office 365, Google Workspace, etc. Well, in that case, if you are an Outlook user here is a blog to help you import PST to Office 365 for easy access to older emails. You no longer need to struggle with Microsoft Import service or find a reliable way to migrate PST. We have suggested an ultimate professional solution, FRT Freeware PST to Office 365 Migration Tool to simplify the process. Besides, explore other manual alternatives that meet your requirements.

A Quick Overview: PST v/s Microsoft 365 

The PST format is at the core of Outlook email management, which stores data such as emails, contacts, calendars, and more. If you are looking to migrate PST to Office 365 including Exchange Online, you must understand these concepts first:

  • PST File: Microsoft Outlook has two data files namely OST and PST. PST is a backup and archive files that store email data on the local machine. The file is not dependent on the server, unlike OST files, and serves backup purpose to free up server space. 
  • Microsoft 365: Also known as Office 365, it is a complete package or suite of various cloud-based productivity tools. It features centralized email management with some advanced functionalities. One can access M365 from various devices including desktops, web, and mobile devices.

How is PST Important in Migration?

While you import PST to Microsoft 365, you might wonder “Why PST?” After all, OST files also contain Outlook mailbox information. So, why choose PST? Here’s why:

  • Portability: Unlike OST, PST files are portable and thus easy to export and import on other platforms. OST files cannot be directly migrated to any platform.
  • Modification: PST files allow editing and manual modification to mailbox data before migration, whereas OST lacks such flexibility.
  • Independent: OST files require Exchange Server connectivity whereas PST is independent to store emails and other data without an email server.
  • Direct Migration: Microsoft tools like Import Service and Network Upload let users migrate Outlook PST to Office 365 directly. However, OST cannot be imported like that.
  • Backup: Also, PST is naturally designed for backup and archive purposes, which is why it is a perfect fit for migration. 

Further, let us now explore some tested and tried methods to perform the migration. 

Google Verified Methods to Import PST to Office 365

To help you decide the best way, we have explained some prominent methods further. Before you choose one, let us tell you there are three procedures. This includes: 

  1. Network Upload
  2. Drive Shipping 
  3. Professional Software

First, evaluate the processes step-by-step and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Hence, you will choose the best of all.

Method 1: Import PST to O365 Using Network Upload

This method uploads Outlook PST files to a temporary Microsoft Azure storage container. Hence, this is how PSTs are imported into Office 365 or Exchange Online. Follow the steps given step-by-step.

Prepare Outlook PST File

  • Use ScanPST.exe (Inbox Repair Tool) to fix any PST corruption before uploading.
  • Delete unwanted emails or folders in the PST to reduce the file size.
  • If PST files are larger than 10 GB, split them into multiple smaller PSTs.

Further, do as directed below to import PST to Office 365 with the Network Upload method.

Set Up a Temporary Azure Storage Location

  1. Go to Microsoft 365 Admin Center and log in.
  2. Open the Microsoft Purview compliance portal > Data Lifecycle Management.
  3. Create a new Azure storage container (temporary storage) to upload your PST files.

SAS URL Generation

Shared Access Signature URL is required to access the storage container securely.

  1. Follow the instructions of Microsoft to generate the SAS URL.
  2. Download the AzCopy tool, which is a command-line utility for file transfer.

Upload PST to Azure Storage

  1. Open a command prompt.
  2. Use the AzCopy tool and upload PST files to the temporary Azure storage container.
  3. Next, use the SAS URL for authentication and make sure you upload securely.

Create a PST Import Job

  1. To create a new PST Import Job, go to the Import section of the Microsoft Purview compliance portal. 
  2. Here, opt for the Network Upload method. Provide the relevant details such as the target mailboxes and PST file location in the Azure storage.

Note: To define PST folders mapping to the mailboxes, upload a mapping file (if any).

Further, monitor the import job progress from the Microsoft Purview portal. Once it is done, cross-check the migrated data in the Office 365 user mailbox. 

Limitations of Network Upload Method

  • Requires technical expertise to use tools like Azure AzCopy, Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance Center, etc.
  • Uploading large and multiple PST files can be a time-consuming and lengthy procedure.
  • The upload speed depends on available network bandwidth, so a slower internet connection can be a problem.

Hence, this method to move PST to Office 365 is not a perfect fit in all scenarios. However, there are other alternatives as well.

Method 2: Drive Shipping Method to Import PST to Office 365

If you have large datasets to migrate, use the Drive Shipping method. This allows secure shipping of PST to Microsoft 365 from physical hard drives. Initially, prepare Outlook PSTs as done during the Network Upload method. Further, follow the drive shipping steps given:

  1. Go to MS Purview compliance portal > Import section > Drive Shipping method.
  2. Now, order a Drive Shipping Kit from Microsoft. This will instruct you to prepare the hard drive and ship it.
  3. As per Microsoft guidelines, copy PST files on the physical hard drive correctly. 
  4. Next, ship this drive containing PST files to Microsoft as per the instructions given. 
  5. As soon as the drive is received by Microsoft, they will import PST files to your O365 mailboxes.
  6. After that, through the Microsoft Purview portal, you can track the status of the import job.
  7. Once the import is successful, check that PST data is migrated to Office 365 mailboxes properly.

Limitations of Drive Shipping Method

  • You need to purchase the physical hard drives from Microsoft which is costly.
  • The process is time-consuming and involves multiple steps like shipping the drives, Microsoft’s processing, and mapping data. Thus, not ideal for organizations needing fast migration.
  • This process over-kills the small-scale migration and is practical for enterprises.

How about if you can upload PST to Office 365 without Outlook? What if you find a solution that overcomes all these limitations and features all the advantages of the manual solution? Wondering how? There is only one such solution, using professional software. 

Method 3: Simplified Solution to Import PST to Office 365

A simple and reliable solution is FRT Freeware PST Import to Office 365 Tool. it is secure and requires no technical expertise. Thus all technical and non-technical users can operate it. With a few simple and easy steps, PST migration can be accomplished. The software lets users import multiple PST files and has no restriction on size. Moreover, it is widely compatible with all Windows PC, older as well as the latest Windows 11.

Steps to Import PST File to Office 365 Using the Tool:

  1. Download and install the PST to Office 365 Migration Tool.
  2. Run the software with admin privileges on your PC.
  3. Browse for PST files on your system and add them to the tool.
  4. Once files are added, preview Outlook PST emails in the next panel.
  5. Select folders from the preview section to migrate to Office 365.
  6. Choose Office 365 as the destination platform and log in to your O365 account.
  7. At last, click Convert Now and proceed with the PST to Office 365 Migration process.

Why Professional Software is Best to Import PST to Outlook 365?

Compared to manual approaches, the software is easier to use. Here are some features that attract the most users:

  • Supports bulk migration of PST files.
  • No restriction on size for conversion.
  • Shows detailed preview of PST emails.
  • Has a self-explanatory GUI for ease of navigation.
  • All Windows OS-compatible software.
  • Free demo version to understand its functionalities.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you might have found a perfect solution as per your requirements to import PST to Office 365. This comprehensive blog discusses all ways to perform migration including Network Upload and Drive Shipping method. Also, we have highlighted the drawbacks of these manual procedures. On the other hand, to let you easily choose the best solution, we have discussed trustworthy and efficient software that is FRT Freeware PST to Office 365 Migration Tool. To get a detailed insight into the software, run the free version and purchase if you find it ideal. 

Frequently Asked Questions-

Q. How do I Import PST files into Office 365 public folders?

Ans- You can try any of the mentioned processes to migrate PST to Office 365:

  • Network Upload Method
  • Drive Shipping Process
  • Professional Software

Mostly suggested is FRT Freeware PST Migration Software that will let you import PST to Office 365 public folder or other mailboxes. 

Q. Which is the best PST to Office 365 migration tool?
Ans- When comparing to best, go for FRT Freeware PST to Office 365 Migration Software. It is a comprehensive tool to backup or migrate PST files in bulk. Moreover, the tool has a simple GUI which makes it more user-friendly for all. Irrespective of which Windows PC you are working on, the software provides satisfactory outcomes.

About The Author: