How to Import PST to Exchange Online Step By Step; Top 3 Ways Explained
Importing PST to Exchange Online is not a hectic task to perform if follow the right approach. It simply requires proper planning and implementation. There are some traditional and professional approaches that can be used to complete the task. Hence, in this article, we will discuss some of the popular ways to import PST to Exchange Online. Traditional approaches are free to perform but have various technical limitations. On the other hand, the professional approach guaranteed a 100% result with maximum data security and integrity. So, choose wisely because your Organization’s data is more important than cost-cutting.
How to Import PST to Exchange Online – Traditional Approach
First, we will look at manual approaches for importing PST files to Exchange Online. You can use the Microsoft Import service in the Office 365 Security & Compliance Center to import PST files to Exchange Online accounts.
There are two manual methods to import PST files to Exchange Online:
The complete process of above mention manual method is well-defined on the Microsoft website. We are going to explain the basic steps which you have to follow to complete the importing process.
How to Use Network Upload Option to Import PST Files to Exchange Online?
Here are the step-by-step commands required to use Microsoft Security & Compliance Center network upload to import your organization’s PST files to Office 365:
- Step 1. Copy the SAS URL and install Microsoft Azure AzCopy
- Step 2. Upload your Organization’s PST files to Microsoft Office 365
- Step 3. View a list of PST files uploaded to Office 365 Account
- Step 4. Create the PST Import Mapping file in CSV format
- Step 5. Create a PST Import Job in Microsoft Office 365 Account
- Step 6. Filter the Data and Start the PST Import Process
These are some of the basic steps to migrate all PST files to Office 365 mailboxes. The network upload method requires high-technical skills and command-line knowledge for its execution. Additionally, some mistakes can lead to the corruption of PST files. So, it is recommended to perform this operation under the supervision of an expert or use an alternative method which is Drive Shipping.
How to Use Drive Shipping Option to Import PST Files to Exchange Online Mailboxes?
The alternative to Network upload is to use drive shipping to import your organization’s PST files to Office 365 This method is recommended for those users who do not have proper knowledge of Office 365 administration. All the crucial steps are performed by Microsoft itself. You need to save all the PST files in a drive and ship them to the Microsoft data center. Microsoft will charge $2/GB of the PST file for importing.
Follow the steps with proper attention:
- Step 1. Download Secure Storage Key and Microsoft PST Import Tool
- Step 2. Copy the PST files to the Local hard drive
- Step 3. Create the PST Import Mapping file in CSV format
- Step 4. Create PST Import Job in Microsoft Office 365 Mailbox
- Step 5. Ship the Local Hard Drive to Microsoft
- Step 6. Last, Filter Data and Start the PST Import Process
The above method is the simplest for any other way for the import task. But, the charges taken by Microsoft are too high. You need to pay this amount for all user’s PST files every time you need to perform this task.
Professional Software to Import Your Organization’s PST Files to Office 365
To secure the migration process you must opt for a professional method like Office 365 Import Tool. The software will make your hectic job effortless and save you time. Additionally, the automated tool is a one-time purchase tool, an organization can perform the import process of a lifetime.
Office 365 Importer Purchase Now
Have a look at the tool features to import your Organization’s PST files to Office 365:
- Import Multiple Outlook PST File to Office 365 Account
- Migrate Emails, Contacts, Calendars, and Tasks to Office 365
- Include Folders Option to Import only Specific PST Folder
- Incremental import feature to skip already imported data from PST file
- Date Filter Option to Move Selective PST Data into Office 365
- Option to Include / Exclude Deleted or Sent Items Folder
Now, take a look at the software working, and how the tool imports PST files to Exchange Online mailboxes.
How to Import PST Files to Exchange Online via Professional Tool
Here is the step-by-step guide to import PST files to Exchange Online
Step 1. Download, install, and open the tool on your computer.
Step 2. Click on ‘Is Admin’ & log in with your Admin Credentials.
Step 3. Choose Add Files or Folder Option to import organizational PST files.
Step 4. Enter the user account id for the PST file and authenticate (or use Add CSV).
Step 5. Click on Next for Further Process.
Step 6. Select Categories: Mails, Calendars, Tasks, Contacts & Various Filters: Date, Include Folders, Attach Outlook PST File, Incremental Import, Exclude Deleted or Sent Items.
Step 7. Click on the Import Button to Start the Process.
Step 8. Import all your PST Files into Office 365, and Save Report.
Step 9. Preview Your Imported PST File’s Data on Office 365.
Step 10. Preview Imported PST File on Microsoft Exchange Online.
Also Read: How to Extract Calendar From PST File? An Automated Approach
Conclusion
In this article, we have explained manual (Network Upload & Drive Shipping) as well as automated tool (Office 365 Importer) methods to import your Organization’s PST files to Office 365. Now, the choice is yours, choose the right method for your organization for the fast and secure import process. For testing the tool, we recommend first using its demo version. It will allow you to import 25 items per folder from PST files.
