What is NST File and How to Import NST File to Outlook?
For Outlook users, you must be aware of the OST and PST file formats, but few people will be aware of the Microsoft Outlook NST file format. There is only one question: what is the NST file format? This blog describes NST files and their sites. It also explains how to create an NST file and open NST file in Outlook.
Microsoft does not provide any direct option to import NST file to Outlook Classic versions. It allows users to open or import only a PST file. So, let’s explore all possible ways to open NST file in Outlook directly.
What is An NST File?
An NST file is an Outlook data file mainly connected with Microsoft 365 Groups. Outlook may create this file on local machine for cache group related data to access information more efficiently and easily.
NST and OST files are different; OST works as a local copy of Exchange or Microsoft 365 mailbox that is used to store synchronized data. While, NST file is used to store cached Microsoft 365 Group data locally. Both files created with Outlook, but they serve different purposes.
NST file contains locally cached Microsoft 365 Group conversations, emails, attachments, calendar information, and other group-related items depends on the configuration.
Let’s understand how to create it and how to import NST file to Outlook account.
How to Create NST File Manually?
All Office 365 data is stored in NST file format, so an NST file is automatically created each time Office 365 is set up for Outlook. Follow the steps listed below carefully, make a backup copy of your NST file, and then perform the steps.
- Open “Outlook” and “Add Office 365 Account”
- Next, the message shows “We’re Getting Things Ready.”
- Then enter your “Office 365 Account Password” and click the “OK” button
- The “Mail Delivery Location” dialog box is displayed. Now you need “OK” to click to continue
- After the confirmation message “Account Setup is Complete,” click on the “OK” button
- When you click on the “OK” button, Outlook will start setting up your Office 365 emails to the same account; the total length depends on the size of the database
- After you have completed the process, you can find the NST file in the same location as the OST file.
Find the Location of the NST File
Perform the steps below in the Microsoft 365 account and find the NST files.
- Right-click on “Office 365” account and select “Data File Properties.”
- Click on “Advanced” on the “General” tab
- On the “Advanced” tab, in the new wizard, click “Outlook Data File Settings.”
- Copy the entire site location from the “File” box to the clipboard
- Then open “Windows Explorer” and paste the copied site location till “Outlook” only
- Now you will see the NST file in the same place where you pasted it.
How to Import NST File to Outlook Account?
Microsoft Outlook doesn’t offer a straightforward option to import NST file like PST file. For this, first we have to convert it into PST format using an automated solution and then we will import PST file into Outlook.
There is no manual technique available for this, so we will take help of FreeViewer NST to PST Converter. It helps to repair damage file and export into several standard formats such as PST, EML, MSG, PDF, and HTML format. Even this software can recover permanently deleted data from NST file.
It supports batch conversion without affecting original file data. Also, this software provides UNICODE PST file, so users can import it into new Outlook versions smoothly. Download the free demo version to export only 25 items per folder.
How Does Tool Works to Open NST File in Outlook?
- Download and start solution and choose “Add File” icon from the top corner.

- Now, browse the location of your NST file from available options:
- Select File: Find and import single files.
- Seach File: This option will automatically find all files from the selected Drive.
- Configured Profile: This advance option helps to load data from configured Outlook profile.

- Use “Scan Modes” to start corruption verification process.

- Complete data will preview on the screen including deleted data in “Red Color”.

- Choose “Export” button and select “PST” format from the list.

- Use “Adv Setting” option to apply more filters such as “Split option, Filter option, and Categories”.

- Browse saving location of output data file.

- Select the “Export” button to import NST file to Outlook account.

Key Features of This Tool to Open NST File in Outlook
- This software works with multiple data files in bulk at the same time.
- It provides options to upload data files direct from the connected profile automatically.
- Also, users can divide output data file into multiple smaller parts for better management.
- It helps to recover permanently deleted items from NST file.
- Load complete profile or file data on the panel, so users can analyze and preview data.
- Also, it preserves original folder structure and elements of items during the process.
Conclusion
This write-up has explained information about NST file, what it is, how to open it, direct way etc. As, Microsoft Outlook doesn’t provide direct Import/Export option to import NST file to Outlook like PST format. So, we have changed NST format into PST and then import it into Outlook account. There is no manual technique available for this, so we have taken help of an automated solution. I hope this article gave you enough information about NST files.