How to Import PST File to IMAP Account? Ultimate Guide

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Updated on
August 20, 2025

5 minutes Read

Summary: Today, users can notice a drastic increase in system failures caused by cyberattacks. Therefore, the danger of data loss is becoming a concern among users today. To protect their data saved in PST files locally, they decide to import PST File to IMAP account server. The migration won’t only protect the data, but it will also increase cross-platform compatibility and accessibility. Hence, users can employ the PST Converter Tool to simplify and speed up the backup process. Also, this blog will teach users a manual method to save their PST files on an IMAP server.

Different Reasons Motivating Users to Import PST to IMAP

The reason depends on the user’s needs, but we will discuss some of the common motives. Go through the points given below:

  1. PST files can be easily corrupted and difficult to manage locally, so users move them to an IMAP account.
  2. PST files are only accessed by Outlook, so migrate them to improve their accessibility and cross-platform compatibility.
  3. IMAP offers better protection, monitoring, and recovery options. Therefore, users are motivated to move sensitive data stored in PST to IMAP servers.

Ultimate Procedures to Import PST File to IMAP Account

To address the limitations of locally saved PST files, we will begin discussing the methods to tackle them. This blog section will confront users with the best methods to migrate their PST files to an IMAP server. First, we will present a method which do not require any third-party tool for migration. Afterwards, a specialized backup tool will be introduced. Let’s stop dragging it out and jump straight to it.

Manually Convert PST to IMAP Without Third-Party Software

In the manual method, we will use Outlook to upload our PST files to the IMAP server.

Follow the given steps carefully to migrate error-free:

  1. First, the user will launch Microsoft Outlook on their computer.
  2. Then, click on the File > Account Settings > Add Account.
  3. Now, select IMAP and enter the mail server details, and Outlook will create an IMAP mailbox in the folder list.
  4. After that, go to the File menu visible on the left-hand side of the screen.
  5. Then, click on Open & Export, then select Import/Export from the list of options.
  6. From here, choose the Export to a file option, and click Next to move on.
  7. Now, pick Outlook Data File (.pst) as the file format and hit the Next button.
  8. After, select the folder that you want to export. Make sure to check Include subfolders if you want to add your contacts and calendar too.
  9. In the end, choose the folder where you want to save the file, then click Finish.

Downsides to Import Outlook PST to IMAP

Below are the possible challenges users might face when performing the manual method:

  1. Large PST files can consume significantly more time if they contain thousands of emails and attachments.
  2. In the manual import process, there’s a high chance that emails or folders are duplicated. This causes confusion and clutter in the mailbox.
  3. The manual method can feel confusing, and it’s easy to make mistakes along the way for a Non-technical user.

Advanced Utility to Import PST File to IMAP Account

The most efficient and effective method to transfer a PST file to IMAP is to employ a professional PST Converter Tool. The tool comes packed with helpful features like email preview, advanced filters, a duplicate remover, and more. Additionally, it has an easy-to-use interface that makes it accessible to both beginners and professionals. Moreover, the tool offers a smooth and error-free migration of your emails. Whether data backup, organizing mailboxes, or migrating to a new email platform, the solution completes them efficiently and accurately.

Follow these steps carefully and practice the migration simply:

  1. First, initialize the converter tool on your system.
  2. Then, click on the Select file or folder button, and browse your PST file to import. After that, click Next.
  3. Now, extend the tree structure, select your file, then enable preview and click Next.
  4. On this page, choose IMAP from the Email Clients option, then sign in with your IMAP credentials.
  5. Here, apply filters and advanced features to sort and condition your PST file.
  6. Finally, click Convert to start the migration process.

If users want to perform analytics operations on their PST file, they can Import PST to Google Workspace.

Conclusion:

To conclude, we found out that users have two options to import PST File to IMAP account efficiently. But the manual method discussed here has some limitations, questioning its practicality. It causes complications and confusion for users to follow the migration process easily. Therefore, we strongly stand with the PST Converter Tool and recommend users to use it. The tool can simplify and speed up the migration process, helping users lighten the stress. The tool offers advanced features in its demo version, try.

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