Have you ever wanted to open an OST file but didn't have Outlook installed? This can happen if you’ve switched email programs, lost access to Outlook, or just want to check your OST file without installing extra software. OST files contain offline Outlook information, but they are not intended to be opened without Outlook, so it is difficult to access. But it's certainly possible to open and read OST files without using Outlook. Here are some simple and effective steps to complete the conversion.

Why View OST file without Outlook?

• Data Recovery: When Outlook isn't working or has crashed, opening the OST file will allow recovery of vital emails and data.

• File Migration: During a transition to a new system or version of Outlook, data retrieval from an OST file can make the move smoother.

• Troubleshooting: Examining the OST file can assist in the diagnosis of problems or conflicts within Outlook.

• Accessibility: Opening the OST file can offer information if Outlook is not installed or available on a specific device.

One common manual way to access your OST data is by using Outlook’s built-in Import/Export feature or configuring Auto Archive settings to export OST emails to a PST file. These methods help you convert your offline OST data into a more accessible PST format, which can then be opened without relying on the original OST file.

#1. Import/Export Method to Export OST to PST

• Begin by opening and running Microsoft Outlook on your computer.

• Go to the File tab and choose Open & Export.

• From the list, select Import/Export.

• Choose Export to a File and click Next.

• Select Outlook Data File (.pst) and go on by clicking Next.

• Now, select the directory where you wish to export and click Next.

• Click Browse to choose where to export the PST file.

• Check Allow duplicate items to be created if needed.

• Lastly, press Finish to begin OST data export to PST.

#2. Auto Archive Settings to Convert OST to PST

• Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer and proceed to the File tab.

• Choose Options, followed by going to the Advanced section.

• Click on AutoArchive Settings.

• Set the desired options and close the window by clicking OK.

• This will assist in converting your OST files to PST automatically.

Limitations of Above Methods

• There is a possibility of data corruption or loss during the manual conversion process.

• The process takes a lot of time and can be lengthy.

• This process does not allow batch conversions of multiple OST files at once.

• Microsoft Outlook needs to be installed and configured on your system to use this process.

• You need basic technical skills of Outlook and file handling to execute the steps successfully.

#3. Professional Solution to Batch Export OST to PST without Outlook

Try BitRecover OST to PST Converter is a top tool that can export OST files into PST format effectively. Apart from PST, it also converts to CSV and a number of other formats. Users are able to preview OST data prior to initiating the conversion process. This application processes single and multiple OST files simultaneously, maintaining attachments and the original structure of folders. Apart from that, also supports Windows OS and all MS Outlook versions.

Software Steps to Convert OST to PST

• Open the application and open your OST files or folders you wish to convert.

• Select the output folder where you need to save the converted PST file.

• From the given formats, select PST as your output format.

• Finally, click on the Convert button to initiate the process of conversion, and the software will create a PST file from your OST data.

Smart Features of Professional Solution

• It can convert emails, contacts, calendars, journals, tasks, notes, and others

• Open converted PST files in Microsoft Outlook 365, 2021, and previous versions.

• This tool helps you to convert OST to CSV, PDF, EML and multiple file formats.

• Convert hosted Exchange Server OST files to PST without any limitations.

• Import OST files of any size to PST without any alteration in data.

• You can divide converted PST files into required sizes (2GB, 5GB, 10GB, etc.)

Key Takeaways

If you have to open an OST file without the use of Outlook, there are practical solutions available. Manual processes such as Import/Export and Auto Archive allow you to convert OST to PST but may be sluggish and need Outlook. For quicker, more secure and multiple file results-a professional OST to PST converter is the way to go. This way, you can access your offline Outlook data at any time, even without having Outlook installed.